This is one of the few hatchbacks left on the market—and one of the very few plug-in hybrid hatchbacks. I’m talking about the Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid, meaning 272 horsepower, which finally makes the plug-in a truly compelling choice.
The only Scandinavian market where this powertrain is available is Sweden, since Cupra sells only its electric models in Norway, while in Denmark Cupra Leon is sold only with the petrol version, the 1.5 eTSI 150 HP or the VZ 2.0 TSi 300 HP.
Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid: our tops & flops
No offense to the Formentor, but for me, the Leon is the Cupra to buy. Low, precise—on the purely petrol-powered versions, you can even kick the tail out a little. But here we’re talking about the new VZ e-Hybrid: forget the first, underwhelming attempt at a plug-in hybrid, because this is a whole different story.
Now there’s a larger battery, with up to 125 km of all-electric range and torque levels worthy of a full EV. There’s also a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, bringing total power output to 272 hp. But horsepower figures don’t really matter here, because there are far more powerful plug-ins that still feel sluggish. Not this one—it leaps forward and is almost untameable in Cupra and Performance modes, the two settings where the systems work at their best, and the excellent 6-speed DSG gearbox holds revs better (though it still overrevs at times).
All of this with a total driving range of 900 km and diesel-like fuel consumption, even dipping below 4.5 L/100 km. Cupra also enhances the experience with precise steering and dedicated front-end geometry, designed to better handle the longer wheelbase compared to its cousins, the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. In fact, their front-wheel-drive racing versions are derived from the development work done in Martorell. Yes, this is one of the hatchbacks truly worth considering.
What we like:
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The usual Cupra attention to colors and materials
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Driving dynamics that verge on perfection
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Record-breaking fuel consumption for a 272 hp car
What we don’t like:
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Still too many hard plastics
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The gearbox occasionally hesitates
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The infotainment has improved, but still feels dated
Prices in Scandinavia
- Denmark: not available in this powertrain. eTSI starts from 374,490 DKK;
- Sweden: 499,400 SEK;
- Norway: not available;
Cupra Leon VZ eHybrid: The most sophisticated hatchback on the market?
Cupra has stood out from the beginning—not only within the Volkswagen Group but across the market—for its strong design focus, from mechanical engineering to the technical side. And this updated Leon is no exception. We’re talking about a car that’s slightly larger than its rivals, coming in at nearly 4.40 meters long—specifically, 4.39 meters—with a wheelbase of 2.06 meters. Usually, that kind of length compromises agility in dynamic driving, but Cupra has worked on the front geometry specifically to make it more fun to drive. They’ve also focused on improving the steering response and rear setup, which in petrol-only versions can become quite lively when pushed.
Cupra also worked extensively on torsional rigidity, giving the hybrid a completely different internal structure compared to the other Leon variants. This rigidity has even been developed with racing use in mind.
Aside from the work on the chassis, the new Cupra Leon also stands out with a more aggressive design than before. It features a new sharpened front end and a triangular LED light signature. The rear light cluster design has also been updated—it’s still cost-effective but now integrates the Cupra logo. As always, Cupra pays attention to color research. In this case, there are new options. The one in our test is finished in Encelado Grey Matt.
As for the interior, this represents the peak of the brand’s design research. Once again, the work of Francesca Sangalli, who handled the interior design for Cupra, is evident. You can see the meticulous attention to materials, which vary by trim. For example, there’s 73% recycled microfiber with progressive laser perforation, eco-leather, or recycled yarn combined with Dinamica featuring 73% recycled polyester.
We finally have physical buttons on the steering wheel spokes again. There are still a few too many hard plastics for a car in this category, but overall, the cabin is well-designed, enjoyable, and carefully finished. There’s also a new infotainment system, which is much better than before—more responsive, and of course wireless compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Plug-in hybrid made funny
Since this is a first drive, I’d like to focus on what’s new about the plug-in system developed by Cupra, because it’s very, very interesting—especially since the car has been redesigned specifically around this powertrain.
We now have a new 1.5-liter petrol engine forming the combustion part, paired with a new electric motor. Total output of the Cupra Leon VZ e-Hybrid is 272 horsepower. Now, in my opinion, power ratings in plug-ins don’t always tell the full story—some plug-in cars claim 400 horsepower but still feel sluggish. That’s not the case here. This car is extremely smooth and dynamic, thanks to all the work done on the suspension setup, tuning, and gearbox, which you can really feel and appreciate.
The electric part plays a much more significant role than before. You feel it especially in the torque delivery and electric driving modes, where it really feels like driving a fully electric car. Even when, like now, you’re in Cupra mode—which uses both motors—the experience is incredibly smooth, helped by the six-speed DSG gearbox. It works really well. Sometimes, as with most hybrids, it can hesitate a bit when power is needed quickly—the engine might rev up more than expected—but it’s really minor.
Now, the battery has a 19.7 kWh capacity, which allows for much more electric-only range. Cupra claims up to 125 km, and depending on your driving style, you might get even more—or less, if you’re heavy-footed. But the key point is: you can do most daily commutes on electric power alone. That’s a big win. Plus, it helps maintain longer hybrid usage and better efficiency, since the battery drains more slowly, allowing the systems to work more harmoniously and keep fuel consumption impressively low.
It’s still early for definitive fuel consumption figures, as I haven’t had the car for long. But so far, I’m averaging between 3 and 4.5 liters per 100 km. Right now, it’s at about 5.5 because we’re driving a bit harder and in a more hilly environment.
Beyond the efficiency, another standout is the 50 kW fast charging capability. This is one of very few European plug-ins to offer it—especially in the C-segment hatchback category. It means that in around 20 minutes, or a bit more, you can charge up to 80%, allowing you to get back on the road quickly without leaning too heavily on the petrol engine. That translates to less fuel consumption and greater total range—up to 900 km, which is genuinely impressive.
In general, beyond the numbers, what I really appreciate here is how well the two systems work together. The car’s behavior is incredibly smooth. I love that this is a low-slung car—you can feel it. Sure, there are many well-engineered SUVs and crossovers, but in my opinion, they’re not even comparable. I might be a bit biased, since I’m a big fan of this kind of car, but the driving experience here is something else entirely.
Not just because the steering input is sharp, but because the car always stays composed. It never feels like it’s pitching forward or backward—and the return feel is just as precise. It’s a driving behavior I really loved. Being a hatchback, it’s lighter than most modern vehicles, and Cupra did a great job with weight distribution. You don’t really feel the battery—not in corners, acceleration, or braking. That’s something I really appreciated.
