Golf R power in a FWD hot hatch! (Cupra Leon 2022 review)

The Cupra Leon is a new FWD hot hatch that is being released in Australia in July 2022. It will compete with the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Focus ST, but also with in-house cousins like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi A3/S3. Priced from under $50K, the Leon can be had with a 140kW 2.0T engine right up to a 221kW tune in the Leon VZx grade reviewed today ($64,990 driveaway).
So, should you order a Leon if you want a European hot hatch with a difference?
In today’s episode of Chasing Cars, editor Tom Baker conducts a full and independent first review of the 2022 Cupra Leon VZx ($64,990 driveaway).
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[@jhref]

This looks so good. Perfect design language for what the car is.

[@martinvella7002]

Great review! I've been waiting for these to come to Australia! Can't wait to see your review of the VZe, that's the one i'm more interested in!

[@thetobydavis]

Great video team! Is that long term review of the Mazda 3 Evolve Sp on its way any time soon? 🙌🏼

[@robflynn7905]

Wicked car. I have a 21 Polo gti, this seems like the next level up. I would like to have an rs3 as my next car, the s3 or this are probably a bit more realistic.

[@_OZZIE_RASCAL]

I am like you Tom, I prefer dials then a laggy screen but when in Rome do as the Romans 🤷 Enjoy your content Mate 👍🏼

[@damo5701]

Hey Tom, how does it compare to the Formentor around Sydney motor sport park? I understand they are in different classes, different weight, fwd vs awd etc so I would expect the Leon to be better on track, just wondering how the drive actually compares. I ask as you seemed more excited in the Formentor review.

[@tonycoz2309]

Love the matt grey.

[@thepedlindonkey5822]

happy to be the lacky that day when you're comparing testing VZx/GTi /i30n/ST

[@zaamuro8408]

I think the hardware is the same for the infotainment, just a different software "skin" from Cupra. Can you find out what processor this is running Tom? The Golf overseas has just got the Qualcomm 820 Pro upgrade... Just realised this has front corning lights.

[@mineSTAR626]

im debating getting this or the new focus ST.

[@Drskopf]

A car From Spain 🇪🇸 with love!!!🍷👍

[@ahh1180]

I like this car and I need a runabout so I think I will end up buying

[@xEpicturtlesx]

How does it compare to a i30N (Facelift)? Been reconsidering my order since the Leon was announced. I am a bit of a sucker for a more luxurious interior

[@Djscorsio]

where you guys based? Here in Malta we cant get the start/stop and mode button on the Steering wheel. Asking cause id import one just for this feature hahahaha

[@sem5397]

Why do the lights on the front left and right lower corners go on and off?

[@markosborne7532]

Automatic turning lights. They light up in the direction you're turning to light up that part of the road.

[@shibbsterx1]

Most space saver wheels cap you at 80km an hour. Much prefer full size spare

[@aksahdev01]

when will we get the VZe? (phev)

[@chasingcars]

That’s the one they’re having the most trouble securing production of. There may be some of the VZe PHEV available at the end of the year

[@aksahdev01]

@@chasingcars RIP, was looking at one :(

[@jaykartik]

Tom: You’ve mixed clips of track driving in the dry and driving in the wet for this video, haven’t you?

[@tpv59]

OBVIOUSLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

Some is stock footage from the manufacturer

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

Does it have the same 2.0TSI as the Golf?

[@chasingcars]

Yep but in higher tune than GTI (221kW)

[@wedgett1]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t so it has the EA888 Gen 3 then? Still a great engine.

[@markosborne7532]

@@user-vk4vd7vr5t This is incorrect. All these new Cupra's (Leon & Formentor, not sure about Ateca) have the Evo4. So does Mk8 GTI Clubsport. Basically all the new VW Group 2L Petrol (non-hybrid) cars have it now. Saying this as a Cupra Leon owner myself.

[@boyteebah3794]

@@markosborne7532 being an owner of one, have you timed the 0-100? I think the factory claim of 5.7s is BS. I think it is much quicker

[@markosborne7532]

@@boyteebah3794 I have the Leon ST (wagon) which has 4 wheel drive, so 0-100 time is rated at 4.9s and it’s definitely that or even a bit quicker. Some other KZbinrs have hit 4.6. I haven’t got the gear to confirm unfortunately. For the hatch Leon you’re limited mainly by traction on the front wheels. So power is there for a faster time but launching without wheel spin is difficult. Hence the slower time.

[@nk7274]

Will the wagon version come to Australia? I think they have them in NZ

[@chasingcars]

No official plans yet.

[@markosborne7532]

Such a shame it's not. I own the Leon ST here in NZ and it's brilliant. It's basically the same as what's reviewed here but with bigger boot and 4 wheel drive. It looks like AU get's the Golf R Estate though instead, which NZ doesn't seem to be getting.

[@dimsoneill]

@@markosborne7532 Sounds like the perfect car for me really.

[@eponymous7910]

Can't fathom why we aren't offered a manual option in Aus. So disappointing. Don't really want to own a ticking timebomb dsg that is jerky around town

[@chasingcars]

DSG has unsurprisingly come a long way in 20 years, genuinely don’t think there are low speed refinement issues with this wet box particularly. It’s completely fine, and the more reliable type. No manual overseas.

[@tpv59]

@@chasingcars (I do believe the word is, they're, and not there) (they're = they are) Regards.

[@davidperry3531]

@@tpv59 Tom is correct. It is not ' genuinely don't think THEY ARE low speed refinement'.....

[@tpv59]

@@davidperry3531 Thank You David. I do hear what you are saying. My POINT was that the word should be written as 'they're', and NOT, 'there'. They both obviously sound the same, but have different meanings. (there is also the word, their!!!) I do believe I am correct in what I have said. I hope you understand. Regards.

[@davidperry3531]

@@tpv59 Yes, you are correct in saying that ‘they’re, their and there’ are pronounced the same way but Tom has used ‘there’ in this example as an adjective and he is correct. ‘They’re’ is a contraction of ‘they are’ but does not apply in Tom’s description. I agree that many people make the mistake of writing ‘there’ when they mean ‘they’re’ but it is not correct in this instance.

[@lukelawrence6007]

The steering wheel reminds me of Ferrari

[@gregj3515]

looks a bit like an old Mazda 3.....

[@aussielegend8576]

Where are the potential buyers of this car getting their money from

[@shubhamgoswami5221]

People apparently have 60k to spend on a hot hatch. I see it useless considering the speed limits in Australia.

[@tpv59]

@@shubhamgoswami5221 True, AND speed cameras, AND mobile speed cameras, AND Police !!!

[@shubhamgoswami5221]

@@tpv59 even I have to buy a sports car to show off, I would rather buy a Nissan s that’s coming soon. Atleast it’ll twice the price. But yes, there’s no way one can enjoy cars with such high performance in Australia. Always go for luxury if you have the money rather than cars with stiffer suspension.

[@tpv59]

@@shubhamgoswami5221 THANK You sir. WISE words. VERY wise words.

[@davidperry3531]

@@shubhamgoswami5221 You could say the same about any performance car but Australians love their performance cars and per capita, Australia is one of the largest markets for this type of car.

[@Mark-jz5ye]

It's pronounced "lay-on"

[@Mikey-wj4ms]

I've experienced many lemon cars in my time from many manufacturers and the repair costs vary wildy. Maybe consider quoting the following repair costs to inform viewers of the manufacturers quoted repairs.: Gearbox Electrical Clutch Turbo Brakes Alternator Cylinder head gasket Air-con condenser