Cupra Leon eTSI V1 (2023) Review

FEELING good, I’m flying wingman in a procession of Cupras.

Same colour, different model, but I’m enjoying following the Leon’s bigger brother; the driver of the Formentor may be a stranger but I’ve still got his back.

People who love cars drive Cupras, not mere motorists looking to get from A-B. So there’s an immediate bond even though we will never actually meet.

Cupra is SEAT’s sporty sibling and, ironically, the Leon stands out for being in stealth grey. If only I had the 300PS+ motor in my Leon – and they do produce such a model. But I haven’t, I’m in the entry level V1, the eTSI to be precise, which is a 150PS, 1.5 litre turbo petrol, with a bit of mild hybrid thrown in for good measure.

But you know what? That is just fine because I’m enjoying the 50mpg economy that is better suited to a cost of living crisis in which we continue to be held to ransom by exorbitant petrol prices.

And in most respects the V1 is more than enough. It looks every bit the Cupra with its Transformers movie badge, sharp lines and excellent proportions. While it may not be blisteringly quick like the Formentor it does have plenty of performance and certainly enough to be a fun drive.

The super-quick DSG automatic gearbox allows the Leon to make the most of its 150PS power output and 60mph arrives in a little over eight seconds. There’s also decent mid-range for safe overtakes and plenty of poke to cruise at the legal limit.

Cupra also comes with decent suspension and sharp steering so it loves to go round the bends. While it is perfectly at home on the motorway you’ll be naturally drawn to the A and B road routes home.

Behind the wheel it does feel athletic thanks to wonderfully supportive seats, ergonomics that  fit my small frame perfectly and interior trim that leaves you feeling you are in something special, different, sporty.

The interior is dark with bronze highlights, well laid out and tactile. The steering wheel is chunky with a carbon feel and that bronze badge looks to have fallen from Optimus Prime.

The virtual clocks and touchscreen dash provide all the information you could possibly need at the dab of a digit and is easy to use for even the most ardent Luddite. The sound system is excellent too, particularly when you Bluetooth it to your phone to pick your favourite driving tunes.

Being a Leon also means that the car is big on practicalities. There is plenty of space for driver and passengers alike and a decent size boot in which to carry the boy’s school paraphernalia. The strength of the marque is that while remaining practical it also adds a touch of excitement to the school run which other cars can’t.

Leon is a commendable model in the Cupra line-up sharing all the benefits of an exhilarating brand. It certainly leaves the driver flying high.

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