Cupra Leon VZ Cup – cars like that are (almost) gone

These days, every brand has plenty of SUVs on offer, and the Cupra has them too, but the Leon is a classic, compact hatchback. Like Leon of Kiti, who we’ve known for almost a quarter of a century. However, Cupra made sure that this style matches the character of the sports brand. Under the hood we have a 2-liter turbo engine with a solid power of 300 HP. There is also 400 Nm of torque, which in practice means that the car is agile and ready to accelerate not only when starting from a stoplight (sprint to 100 takes only 5.7 seconds), but also on the road. This is very valuable when passing. In the tested Cupra, this is a short procedure. Blinking eyes.

Also because the 7-speed DSG, i.e. dual-clutch gearbox, works very well with a powerful engine. Gear changes are quick and the ratios are set to ensure good performance, although not at the expense of fuel consumption, as evidenced by the long gear ratios from fifth upwards. It is a pity that the hatchback cannot have a 4×4 drive. During rain or winter, this option will be useful. In a front wheel drive, you need to use the gas carefully in difficult conditions.

Cupra engineers – apart from power – added something else for effect. The roar of the engine is the sound of the turbine accelerating. In addition, the Cupra Leon VZ reacts surprisingly to gas – even better than in the sports mode of models such as the Audi S3 or the Volkswagen GTI. This is a big plus if we appreciate the sporty character of the car. And what is important, this model, although powerful, is not fuel efficient – in the city we can get results below 10 l/100 km (during quiet driving), and on the highway – even if there is a part of it. highway – we have a space of about 8 l/100 km.

Cupra Leon VZ Cup – sports interior

Not only the engine confirms the sports character of the car. Its interior also clearly shows what kind of car it is. Take, for example, the Sabelta-branded front seats. They look like real sports “buckets”, although of course they have adjustable backrests and seat positions. They are suitable for everyday use, even during long trips they will not hurt your back. On the other hand, they hold the body well, so when we want to drive on a hilly road (or on a race track), we certainly won’t be afraid of sliding off the seat.

There are also other accents in the cabin that we consider sporty: the steering wheel cut from the bottom, paddles for shifting gears behind it, and buttons on it that allow you to change the driving mode and start the engine. There are also many details, such as Cupra text and the brand logo – placed in various places in the cabin.

However, the Leon VZ Cup is not a spartan car. The designers did not exaggerate the racing references, as is done, for example, in the more complex versions of Porsche. Here we have a large touch screen (10 inches), good audio equipment, and a wireless phone charger. It’s a shame that there are no traditional climate control buttons or radio. As in Golf. This is not a suitable solution.

Cupra Leon VZ Cup – attracts attention

The bodywork is also designed in a “sporty” style, thanks to which the Cupra Leon VZ Cup attracts attention on the street.. The body has a dynamic line, and many details, such as the front splitter, the rear diffuser and the large spoiler on the trunk lid, refer to the sport. Of course, there are also LED lights and backlights made using the same technique.

Large, 19-spoke rims with bronze Brembo brake calipers also add to the elegance – a reference to the Cupra logo colour. The brakes themselves, of course, are not just for show – they are of practical importance, because a 300-horsepower car must brake effectively.

The most important thing, however, is that the Cupra Loen VZ is actually a lot of fun to drive. This is his main job, which he does skillfully. And everything is solid: styling, performance, interior. These are the so-called “hot-hatches”, ie fast hatchbacks, which almost every manufacturer was offering them years ago.

Cupra Leon VZ Cup, technical data:

R4 petrol engine, 2.0, 310 HP, 400 Nm. DSG gearbox with two gears, 7-speed. Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds Maximum speed – 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 7.5 l/100 km (WLTP). Price: from PLN 212,500.