Review Cupra Leon 245 VZ1

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This lower-capacity 2.0-liter version of the Cupra Leon is the least common, but perhaps most intriguing, derivative. It’s a quick, versatile, surprisingly economical hot hatch and pretty good value, but its badge still needs some explaining.

“What is that?” I’m sure I saw someone open their mouth as I exited the parking lot. A few years since SEAT turned around Cupra branded as a separate entity, the new arrangement still seems to confuse the casual observer, but I have paused to explain, this particular version of Cupra Leon may have made life easier. live easier.

It’s not the ‘300’ pure combustion model with 296bhp, nor is it a 242bhp plug-in hybrid. Instead, it is the least common derivative in the range – the 242bhp 2.0 litre, or ‘245’. So, in oversimplified terms, it can be described as Volkswagen Golf Course GTI with a different face and badge.

It has the same ‘EA888′ inline turbocharged petrol engine widely used in the same tune-up as in the hot VW Golf, powering the front wheels via an electronically controlled locking differential’ VAQ’ conforms to the standard. One difference here, however, is the choice of gearbox, or lack thereof – while you can get the Golf with a manual transmission, the Leon can only be fitted with a seven-speed ‘DSG’ dual-clutch automatic. grant.

There’s no badge to distinguish this from the other two Cupra Leons – instead you have to look for small clues, such as the lack of a charging cap as seen on the PHEV version and the use of dual exhaust pipes. instead of a trapezoid. decorations found on that vehicle and the quartet used by the Leon 300.

It’s also the only Cupra Leon available in VZ1 trim, changing 19-inch wheels for the 18s and ditching the adaptive dampers. You can have it as a VZ2 if preferred, but not a VZ3 – that trim is reserved for the 29bhp and PHEV models.

The Cupra branding is still something we’re on the fence about, but this is a nice car overall. The cabin has some unusual trim options, including textiles on the steering wheel that are oddly reminiscent of rattan furniture, but it’s a more interesting, stylish interior than the Golf GTI.

In the center of the dashboard – sadly – the same infotainment system used in the GTI and other VW Group MQB-Evo vehicles, must be used for the climate control settings. This is easier said than done on the go, and while you at least get shortcuts for temperature on the bezels, they’re – confusingly – without a backlight so can’t be seen after dark. dark.

We’re also having software issues with these cars. As is found on many other VW Group vehicles, the Cupra Leon often seems to think it is being driven elsewhere in Europe. The speed limit recognition system usually displays the equivalent value in km/h (e.g. 110 in a 70mph zone) and the cruise control system will regularly slow the vehicle down when passing in two directions, it seems. you believe the fact that you are passing .

There’s better news when it comes to steering wheel controls, which are proper buttons rather than the bad tactile pads found on higher-end versions of the Golf.

In any case, the Cupra Leon soon makes you forget about its cabin tech flaws while you’re on the go. Interestingly though the 296bhp version of this car may be, the car feels quick enough, and if it is, a touch quicker than the significant numbers might suggest. This is in part due to available torque – while power has reached a reasonable level, 370Nm of peak torque is offered at as low as 1,600rpm which is only a drop of 30Nm over those. what the most powerful Cupra Leon has to offer.

As we’ve seen time and time again, this inline quartet is smooth, snappy, and powerful in the mid-range. It produces just enough noise for a modern four-cylinder engine, although it is considerably less noisy than previous implementations of this engine thanks to the use of a gas particulate filter.

It doesn’t sound quite as aggressive at full load, and the loud bangs and bangs once heard from the exhaust are replaced by the occasional and very silent clatter in Sport and Cupra driving modes. Meanwhile, the gearbox is still efficient enough, if lacking in the aggressiveness and outright speed of some other dual-clutch units. Some of the nicer gearshift paddles won’t go wrong either.

The suspension occasionally strays into too-firm territory, but for the most part, it’s well-balanced. The suspension withstands only a small amount of body roll during tough cornering but is powerful enough to eliminate tarmac imperfections.

The steering wheel should feel familiar to anyone who has driven a VW Group fast product over the past few years. It doesn’t offer much feedback and is touch-sensitive in all modes, but it’s fast, especially when there’s more locking thanks to the variable-ratio mount.

Fitted as standard is the electronically controlled differential VAQ, which does a commendable job of managing front-end traction. However, you’ll find the underbody sooner than you can get in a car with a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, such as CHEAP Honda Civic.

While it’s hard to explain why, the Leon is actually a bit more enjoyable to drive on a winding country road than the Leon. VW Golf GTI, and no less thrilling than the Cupra Leon 300. It’s also a better long-distance running engine than you might expect in large part thanks to its comfortable seats and also because of its surprisingly good cruising economy, can go far beyond 40mpg if you’re careful. Meanwhile, a trunk with a capacity of 380 liters is suitable for the pocket of the segment.

In the VZ1 version, the 245 costs £33,100 on the road, £300 less than the cheapest £4,000. According to specs in VZ2, the difference drops to just over £2,700, although the monthly payments for the PCP deal with a deposit of £8,000 are less than £55 for the 245 at £345. UK, though with the same final payment.

An automatic VW Golf GTI costs a little more per month on similar terms, so unless you’re sold on its badge or want its optional manual, why not be interesting? over and use Cupra? The only downside is that you’ll have to get used to explaining what it is.