SPY PICS: 2024 Cupra Leon Sportstourer keeps firming for Oz

What you’re looking at here is more than likely the effective replacement for the now-dead Volkswagen Golf R Wagon, but the bad news is it’s yet to be revealed let alone confirmed for Australia, which means it could still be the best part of 12 months (or more) away from your local Cupra showroom.

The car in question is the facelifted 2024 Cupra Leon Sportstourer and while Cupra Australia – which hasn’t commented on the matter since August – is still working on its business case for the sports car-poaching family hauler, carsales understands the model will only be released here in facelifted guise.

Details on any key mechanical changes included as part of the mid-life makeover are few and far between at this point, but it’s thought there’ll be no major upgrades for the flagship VZx Sportstourer beyond its new face and tail.

We draw attention to this model on account of it being the apple of Cupra Australia’s eye along with the plug-in hybrid VZe, however, the latter could be in for a handy upgrade if the recently revealed VW Golf line-up is anything to go by.

Whether we get both versions or just the angry halo variant – which packs 221kW/400Nm and all-wheel drive – is irrelevant to the Leon’s updated exterior design which, as we can see from these recent spy images as well as previous ones, will evolve to look a bit more like the SUVs.

Headline changes will include slimmer headlight clusters with triangular daytime running lights, a much smaller grille and larger lower intake, presumably to up the attitude factor as per most Volkswagen Group products these days.

The Leon Sportstourer’s chances for the Australian market are looking increasingly good as more and more hot hatches, SUVs and mid-size cars are shown the door locally, which frees up room for the bigger five-door to muscle in and fill the gap in the market once occupied by the Golf R Wagon from which it derives its platform and running gear.

Realistically, the closest competition for the VZx or VZe will be the Volkswagen Tiguan R and Skoda Octavia wagon, the latter of which is down some 41kW/20Nm and only front-drive.

Spy photos: Automedia

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