Cupra Formentor And Leon Get A ‘Shark-Nose’ And More Power

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The Cupra Formentor and Cupra Leon have always made a bold statement on the road, and now they have just been facelifted for the first time. In addition to the styling updates you would expect, plenty of changes are also going on under the skin.

Cupra’s designers have completely revamped the front fascias of both models applying the ‘shark-nose’ front end we’ve seen on the Terramar SUV. The updated models feature new Cupra badging, redesigned triangular matrix LED headlights, and an gaping wide grille. Furthermore, alterations have been applied to the rear designs of both vehicles, which now showcase revised taillights and an illuminated Cupra logo.

Read: Do You Think Cupra Will Succeed In America?

Underpinning both models is VW Group’s MQB Evo platform, and while this architecture has gone unchanged, the flagship 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder of the most performance-focused models has now been upgraded. This engine now churns out an impressive 328 hp and is offered exclusively on the Formentor and Leon Sportstourer, rather than the hatch.

Models equipped with this engine also received a trick torque splitter, Akebono brakes, and a special ‘Cupra’ driving mode that tweaks throttle and transmission response. The 2.0-liter is sold exclusively alongside a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

Buyers who don’t need something that can match a VW Golf R off the line have plenty of other powertrains to choose from. For example, there is a mild-hybrid 1.5-liter turbo incorporating a 48-volt starter-generator and two 1.5-liter plug-in hybrids with a 19.7 kWh battery and delivering 201 hp and 268 hp respectively. These PHEVs also offer more than 62 miles (100 km) of electric driving range. A simpler 2.0-liter engine with 201 hp and all-wheel drive is also available.

Revised Interior

Several alterations have been made to the cabins of the Leon and Formentor. These include a redesigned center console, new materials, and bucket seats clad in 73% recycled microfiber or environmentally-conscious leather. Cupra has also revised the digital instrument cluster and installed a larger 12.9-inch infotainment display. The pair also receive a 12-speaker audio system from Sennheiser.

“The CUPRA Formentor and Leon have both been a driving force in the brand’s success as it expands its footprint around the world. It’s an approach that has been incredibly successful with close to 600,000 cars delivered since the brand’s launch in 2018,” Cupra chief executive Wayne Griffiths said.

“The new CUPRA Formentor and Leon are pure design obsession. Two models built to provoke strong emotions and that strengthen the extraordinary bond with our Tribe. Two models that represent what that small group of believers envisaged CUPRA could be just a few years ago,” he added.