We can now bring you the first spy shots of the
next-generation Seat Leon Cupra — or the Cupra Leon, as it will most likely be
officially named. The hot hatch is expected to be sold under the umbrella of Seat’s
newly-established Cupra performance brand.
Those include the larger Brembo brakes, new front
bumper with a lower splitter, grille with a honeycomb insert, and Cupra oval
exhausts — one on each side of the sportier rear bumper. The large (possibly
19-inch) wheels in a multi-spoke design are also an indication that this is no ordinary
Leon.
Under the skin, the 2020 Cupra Leon will adopt a
rather different configuration than the current model. Last month, Seat CEO
Luca de Meo said the Cupra Leon will feature plug-in hybrid power with up to
245 PS and less than 50 g/km CO2.
The powertrain will likely be similar to the one
showcased on the Cupra Formentor and Skoda Vision RS concepts. In the Skoda,
the plug-in hybrid system consists of a 150 PS 1.5-liter TSI gasoline
engine, a 101 HP electric motor and a 13kWh battery. Expect the
Cupra Leon to offer a similar all-electric range of up to 70 km.
Performance should be similar, as the Skoda
Vision RS needs 7.1 seconds to cover the 0-100 km/h sprint. Too slow
for you? Well, Cupra is rumored to cook a conventional, and more powerful, Leon
hot hatch as well. The all-new Cupra Leon will debut just before the end of 2020 and
will be available both in five-door hatchback and ST wagon body styles. The
regular Seat Leon will be revealed later this year, possibly at the Frankfurt
Motor Show in September.
