CUPRA Australia has expanded its electrified vehicle portfolio with the introduction of the new Leon Ve Hatch 150kW, a plug-in hybrid variant that brings more than 120km of electric-only driving range to the brand’s popular hatchback range.
The arrival of the Leon Ve completes CUPRA Australia’s local family of plug-in hybrid vehicles, meaning every combustion-based model line in the range is now available with a PHEV drivetrain, including the Leon Hatch, Leon Sportstourer, Formentor and Terramar.
Designed and built in Barcelona, the Leon Ve introduces CUPRA’s latest-generation plug-in hybrid technology in a new 150kW configuration developed specifically for the Australian Leon range. The model combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm with an electric motor delivering 85kW and 330Nm, resulting in a combined output of 150kW and 350Nm.
CUPRA claims the Leon Ve can travel up to 123 kilometres on electric power alone under the WLTP Euro 6EB testing cycle, making it one of the longest-range plug-in hybrids available in Australia. For many drivers, that could mean completing daily commuting and urban trips without using any petrol.
Jeff Shafer, Head of Product at CUPRA Australia, said the Leon Ve reflects the next stage of the brand’s local electrification strategy.
“The Leon Ve perfectly captures what CUPRA stands for: performance, design and electrification with emotion,” said Shafer.
“What makes this second-generation plug-in hybrid system so compelling is how naturally it integrates into daily life. With more than 100 kilometres of electric driving range, many customers will rarely need to use fuel during the week, while still retaining the flexibility and confidence to undertake longer journeys with ease.”
A key enabler of the increased electric range is a new 20kWh usable lithium-ion battery, almost doubling the usable capacity of CUPRA’s previous-generation plug-in hybrid system. The larger battery also supports faster charging, with AC charging capability increasing to 11kW and the addition of DC fast-charging capability for the first time.
Official combined fuel consumption is rated at just 1.4L/100km under WLTP testing. The system also incorporates adjustable energy recuperation settings that allow drivers to tailor regenerative braking performance through the infotainment system.
From a fleet and novated leasing perspective, the Leon Ve offers a practical middle ground between a conventional petrol vehicle and a full battery electric vehicle. Drivers gain meaningful electric-only capability for everyday travel while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys and regional travel.
The Leon Ve also benefits from the recent Leon facelift, featuring CUPRA’s updated front-end design, full-width rear LED lighting and illuminated CUPRA logo. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, independent rear suspension, Dinamica-appointed sports bucket seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory, tri-zone climate control and a 12.9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables are supplied as standard, supporting home and public charging use.
Priced from $62,990 plus on-road costs, the Leon Ve sits between the Leon S mild-hybrid and the Leon VZx performance hatch in the local line-up. CUPRA says customer orders are open now, with showroom arrivals and first customer deliveries scheduled to begin in June.
For fleet operators and salary packaging customers seeking lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions without fully committing to battery electric vehicles, the Leon Ve adds another option to the growing range of long-range plug-in hybrids entering the Australian market.
