Cupra, the sporty sub-brand of Seat, has upgraded its Formentor and Leon models for 2024, with both receiving improved engines, more tech and new looks. The two revamped models are expected to go on sale in Ireland during Q4.
Starting with the Formentor, Cupra says its popular SUV embraces the brand’s new exterior design language with the shark-nose front end, integrated Cupra badge onto the bonnet, triangular matrix LED headlights, and integrated and illuminated Cupra logo positioned at the centre of the rear LED light.
The new Cupra Formentor will be available with a new petrol engine (TSI ), delivering 333PS (245kW ) with torque splitter technology and optional Akebono brakes. According to Cupra, the Formentor will also be available with a new generation of plug-in hybrid engines (eHybrid ) delivering up to 272PS (200kW ), with more than 100km of all-electric range and now compatible with fast charge (up to 50kW DC charge ).
The vehicle's chassis has also been buffed, with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink setup designed to deliver comfort as well as strong driving dynamics. Precise tuning of the spring and damper rates, as well as perfected weight distribution, means the chassis can easily cope with changes in loads, according to Cupra. The new Formentor has also been fitted with an all-wheel drive system.
The interior is said to offer a higher quality feel, with newly designed elements such as the centre console, door panels, dashboard, and upholsteries. It is also enhanced with new materials, while also embracing a more sustainable approach, including bucket seats wrapped in either 73 per cent recycled microfibre or environmentally conscious leather.
Digitalisation is at the centre of the driver’s focus. A new and improved HMI is implemented in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel as well as in the larger 12.9’ inch infotainment system, with a retro-illuminated slider. Cupra claims the Formentor offers wireless fast-charging capabilities of up to 15W. There's also a new high-fidelity 12-speaker audio sound system developed in collaboration with the audio experts of Sennheiser Mobility.
Moving on over to the new Leon now, and Cupra says it will share the same aforementioned plug-in hybrid engine as the Formentor - 272PS (200kW ), with more than 100km of all-electric range and now compatible with fast charge (up to 50kW DC charge ).
The Sportstourer version of the Leon will get a new petrol engine (TSI ), also used in the Formentor. This is said to deliver 333PS (245kW ) with torque splitter technology and optional Akebono brakes. This makes it the most powerful Cupra Leon ever, while the five-door’s most powerful version will top at 300PS (221kW ), with front-wheel drive transmission.
Exterior design language and the interior focus in the new Leon are both said by Cupra to be the same as the new Formentor, which as mentioned include a shark-nose front end, a newly designed centre console, door panels, dashboard, and upholsteries, as well as a 12.9 inch infotainment system and Sennheiser sound system.
The new Cupra Leon – five-door and Sportstourer – and the new Formentor, will be produced in Barcelona, at the brand’s headquarters in Martorell.
