Version review

Cupra Leon 1.4 eHybrid VZ3 5dr DSG Review

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A nice, flexible engine – with the electric motor adding extra low-end thrust – but, unlike the 2.0 TSI 300, it’s not fast (for a hot hatch) when you really gun it. 0-62mph takes 6.7sec, which is only about a second faster than a regular Seat Leon 1.5 TSI 150 and miles off the pace of all its key rivals. It will travel 36 miles on battery power alone, which its rivals can’t do.

1.4 eHybrid

Hatchback

The sportiest Seats have long used the&nbsp;Cupra name, but it's now been turned into a standalone sub-brand, in much the same way as Fiat's sportiest models are badged as Abarths.

There's just one car in the line-up at the moment: the Cupra Ateca SUV. However, Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon hatchbacks are also planned, as is a bespoke model which –&nbsp;initially, at least –&nbsp;won't be offered in regular Seat from.

Don't think that the first Cupra is just an Ateca with a bit more power and a sporty bodykit, either. Its&nbsp;engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system are actually very similar to what you'll find in Volkswagen's flagship Golf R hot hatch, and the car can hit 62mph in just 5.4sec.

CUPRA

LEON

Top VZ3 spec brings leather seats (heated in the front) with electric adjustment and memory settings for the driver, and wireless phone charging, but we don't think it's worth the extra over the  VZ2.

1.4 eHybrid VZ3 5dr DSG

14-ehybrid-vz3-5dr-dsg

Park assist (inc front/rear parking sensors)

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control and coming home feature

Full link smartphone integration with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag de-activation, front side and curtain airbags

Powered driver seat with memory and manual height adjustment for passenger

Powered lumbar adjustment on driver side, manual on passenger side

Matrix LED Headlights with variable light distribution, Matrix Beam and Dynamic headlight range control

Media system plus with navigation pack - Leon Cupra

Safety and driving pack (XL) - Cupra leon

Avoid the plug-in hybrid Cupra Leon, which is mediocre to drive by hot hatch standards, and the pure petrol 300 hatchback. The 310 estate makes much more sense, because it's practical, surprisingly comfortable and the quickest Leon available. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Engaging handling </li> <li>Thrilling performance </li> <li>A characterful engine with an enticing soundtrack </li> <li>Reasonable running costs </li> <li>Not hard to live with day to day</li></ul>

A popular choice with UK buyers since the days of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI, the hot hatchback mixes everyday practicality with higher performance and the sort of handling and agility that’s ideally suited to British roads. A good hot hatch should be fun and, since it’s likely to be your daily drive, it should also deliver respectable running costs.

The Golf GTI remains one of the best hot hatches on the market, along with its main competitor,&nbsp;the&nbsp;equally as responsive and cheaper to buy Hyundai i30 N. But there are some terrific options for even less money than both of these cars. We're big fans of the Ford Fiesta ST, which is definitely one of the best hot hatches ever and certainly one of the most fun to drive. It's full of character and its engaging handling makes it a bit of a hoot at all speeds.&nbsp;

If you’ve got a bit more money to spare, there are even faster cars available, such as the Honda Civic Type R. This latest version is sublime to drive, either on road or on a track, as it's so sweetly balanced. It's also incredibly quick in a straight line&nbsp;and round a corner, and yet it's as practical as a regular Civic.&nbsp;

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Cupra Leon 1.4 eHybrid VZ3 5dr DSG Review

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