2022 Cupra Leon Features: New hybrid-ready hot hatchback puts Kia Cerato GT, Hyundai i30 N and Honda Civic Type R on the radar ahead of Australian launch.

Cupra Australia launches with three models including the small Leon hatchback.

Spanish new sports brand Cupra has detailed the yet-to-be-priced Leon subcompact car ahead of its Australian launch in July, with its four-piece lineup of hot hatchbacks led by a plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV).

The entry-level option of the Leon is the 140kW/320Nm V, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, just like the mid-range 180kW/370Nm VZ and flagship 221kW/400Nm VZx. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is also common.

Meanwhile, the mid-range VZe PHEV combines a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a front-mounted 85kW/300Nm electric motor for a total output of 180kW/400Nm. It has a six-speed DCT gearbox.

The Kia Cerato GT rivaling the V, the Hyundai i30 N rivaling the VZ and VZe, and the Honda Civic Type R rivaling the VZx are all front wheel drive.

Arriving separately in early 2023, the V has a long list of standard equipment including adaptive suspension, variable ratio steering, metallic paint, dusk-sensing LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, black/silver 18-inch Sport alloy wheels (with compact spare), power folding side mirrors with heating and dark chrome covers, keyless entry and rear privacy glass.

In-cabin keyless start, 10.0" touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless support, 10.25" digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, front sport seats, cloth upholstery, ambient lighting, aluminum pedals, illuminated treadplates and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Advanced driver assistance systems extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping and steering assist, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, driver warning, blind spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, parking assist, reversing . camera and safe exit warning.

VZ adds black and silver 19-inch Sport alloy wheels, while VZe swaps out the included spare part for a tire repair kit.

Meanwhile, the VZx also gets a body kit, black/copper 19-inch Performance alloy wheels, quad exhaust pipes, a sports steering wheel, a nine-speaker 340W Beats audio system, heated front seats (including driver power adjustment and memory function), and leather-colored upholstery. Petrol blue.

Optional on the V and VZ is the Leather and Sound package, which includes a nine-speaker 340W Beats audio system, heated front seats (including power control and memory function), leather upholstery and brass stitching on the dash.

Instead, the VZe can be ordered with a leather package that combines the same features as above, minus, you guessed it, a nine-speaker 340W Beats sound system.

A sunroof is an option on all four variants, and the VZx can also get a Brembo brake package.

Cupra Australia head of product and planning Geoff Schafer said: “There is no entry-level option as such.

“Yes, the performance is in ascending order, but we have equipped all Leons with such a level of standard equipment that no one will feel left out in any version.

“With power outputs ranging from 140kW/320Nm to 221kW/400Nm, every Leon has the power and torque to match its design – a combination that, in just four years, has made Cupra synonymous with performance and style.”