Test of the 150 CV Cupra León eTSI: sporty touches with an ECO label

We have tested the 150 CV Cupra León eTSI, the model that Cupra presents as the gateway to the compact range. In short, this could be the variant that increases the popularity of this model, as has happened with the Formentor. Now, will this phenomenon be replicated?

We will not know the sure answer for a while, but some variations must be taken into account. One of them is that the Cupra León is not an SUV like the Cupra Formentor, which puts it at a disadvantage with current market trends. Now, that does not mean that this model does not make sense, since it is an interesting offer.

design and interior

As I said, with this version the Spanish brand wants to facilitate access to what they represent and the greatest defining feature of the company is sportsmanship. This may be linked to performance, but also to appearance. For this reason, a peculiarity of this model is its subtle differences with the superior engines.

Taking a look at the design of the 150 CV Cupra León eTSI, there are no great news compared to the rest of the range, except for a few details. For example, the optional 18-inch wheels on offer are the same as those on the 245-CV version, but in this case they have copper-colored accents.

Likewise, there are no great variations from behind either, since they are only found in the bumper area. For example, I can make out another design in the diffuser area, but there is nothing surprising new.

In fact, the same thing happens when I go inside the Cupra León. As expected, it is the same as the Seat León, but it has details such as copper accents and upholstery changes. In fact, the latter does change in this engine, with standard seats in fabric and synthetic leather. Of course, my test unit mounts the optional semibucket seats.

So, again, beyond the details I don’t see big changes. The appearance is similar to the rest of the range, with sporty touches such as aluminum pedals and upholstery. Where there is a difference compared to the higher models is in the driving modes, where there is no Cupra mode -although there is a Sport one-. However, where everything does change is under the hood.

engine and performance

As is evident, the 150 hp Cupra León eTSI engine is a 48-volt mild hybrid four-cylinder with 150 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque. With this mechanism, the DGT ECO label is obtained and this is the first model of the brand to carry it, in fact.

Now, what does this block translate into? Associated with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission as the only option, the step from 0 to 100 km/h is 8.7 seconds, with a top speed of 214 km/h. In the León Sportstourer, yes, the figures vary slightly: 8.9 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h and 216 km/h top speed.

With these figures, it is true that we are not facing a marvel of benefits, but they are not negligible. Even so, another version of 190 CV without hybridization will arrive later, which will go from 0 to 100 in 7.2 seconds -7.5 in the Sportstourer- and will reach a maximum speed of 227 km/h -230 km/h in the Sportstourer -.

How do you drive?

Be that as it may, in this case the entry-level model occupies me, so I begin the test of the 150 CV Cupra León. A route awaits me that mainly takes place in the city and on the highway, although it also takes a road that gives me a glimpse of what the tuning of this version is like.

I start on the highway, where the car moves smoothly. The suspension feels somewhat harder than the 130 hp Leon FR that I was able to test recently, but it’s not uncomfortable. In addition, with the optional Adaptive Chassis Control, the brand points out that up to 15 levels of hardness can be chosen depending on the circumstances.

Still, I’m generally comfortable. The seats support adequately and the steering is communicative enough, which allows you to enjoy driving. In the same way, the engine usually moves at low revs with the DSG change, but responds firmly when pressing hard on the accelerator or operating the gear shift paddles.

In this last way, ups and downs can be done quickly enough, which is to be appreciated. Thus, starting at 3,000 rpm and handling the gears manually, I can enjoy driving, although it is evident that the behavior is not as spectacular as that which one of the most performance versions can offer.

However, it is not necessary either, since this car has another objective. Its focus is more for everyday use and efficiency, something I clearly notice when hitting the highway. Here, I hardly hear the engine and the power delivery is smooth. In recoveries the response could be improved, but it is still sufficient for the rhythm of the route.

Likewise, when testing the cheapest Cupra León in this field, I also find other interesting details. For example? When you lift your foot for a few seconds, the revs drop to the maximum, as if you had turned off the engine. Thus, fuel consumption is reduced when making long journeys.

In this way, the performance on highways and highways is necessary, as well as in the city the car moves with sufficient ease between the streets. Here, there is not so much difference with the Seat model on which this variant is based, although its response is better.

After all, that defines this model. Whoever wants maximum sportiness and performance should go for the 245 or 300 CV versions. However, the 150 CV Cupra León offers something different: it is a car that more than meets the needs of every day, with an ECO label and attractive aesthetics. This, coupled with a slightly exciting demeanor, makes it a good buy.

Price and rivals

In addition to this, it is also an economic purchase within the brand, since the price of the 150 CV Cupra León eTSI starts at 33,340 euros without a discount -34,680 euros in the Sportstourer, which will begin to be delivered from January. Of course, with the discounts of the brand, the 5-door can stay at 29,340 euros.

In this way, this compact can stay in an interesting position in the face of certain competitors in the segment. For example, the Ford Focus with ST Line finish and a 150 hp microhybrid engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission is offered for 34,592 euros.

In addition to this, the 160 hp Hyundai i30 with a 7-speed automatic transmission and N Line finish is offered from 31,995 euros. Finally, another of the Cupra León’s rivals is the Volkswagen Golf, although in R Line finish and with the 150 hp microhybrid engine with 7-speed DSG transmission, it amounts to 40,155 euros.