Updated Cupra Leon hatch and Sportstourer arriving in Q4 2025, bringing PHEV power

Lukas Foyle

Contributor

Spanish hatchback and wagon returns with red-hot VZx performance versions

Cupra has today announced a new Sportstourer wagon body shape and mild-hybrid system for its MY2026 Leon small hatchback, with initial deliveries expected to commence in November.

The Leon model range now spans three grades – S mild hybrid, VZx performance hatch, and VZe PHEV Sportstourer. All three models are exclusively front-wheel drive.

The MY26 Cupra Leon will receive a redesigned front and rear clip, new triangular LED taillights, and a rear illuminated Cupra badge. Inside, the dashboard, doorcards, and centre console sport new designs, and adorn new upholstery.

Standard interior technology has also improved, now featuring drive mode and engine start buttons, a digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, tri-zone air conditioning, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, and heated front bucket seats – the driver also receiving power adjustment and memory.

Cupra made no mention of continuing the current V base model trim or VZ middle trim grade, and looks to be making the MY26 plug-in powertrain exclusive to the Sportstourer — at least for now.

Consequently, Leon PHEV buyers can expect to pay $5000 more for the hybrid drivetrain, which now starts at $69,990 before on-road costs (was $64,990 in hatchback body shape).

Meanwhile, the once range topping VZx performance trim now finds itself as middle ground, reduced by $800 to be priced from $64,990 before on-road costs (was $65,790).

At the bottom end of the model range, the updated Cupra Leon benefits from a $1500 cheaper entry price, now $46,990 before on-road costs for the base model Leon S mild hybrid compared to the outgoing $48,490 Leon V Tribe edition.

Cupra’s new Leon model range contends with a wider variety of well equipped hatchbacks.

The ‘S’ best rivals the $40,260 Toyota Corolla ZR and $41,000 Hyundai i30 N-Line Premium MHEV, while the VZx rivals the $74,100 Honda Civic Type R, $58,990 Volkswagen GTI, and $67,990 Toyota Corolla GR.

The new VZe plug-in Sportstourer targets left-of-field family cars such as the $59,990 Skoda Octavia RS and the $57,990 Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid.

This year, Cupra has sold 146 Leon hatchbacks up to the month of July. Its most-popular model continues to be the Formentor small SUV, which has so far secured 945 delivered from Cupra’s total 1754 unit sales figure.

2026 Cupra Leon powertrains

The base model ‘S’ MHEV is powered by a 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). Many will recognise Cupra’s all-too-familiar 48-volt hybrid system, borrowed from its Volkswagen parent group.

Combined fuel economy is quoted to be 5.4L/100km on the WLTP cycle.

Unlike rivals such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic e:HEV, or Hyundai i30 Hybrid, which offer some EV-only driving, the Leon’s starter-generator system is limited to assisting the combustion engine, supporting some regenerative braking and engine-off coasting in certain conditions.

The performance Leon VZx produces 221kW/400Nm, the same as the outgoing model, and features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder and seven-speed DSG. Sprinting from 0-100km/h takes 5.7 seconds — also unchanged from the previous model. It uniquely features a front differential locker for greater front-wheel traction.

Its combined fuel economy is 7.6L/100km (WLTP).

The Leon VZe Sportstourer debuts a new-generation plug-in hybrid system, which incorporates a 20kWh battery, single electric motor, 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder and six-speed DSG to power the front wheels. Peak output is rated at 200kW/400Nm – outputs that help sprint the Leon PHEV from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Leon VZe boasts a combined fuel economy of just 0.4L/100km WLTP, presuming the vehicle has a full battery and EV-driving suited conditions. Maximum EV driving range is quoted as 121km.