Cupra has revealed that its version of the Leon will be available as a plug-in hybrid. The eHybrid performance model will feature a range of 37 miles on electric power alone, and produce up to 245 hp.
This comes from a 150 hp 1.4 TSI petrol engine and 85 kW electric motor, though conventional petrol engines are available without electric support.
Performance times are as low as 4.8 seconds for the 0-62 mph sprint and a top speed of 155 mph. At the other end of the Cupra Leon’s spectrum, the 37 mile electric range is possible because of a 13 kWh battery.
Charging is carried out via a Type 2 inlet at up to 3.6 kW, and CO2 emissions are under 50 g/km (WLTP) – the key benchmark for company car tax bands.
The announcement of the Cupra Leon – available as either estate or hatchback – comes at the same time as Seat’s performance brand took to the track with its Cupra E-Racer.
The pure-electric racing car features a 65 kWh battery and 500 kW thanks to four electric motors. The track-only model will compete in the E-TCR electric touring car series, which starts next year.
With developments in racing proven to filter down to road cars, the experience gained by Cupra in E-TCR will likely influence future EV development.
