Cupra Leon V 2023 Review

The 2023 Cupra Leon V arrives as the new entry-level model for the Volkswagen Group’s Spanish performance brand – both in terms of the Leon hatchback and the entire Cupra range – kicking off from $43,990 plus on-road costs, or $47,990 drive-away.

Beyond the entry-level Leon V, the VZ is another $8000 more expensive at $51,990 plus ORCs, while the plug-in hybrid VZe and flagship VZx each top out at $59,990 plus on-roads.

It’s worth noting this pricing is only relevant until the updated 2024 Cupra Leon range begins arriving from late September 2023, with Cupra having recently released updated MY24 pricing that pushes the Leon hatch up by $1200-$1700, depending on the variant.

With MY24, the Leon V will open from $45,190 plus ORCs.

At $48K drive-away, the 2023 Cupra Leon V is not what you’d call a stripper model, in keeping with the fledgling Euro brand’s premium and sporting focus.

Headline standard equipment includes 18-inch black-and-silver alloy wheels, dynamic chassis control and three-zone climate control.

LEDs are used for the headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights, while automatic high beam, fog lights with cornering function and tyre pressure monitoring are also included.

There’s keyless entry/start, heated and power-fold side mirrors, tinted rear windows and a heated steering wheel, though no standard heat treatment for the front seats as found on the VZx.

As well as the lower-output engine (which we’ll detail below), other omissions on the Leon V compared to higher-grade VZ/VZx models include aluminium pedals, ventilated rear disc brakes (it uses solid rotors instead), twin or quad exhaust (just the single outlet) and a front diff lock.

Its 18-inch wheels on 225/40R18 tyres are also less aggressive than its siblings’ 19-inch rims with 235/35R19 rubber.

Metallic paint colours Nevada White, Magnetic Tech and Midnight Black are no-cost options, but Desire Red and Graphene Grey command a $475 premium.

An electric sunroof is an $1800 option, while a Leather and Sound Package ($2450) brings leather seats with heating up front, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, copper stitching along the dashboard and a nine-speaker Beats audio system.

Cupra covers every Leon with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

All variants in the 2023 Cupra Leon range come with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted with New Zealand-spec models in 2020.

The Leon V also comes loaded with advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, travel assist, park assist, a reversing camera, driver fatigue monitor, rain-sensing wipers, side assist with exit assist, and adaptive cruise control with ‘follow to stop’.

Occupants are also well covered by airbags, with dual front, front side, front centre and a driver’s knee airbag all included, plus a head-protecting curtain airbag that extends along the front and rear compartments.

As with the safety spec, the 2023 Cupra Leon V does not skimp on standard infotainment tech features.

Across the range, every variant uses the same 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.0-inch central touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, AM/FM radio and voice control.

There’s a wireless phone charging pad, four USB-C ports (two front/rear) and a 12V outlet up front as well.

As with other new Volkswagen Group models, the Leon’s infotainment system is devoid of any hard buttons or controls along the edges. Instead, touch-sensitive slider toggles are mounted below the screen for volume and individual temperature controls.

That means you have to fiddle around multiple menus to find simple functions such as air recirculation whilst driving.

But at least the high-resolution screens are easy to navigate and the driver’s display brings plenty of customisation.

The 2023 Cupra Leon V is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine used in the VZ and VZx – and a variety of other Volkswagen Group models – but in a lower state of tune.

Whereas the VZ produces 180kW/370Nm and the VZx a wilder 221kW/400Nm, the V is the milder sibling with 140kW at 4200-6000rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1500-4100rpm.

Performance can be likened to that of the Volkswagen Polo GTI, which produces just a tad more power (7kW) but the same 320Nm – albeit in a smaller and lighter package.

As per its higher-performance siblings, the Leon V drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Cupra claims the Leon V can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.2sec, placing it some distance behind the VZ (6.4sec) and VZx (5.7sec).

It runs on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

The most frugal of Cupra’s conventional petrol-engined hatchback family, the 2023 Cupra Leon V is claimed to sip 6.2L/100km on the official combined cycle.

That compares to 6.7/6.8L/100km for the higher-output VZ/VZx respectively, but of course if you’re looking for a more frugal option, the plug-in hybrid Leon VZe takes the cake for efficiency at 1.8L/100km.

We didn’t see our average fuel consumption figure dip below 6.8L/100km during our short time with the Leon V.

There’s no doubting the ‘warm hatch’ label from behind the wheel of the 2023 Cupra Leon V, particularly after spending time in the flagship Leon VZx hot hatch.

The V is much more mellow, softer and quieter. The brakes aren’t as grabby, steering isn’t as sharp and the throttle doesn’t feel as aggressive.

But even in detuned form, the Leon V does a commendable job of keeping up with the pack, offering loads of mid-to-high-range pull on the move thanks to an engine that never seems to run out of puff. It’s also the lightest of the Leon pack, at 1461kg tare.

The dual-clutch auto isn’t without its signature low-speed hesitation, but it’s smooth and responsive at speed, where steering wheel-mounted shift paddles amp up the athleticism when you’re keen to do a bit more work.

The chunkier 225/40-series rubber wrapped around smaller 18-inch alloy wheels (all other Leon variants ride on 19s) affords the Leon V a little more compliance on pockmarked country roads, where the V’s charming little character shines through.

It handles like a hot hatch, and you can throw it into corners with confidence, where it hooks in feeling flat and composed, seemingly only unsettled once the road becomes too wet and the Goodyear rubber starts scrambling for grip.

You’d be forgiven for jumping into the cabin of the 2023 Cupra Leon V and not realising it was the most affordable option, because cabin materials, fit and finish are excellent.

Bronze highlights across the dash – a nod to Cupra’s Spanish roots, in case you missed that memo – are a welcome touch, adding more depth to the cabin, while sports bucket seats clad in relatively soft fabric are comfortable for extended periods.

Unless you go for the pricey Leather and Sound Package, you’re stuck with manually adjustable seats up front, which somewhat dampen the premium feel.

It’s a strange contrast when you note the addition of a separate temperature control toggle (tri-zone climate control) and air vents in the second row – something not a lot of vehicles in this segment offer.

Vision is good all round and there’s even decent space for a pair of adults in the second row.

As with all Leon variants, the luggage area holds a maximum 380 litres with the rear seats upright. An 18-inch space-saver spare tyre is included.

In isolation, the 2023 Cupra Leon V is a good option for those wanting sporty but not outright high performance in a hatchback that feels uniquely premium.

It’s comfortable, relatively affordable, filled with tech and feels luxurious.

But if you consider yourself a hot hatch connoisseur – in any sense of the word – the spicier Leon VZx or even mid-spec VZ will be more your flavour.

2023 Cupra Leon V at a glance:
Price: $43,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 141g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2020)