Cupra Leon e-Hybrid charges ahead of petrol-only versions as order books open

Cupra has begun to take orders for its new hot hatch, announcing prices for the plug-in hybrid and petrol versions of the performance-focused Leon.

The Spanish firm has launched the hybrid version of its hatchback ahead of traditional petrol-only variants, which will come next year.

The Leon e-Hybrid is Cupra’s first plug-in model and paves the way for the introduction of the all-electric Cupra el-Born in 2021.

Prices for the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid start at £34,495 and it will be available in three trim levels - VZ2, VZ3 and First Edition - and five-door hatchback or estate body styles.

(Photo: Cupra)

Powering the e-Hybrid is a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine and single electric motor providing a combined 242bhp and 295lb ft. Cupra says this offers a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of up to 217.3mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 30g/km.

The hybrid motor is powered by a 13kWh battery pack which will provide up to 32 miles of all-electric driving and charge in under three and three-quarter hours using a 3.6kW AC wall box.

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Next year will see the introduction of three all-petrol versions of the Cupra Leon. A two-wheel-drive version featuring a 242bhp 2.0-litre will start at £31,450, while a 297bhp version will cost from £35,000. Later in 2021 a 306bhp all-wheel-drive estate variant will join the line-up, with the price to be announced soon.

All Leon Cupras feature 19-inch black and silver alloys, twin exhausts, full-width rear lighting and chrome and copper detailing. Inside the chrome and copper signature is continued and the cabin features Cupra embossed racing bucket seats, a leather steering wheel and Cupra sports pedals all fitted as standard.

(Photo: Cupra)

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, a configurable digital instrument display, 10-inch central touchscreen with sat nav, smartphone integration, a seven-speaker sound system and wraparound ambient lighting. Safety kit includes a tiredness recognition system, lane keeping and front assist.

Stepping up to the VZ3 trim brings different 19-inch alloys, heated Petrol Blue Nappa leather bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and, on the estate, an electric tailgate with hands-free operation. First Edition adds dynamic road sign display, high beam assist, predictive and adaptive cruise control, side and exit assist and lane change assist.

Uk deliveries are expected to begin before the end of the year for hybrid models and in the first quarter of 2021 for non-hybrids.

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