Cupra desires to lure extra Australians into its tribe.
The sporty Spanish spinoff model from the Volkswagen Group bought greater than 3700 automobiles in Australia in 2023, but it surely’s struggled to hit the identical heights to this point in 2024. So far, it’s down 30 per cent on the identical level final 12 months.
Quite than resting on its laurels, Cupra has responded with a spread of offers. Together with sharper pricing on a lot of its fashions, it’s rolled out particular editions just like the Leon V Tribe Edition to entice new consumers into showrooms.
Though it’s primarily based on the most affordable Cupra cash can purchase, the Leon V, the Tribe Version packs a number of particular touches to make it appear and feel a bit extra particular.
Exterior, it has a extra distinguished rear wing and aspect skirts, together with a brand new set of wheels. The cabin has picked up Petrol Blue leather-based seats and dashboard trim, and the entrance seats are heated.
Now it’s value noting this Tribe Version is on the pre-facelift Leon at the moment on sale in Australia. Cupra has confirmed the mid-life replace will land in native showrooms round Could-June subsequent 12 months – learn extra here.
Is that this sufficient to entice consumers to affix the Cupra tribe?
How does the Cupra Leon examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Cupra Leon towards equally sized automobiles.
Cupra
Leon
How a lot does the Cupra Leon value?
Though the Tribe Version is cheaper than the present Leon V entry variant primarily based on its common drive-away worth, Cupra is at the moment providing the Leon V for $45,888 drive-away till September 30, making the Tribe $2000 pricier.
| Mannequin | Nationwide drive-away worth | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|---|
| Cupra Leon V | $45,888 | – |
| Cupra Leon V Tribe Version | $47,888 | – |
| Cupra Leon VZ | $54,888 | – |
| Cupra Leon VZx | $62,888 | – |
| Cupra Leon VZe | – | $61,690 |
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
What’s the Cupra Leon like on the within?
The massive distinction between the Tribe Version and the common Leon V is the stunning Petrol Blue leather-based trim on the seats.
It’s shared with the dearer VZx, and instantly makes the cabin really feel particular in a approach the (already good) V simply doesn’t. Past the Cupra secure, the one rival with a comparably fascinating end is the much less performance-oriented, however extra luxurious Mazda 3 Astina with its pink leather-based cabin.
In any other case, you get the identical fundamental Cupra design that options within the Leon and Formentor.
The basics are glorious. Driver and passenger sit in sporty seats with loads of bolstering, and tall drivers gained’t have bother getting comfy.
As you’d count on of a contemporary Volkswagen Group cabin, screens are the showpiece right here. The touchscreen is a 12-inch unit working Cupra’s tackle the software program rolled out within the Golf and Skoda Octavia, together with the identical contact sliders beneath for quantity and temperature management.
Factors to Cupra for permitting homeowners to drop a widget on the house display screen to manage fan velocity for the air-con, and for making shortcut buttons distinguished – it’s simpler to leap across the system than within the Golf – but it surely’s fiddly at instances.
It’s additionally more durable than it actually must be to vary drive modes. It’s worthwhile to dive by sub-menus within the V to search out Sport or Cupra, which looks as if a bizarre oversight for a model that desires to be overtly sporty.
The VZx has a wheel-mounted button that’s very Lamborghini; we’d like to see it right here as properly.
The digital cockpit is good-looking, and options distinctive graphics in step with Cupra’s sportier remit. The steering wheel itself feels nice in your arms, and has correct buttons as a substitute of the contact controls rolling out elsewhere.
Rear seat area is about par for the category. The chunky entrance seats with their one-piece backrests block ahead visibility, however children will have the ability to get comfy again there with out an excessive amount of stress.
Common-sized adults will have the ability to slot again there as properly; though the larger Formentor or Ateca are higher choices in case you’re lugging individuals round commonly.
Twin ISOFIX factors and three top-tether anchors for youngster seats function again there, together with a fold-down central armrest, air vents, and twin USB-C factors.
As is the case in every other similar-sized hatchback, the rear door opening is kind of tight, which implies loading children (or squeezing in adults) isn’t as straightforward right here as within the extra sensible Ateca. Then once more, that’s not likely the purpose of a small hatchback anyway.
The claimed 380 litres of boot area is up 6L on what you get in a Golf GTI, and the load bay itself is a broad area that’s straightforward sufficient to load awkward objects into. Folding the rear seats reveals 1210 litres of area.
It has a really low ground, which is nice for carrying cumbersome baggage or packing containers, however does imply it’s worthwhile to carry and place them again there relatively than simply sliding them over a loading lip.
| Dimensions | Cupra Leon V Tribe Version |
|---|---|
| Size | 4398mm |
| Width | 1799mm |
| Peak | 1444mm |
| Wheelbase | 2689mm |
| Cargo capability | 380 litres (5-seat) 1301 litres (2-seat) |
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
What’s below the bonnet?
As with all petrol-only variations of the Cupra Leon, the V Tribe Version is powered by a punchy 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder.
| Specs | Cupra Leon V Tribe Version |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 140kW + 320Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG auto |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Weight | 1468kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 6.2L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 7.6L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 55 litres |
| Gas requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 141g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
How does the Cupra Leon drive?
You miss out on among the drama on supply within the extra highly effective Leon VZ and VZx right here, but it surely nonetheless looks like a detailed relative.
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Leon V proven
There’s just a little flourish of revs while you prod the beginning button, and it packs extra of a punch than you’d count on of a base mannequin while you put your foot down.
With loads of torque on faucet, the Leon is a easy mover across the metropolis. The twin-clutch transmission is devoid of any awkwardness off the mark, and it shuffles neatly by the gears while you’re simply cruising round city.
Throw in a cushty trip on the adaptive dampers – an choice normally reserved for dearer automobiles, and one that provides spectacular customisation potential – and also you’ve received a automobile that’s very comfy on the day by day drive.
Though they’re not dripping with intent like a few of their sizzling hatch rivals, Volkswagen Group hatches supply their efficiency with little or no compromise. That’s at all times been a core a part of the enchantment.
The grown-up, big-car-in-a-small-car-body feeling you get from the Leon interprets to the open highway as properly.
It’s properly settled at freeway speeds, and has sufficient efficiency in reserve for high-speed overtakes.
With that mentioned, the Leon falls into a well-recognized entice on Australian highways. With the cruise set to 100km/h there’s a variety of highway roar from the 18-inch wheels, forcing you to crank the stereo to drown it out.
It’s not a dealbreaker – the identical subject afflicts premium European hatches just like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 – but it surely’s probably the most noticeable subject in what’s in any other case a really refined package deal.
A full suite of energetic driver assists is available to maintain a niche to the car in entrance, hold you between the white strains, and warn of hidden obstacles in your blind-spot at freeway speeds, all of that are neatly calibrated.
Cupra provides you Sport and Cupra modes, however you too can configure the automobile utilizing an Particular person mode. It’s a disgrace it’s worthwhile to dive by so many alternative touchscreen menus to leap into these modes.
The adaptive dampers will be toggled by an enormous vary of settings, from extra relaxed in Consolation to firmer in probably the most aggressive Cupra mode; whereas the steering and drivetrain are all configurable as properly.
The Leon is a enjoyable, quick technique to cowl floor when the highway will get twisty. The front-end is eager to show, physique roll is stored properly in test, even with the adaptive dampers arrange with a deal with compliance.
With correct, direct steering, it’s straightforward to position the automobile the place you need it, and there’s loads of torque on faucet to tug you out of corners from low within the rev vary.
In comparison with the dearer VZ it’s worthwhile to work it more durable, however the distinction is most noticeable on the prime finish of the rev vary. Right here the VZ rips confidently to its redline with its Golf GTI-derived engine, whereas the V can really feel a bit breathless.
It sounds respectable although, with a stable serving of huffing and puffing from the turbocharger, and a raspy bark from the engine.
Shifts from the seven-speed transmission are sharp in Cupra mode, and pulling the plastic paddles behind the wheel elicits an on the spot response. While you take cost with the paddles the automobile will truly keep within the gear you’ve chosen except it completely can’t.
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
What do you get?
Commonplace gear within the Tribe Version largely mirrors the Leon V.
Cupra Leon V gear highlights:
- Computerized LED headlights
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Keyless entry and begin
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
Leon V Tribe Version provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels in black/copper end
- Black rear spoiler extension
- Darkish aluminium aspect skirts
- Petrol blue dashboard
- Petrol blue nappa leather-based seat trim
- Heated entrance seats
- Energy driver’s seat adjustment and reminiscence
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
Is the Cupra Leon protected?
The Cupra Leon has a five-star ANCAP security score, which is predicated on Euro NCAP testing performed on the SEAT Leon in 2020.
| Class | Cupra Leon |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 91 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Weak highway consumer safety | 71 per cent |
| Security help | 80 per cent |
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane-keep help with freeway lane-centring
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross site visitors alert
- Protected exit warning
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Reversing digital camera
- 8 airbags
- 2 x ISOFIX ports
- 3 x top-tether factors
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
How a lot does the Cupra Leon value to run?
The Leon is not being supplied with three years of free upkeep prefer it beforehand was.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Cupra Leon V Tribe Version |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped worth servicing | 5 years |
| Whole capped worth service value | $1990 (pay as you go service plan) |
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Leon
The Leon V was already a winner, and the Tribe Version improves on the method.
Its mix of efficiency, practicality, and elegance is uncommon in a base mannequin, and the Tribe Version builds on that with a flash-looking inside and a few fashionable exterior add-ons.
The worth equation stays spectacular when you think about you’ll pay not less than $13,000 extra for an Audi A3 with the identical engine, and the equally priced Golf R-Line packs much less energy and pizazz.
Complaints? It’s nonetheless too tough to unlock the sporty flavour throughout the Tribe Version. We’d love if Cupra added the Lamborghini-esque steering wheel from the VZx to make it simpler to shuffle between drive modes.
There’s actual sporting means constructed into this automobile and it must be simpler to faucet into.
Excited about shopping for a Cupra Leon? Get in contact with certainly one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers here
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