IT ISN’T YET CLEAR TO US where newcomer Cupra sees itself in the marketplace, but we suspect the hot hatch segment is where it will find its niche.
One of these is the new Leon V, priced from $47,990 drive away.
The Cupra Leon V will be available to order in January ahead of first deliveries during the first half of 2023, complete with a standard chassis technology and interior feature list comparable to expected high specification models.
The Leon V includes a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), 18-inch Sport Black and Silver Alloy Wheels, Progressive Steering and Dynamic Chassis Control.
Cupra Australia Director Ben Wilks said: “Cupra has ensured the Leon V is every bit the hot hatchback in terms of its sharp steering and poised chassis performance through corners.”
“Our leading turbo four-cylinder is perfect for those who like their engine to be in perfect sync with a hot hatch chassis, rounding out four degrees of spice in our engine line-up – 140kW for this V, 180kW for VZ and VZe, and 221kW for VZx.
“For Australia we have also delivered an extremely high level of standard equipment such as 3-zone climate control, navigation, Digital Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and much more.”
The Leon V fully includes LED headlights, fog lamps with cornering function, rear tinted windows, rear spoiler, keyless entry and start, heated power folding mirrors, black interior headliner, ambient light interior, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, sports seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, illuminated scuff plates, light and rain sensor and 3-zone climate control.
Infotainment technology is extensive with a 12-inch Navigation System, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, wireless phone charging, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 2 front and 2 rear USB-C ports as standard.
Safety technology includes Light Assist (automatic high beam), Travel Assist incorporating semi-autonomous Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist, Park Assist, Side Assist, Driver Fatigue Monitor, Emergency Assist and rear camera.
The only further options are a $2450 Leather and Sound Package (with leather heated front seats, driver power adjustment with memory, dashboard with copper stitching and 9-speaker Beats premium audio), $1800 electric sunroof or $475 Premium Metallic Paint – Desire Red or Graphene Grey.
Standard colours include Nevada White, Magnetic Tech and Midnight Black.
As a continuing offer into 2023, three-year complimentary servicing is included with every Leon and Formentor V, VZ, VZe and VZx, and Ateca VZx.
The Cupra Leon V is available to order in January through nine showrooms nationwide.