2025 Cupra Leon Sportstourer V Review

You’re looking at the least expensive Cupra you can buy nowadays, the Leon Sportstourer. The Leon hatch is no longer available because people prefer crossovers, utes and SUVs.

The three-model Sportstourer range has undergone a mild facelift, inside and out. This particular model, the entry-level V, has a 1.5L 48v mild hybrid system (ISG) with a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. It’s priced at $62,990. 

The top variant is the Leon Sportstourer VZ which goes for around $84,900. Packing a 245kW/420Nm engine, it rattles off a 0-100km/h run in 4.8sec. 

The mild hybrid V model you see here has a 110/250Nm 1.5T engine that’s ably assisted by an ISG (10kW/50Nm). It boosts the engine to minimise turbolag and makes for great stop/starts in heavy traffic when you’re using adaptive cruise. The system also recognises when the vehicle ahead starts moving and reacts appropriately. 

There are three drive modes but Normal is all you ever need, given a pull back on the shift lever selects the S mode. So the Cupra button on the wheel gets little use. However, the stop/start button on the right side of the wheel is very handy. It is never hidden by the rim of the wheel.

As with other medium-sized vehicles that have smallish turbocharged engines, this performs acceptably, admirably even. A sprint time of 9.0sec might have some thinking no thanks (actual 8.6sec). But with the help of an electric motor, and the broad spread of turbo torque this gets along just fine. 

And it’s good on fuel use too. Long term it was showing 7.0, but during our time the mean was 6.0, with mostly open road cruising. Our low was 5.1L/100km. Cupra says 5.1 overall, while Rightcar suggests 5.4.

The engine features cylinder deactivation and the ST can recuperate energy as well. During coasting, it loses speed oh-so-slowly. 

This has a G meter too which saves best figures and during maximum ABS braking this recorded 1.2g as it came to a halt from 100 in 34.5m. It also managed lateral Gs of 1.13 in either direction, which is pretty convincing for a front-drive family estate. 

But then Cupra doesn’t do ordinary fare; it’s the sporty division of the VW group. And the Leon ST treads a fine line between cornering capers and civility. It takes a pretty unruly road surface to make it patter across bumps; most of the time it’s just sensibly absorptive.

On the practicality front, this impresses too. We slotted our ‘Superlight’ e-bike in the back below the cargo cover no problem. 

You can fit a full golf bag in the back too, on the diagonal, and a trundler alongside. Entry is via a powered fifth door. The release had us foxed for a bit. It isn’t down low near the bumper but on the ride side of the door beside the taillight. 

On entry, this is lower slung than the usual slide and glide manoeuvre for an SUV. Which is one reason it handles in a way that totally eludes most high-rise alternatives. The other being it weighs just 1400kg. And with its quick steering (2.1 turns lock to lock) and XDS electronic diff lock (brake nipping), it holds a line well and changes direction handily. The onset of understeer is well telegraphed at the wheel by the BS Turanza T005 tyres (225/40R18s). 

This may not have luxo items like VZ – seats are cloth trimmed for example – but it does get dual zone air, a heated wheel, and self locking and unlocking. There’s ambient lighting that includes BSM warnings. It also comes with machined alloys in black but if you want the Cupra bronze colour, that adds $1850. A premium Sennheiser audio system is $1300 extra while a panoramic roof adds $2900. Tow capacity is 720kg/1700kg while warranty is five years/100,000km.

This might well suit those who don’t want an SUV, especially if dynamics matter.  

Cupra Leon Sportstourer V
$62,990  /  5.1L/100km  /  123g/km
0-100 km/h 8.62s
Engine  1498cc / IL4 with 48v ISG
Max power  110kW@5000-6000rpm
Max torque  250Nm@1500-3500rpm
Transmission  7-speed TC, FWD
Weight (claimed)  1486kg