The Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 HP is now the brand’s most affordable model. Does it make sense?

Why did the Cupra Leon with the 1.5 TSI engine appear to be on sale, if a compact with the same petrol unit is offered in Seat showrooms? After all, Cupra, which in 2018, after receiving a different logo, jumped out of the Seat nest and gained independence, was supposed to be a brand with open claws, dedicated to customers looking for emotions and above average performance in cars. Where is the logic here?

They say if you don’t know what’s going on, it’s about the money. And this is the case with the brand’s new entry-level model Cupra. Since the great Formentor including 88 percent in Poland. of the brand, is often chosen by customers in the version and category of the base car (the Polish importer informs that the engine segment 1.5 TSI 150 HP and 2.0 TSI 190 HP engines account for about 76 percent of sales), this procedure. should also work in Leon.

Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 KM DSG picture. Wise Raphael

Inspired by the success of Formentor

Cupra representatives say that it is a brand for people without a birth certificate, original and open to innovation. Sports cars or luxury cars are exclusively chosen by customers of all ages, who are often more interested in using a car than owning one. In addition, for some customers performance and a great driving experience are important (these are the features of the 300 horse Cupry), while others are satisfied with the design and the guarantee of stopping off the road. And that is, among others for people for whom sprint time to a hundred is not the most important, versions with low power engines are targeted. In addition, such vehicles also easily meet the needs of commercial vehicle companies.

People from Cupra with a nose for business met the needs of the company and met the needs of the customers. Following the example of the Formentor, now the compact Leon, available with a hatchback and station wagon body, got a basic 1.5 TSI 150 HP engine with a 6-speed gearbox. This engine is also available in a 150 HP eTSI (mini hybrid) version paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The offer is completed by a 2.0 TSI 190 HP engine in two pairs with a 7-speed automatic DSG.

Hot-hatch fans can still buy 5-door hatchbacks available with 2.0 TSI 245 HP or 2.0 TSI 300 HP units and automatic transmission for the front axle. The more functional version of the Sportstourer is also available with a 2.0 TSI 310 HP engine and 4Drive four-wheel drive.

Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 KM DSG picture. Wise Raphael

A solidly equipped base

Cupra coming out with the message that in Leon equipment starts where in many other compacts it ends after paying extra, in this matter it has an ace up its sleeve. The car really looks attractive and attractive in the door. Standard features include LED headlights, LED taillights with dynamic indicators, differently styled bumpers, a body-colored rear diffuser, and 18-inch alloy wheels in optional silver and bronze. The association badges are always bronze and the window frames and grill are dark.

The interior and decoration in dark aluminum and copper color are also characteristic. The base is set with Cupra seats with good support in fabric upholstery with eco-leather and contrasting stitching. Comfort is enhanced with 3-zone Air Conditioning, keyless entry and start system. Specs are a 10.25-inch cockpit, a basic infotainment touchscreen with 10-inch speech recognition and voice control, a 7-speaker sound system and a total of 4 USB Type-C ports for passenger use. . .

Physical switches in the cabinet are like medicine. The multimedia and air conditioning controls have been moved to the display and the ugly touchscreen console. Even the lights are operated via the touchpad on the left side of the steering column. Unfortunately, ergonomics suffers from such decisions. The system menu is extensive and can be organized more logically. In practice, the operation of basic motor functions requires practice and adaptation. The finish of the cabin is debatable – hard plastic is in too many places.

Cupra Leon 1.5 TSI 150 KM picture. Wise Raphael

In the series, the customer also gets: LED ambient lighting in the cockpit with a choice of colors, 7 airbags, ACC cruise control, high beam assistant, rear camera, parking assistant and parking sensors. front and rear, lane assist, distance control system with emergency braking function, fatigue detection system or Cupra Drive Profile with three modes to choose from.

For an additional charge, more impressive options include: Matrix LED lights, 12-inch touchscreen, 340W BeatsAudioTM internal sound system with 9 speakers and a subwoofer, front bucket seats and upholstery made of natural and ecological leather (black. or blue), DCC suspension, wireless phone charger and additional driver assistance systems while driving.

Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 HP DSG with optional bucket seats picture. Wise Raphael

Smooth hybrid

What is the 150 HP Leon with automatic transmission in Cupra version? I had the opportunity to get to know this car better during the press presentation organized in Madrid. The 1.5 liter eTSI engine is equipped with half cylinder deactivation and a 48V electrical system. This means that we are talking about a small hybrid, where the electric motor acts as a starter connected to the alternator. A 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox is responsible for transferring the car to the front axle.

After hitting the road, my first observation was about the acoustics. Regardless of the speed achieved, the interior of the Cupra Leon is well muted. In city traffic and when driving fast on the highway, it was possible to talk freely without raising your voice. Even a car unit that has been hit under the red field of a standard tachometer does not cause much trouble.

Cupra Leon 1.5 eTSI 150 KM DSG (Magnetic Tech Matt Color) picture. Wise Raphael

Good performance

Although the power of 150 HP and 250 Nm will not boast to the neighbor, nor will we talk about it with colleagues over beer, during daily driving it will be enough. According to the factory data, the first 100 km should appear on the speed after 8.7 seconds. This is not a result to be proud of, but it is also not something to be ashamed of. The gearbox reacts appropriately to the commands sent using the steering wheel mounted paddles. In practice, the car picks up speed quickly and, what is important, it is very pleasant to drive, which is affected by the continuous power steering and optional DCC suspension.

It is true that the version with the eTSI engine is far from the sporty feeling guaranteed by the 300-horsepower Leon, but if someone is looking for the golden mean between flexibility and driving confidence, and comfort, he will find it in the 150-. Leon horse with a torsion beam mounted on the rear axle.

Fuel consumption is highly dependent on driving style, road conditions and the selected mode (Comfort, Sport, Individual) in the Cupra Drive Profile system, which is responsible for changing the behavior of the car. During tests in the Madrid area on roads of various categories, for a distance of about 100 km, the average fuel consumption was 6.5 l/100 km. The computer effectively detects when to let off the gas and activate the cruise mode, and at low revs it decouples two of the four cylinders. The engine can turn off even at speeds over 100 km / h.

Cupra logo picture. Wise Raphael

150-konna Cupra Leon ma sens

It’s time to answer the question, does a 150-horsepower Cupra-badged Leon make sense? In my opinion, it has, because it is a version that was not in the version. First of all, it looks attractive, and many drivers are especially interested in this feature. The only chair in all these regrets. It is expected that the Cupra will take over some of the outgoing brand’s customers, but will also attract brand new ones. According to representatives of the Polish Cupra press office, the seeker of a new car, well aware of the market offers, will prefer to choose a very well-equipped Leon with the Cupra badge, which gains prestige, instead of the “naked” first car.

Unfortunately, the car in question is not a cheap compact. Cupra Leon 1.5 TSI 5-door with manual costs at least PLN 127,600 (year of manufacture 2023). The compact hybrid with automatic DSG costs PLN 141,500. These prices are 10,000 high. PLN in relation to the well-equipped Leon FR Seat. However, it is not the retail price of the Cupra Leon that matters, but the financing offer. With a 48-month contract and an annual limit of 10,000. eg, rent without down payment will be a total of PLN 1,465 per month. In credit, with the same ideas, it comes from PLN 2,278. Long term rentals are also possible.

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