Cupra aims to attract more Australians to its community.
The sporty Spanish brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella sold over 3,700 cars in Australia in 2023 but has faced challenges reaching similar sales figures in 2024, currently seeing a 30% decrease compared to last year.
In response to this dip, Cupra has introduced a variety of deals. Alongside competitive pricing on several models, they’ve launched special editions like the Leon V Tribe Edition to draw new customers into showrooms.
The Tribe Edition is based on the most affordable Cupra, the Leon V, yet it adds distinct features to enhance its appeal.
Externally, it showcases a more pronounced rear wing and side skirts, complemented by a new set of wheels. Inside, it features Petrol Blue leather seats and dashboard trim, with heated front seats for added comfort.
It’s important to note that the Tribe Edition is based on the pre-facelift Leon currently available in Australia. Cupra has confirmed that a mid-life upgrade will debut in local dealerships around May to June next year – read more here.
Will this be enough to persuade buyers to join the Cupra community?
How does the Cupra Leon stack up?
View a comprehensive comparison of the Cupra Leon against similarly sized models.
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Leon
How much does the Cupra Leon cost?
While the Tribe Edition is priced lower than the existing Leon V entry variant based on its regular drive-away price, Cupra is currently offering the Leon V for $45,888 drive-away until September 30, making the Tribe Edition $2,000 more expensive.
Model National drive-away price Price before on-road costs Cupra Leon V $45,888 – Cupra Leon V Tribe Edition $47,888 – Cupra Leon VZ $54,888 – Cupra Leon VZx $62,888 – Cupra Leon VZe – $61,690
To see how the Cupra Leon measures up against its competitors, use our comparison tool.
What is the Cupra Leon like on the inside?
The primary distinction between the Tribe Edition and the standard Leon V is the attractive Petrol Blue leather upholstery.
Shared with the pricier VZx, this feature elevates the cabin’s ambiance in a way that the (already appealing) V does not. In the wider market, the only comparable interior finish might be the more luxurious Mazda 3 Astina with its red leather interiors.
Beyond this, the basic Cupra design is retained from the Leon and Formentor.
The fundamentals are impressive, with both driver and passenger secured in sporty seats offering substantial support, ensuring tall drivers can find comfort easily.
As is typical for modern Volkswagen Group interiors, the screens are a highlight. The 12-inch touchscreen operates Cupra’s version of the software found in the Golf and Skoda Octavia, featuring touch sliders for volume and temperature adjustment below.
Kudos to Cupra for allowing users to add a widget to the home screen for fan speed control and for having clearly marked shortcut buttons – navigation is simpler than in the Golf, though it can still be cumbersome at times.
Changing drive modes can also be unnecessarily complicated; navigating through sub-menus to access Sport or Cupra options feels like an odd oversight for a brand aspiring to a sporty profile.
The VZx comes with a wheel-mounted button reminiscent of Lamborghini designs; we’d love that option here as well.
The digital cockpit is visually appealing and features unique graphics aligning with Cupra’s sports-oriented identity. The steering wheel feels great in hand, complete with traditional buttons rather than the touch-sensitive controls seen elsewhere.
Rear seat space is average for its class. The substantial front seats with their solid backs obstruct forward visibility, but children should find comfort back there without much difficulty.
Average-sized adults will also fit, although larger options like the Formentor or Ateca are better suited for frequent passenger transport.
There are dual ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages for child seats, plus a fold-down central armrest, air vents, and dual USB-C ports.
As is common with hatchbacks of this size, the rear door opening is quite confining, making it less convenient to load children (or squeeze in adults) compared to the more practical Ateca. That said, practicality isn’t the focus of a compact hatchback.
With a claimed 380 liters of boot space, that’s 6 liters more than what you get with a Golf GTI, and the load area is spacious enough for awkward items. Folding the rear seats expands the capacity to 1,210 liters.
The low boot floor is ideal for transporting bulky bags or boxes, but it does require lifting items in rather than sliding them over a loading lip.
Dimensions:
Cupra Leon V Tribe Edition
Length: 4398mm
Width: 1799mm
Height: 1444mm
Wheelbase: 2689mm
Cargo capacity: 380 liters (5-seat)
1301 liters (2-seat)
To see how the Cupra Leon compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Leon V Tribe Edition, like all petrol variants of the Cupra Leon, features a lively 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.
Specifications:
Cupra Leon V Tribe Edition
Engine: 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol
Engine outputs: 140kW + 320Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Driven wheels: FWD
Weight: 1468kg
Fuel economy (claimed): 6.2L/100km
Fuel economy (as tested): 7.6L/100km
Fuel tank capacity: 55 liters
Fuel requirement: 95 octane premium unleaded
CO2 emissions: 141g/km
Emissions standard: Euro 6
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the Cupra Leon drive?
While it lacks some of the excitement offered by the more powerful Leon VZ and VZx, it still feels closely related.
When starting the engine, there’s a slight flourish of revs, and it delivers a surprisingly robust performance for a base model when you accelerate.
With abundant torque available, the Leon navigates smoothly around city streets. The dual-clutch transmission operates seamlessly from a standstill and shifts intelligently during city cruising.
Add to this a comfortable ride aided by adjustable dampers – a feature usually found on more expensive vehicles, offering impressive customization options – and you’ve got a car that excels in daily driving.
While they may not exude as much sporty intent as some of their hot hatch competitors, Volkswagen Group models provide performance with minimal compromise. This has always been a significant part of their appeal.
The well-mannered, spacious feeling one experiences in the Leon translates effectively to longer drives.
It remains composed at highway speeds, with sufficient power for quick overtakes.
However, on Australian highways, the Leon tends to exhibit a fair amount of road noise with the cruise control set at 100km/h, compelling you to raise the volume on the stereo.
This isn’t a dealbreaker – the same issue is present in premium European hatches like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 – but it is the most prominent drawback in an otherwise refined package.
A complete suite of active driver assistance features is available to maintain distance from vehicles ahead, keep you centered in your lane, and alert you to unseen objects in your blind spot at highway speeds, all well-calibrated.
Cupra provides Sport and Cupra modes, along with an Individual mode for customization. It’s unfortunate that accessing these modes requires navigating multiple touchscreen menus.
The adjustable dampers allow for a broad range of settings, from a comfortable ride in the Comfort mode to firmer handling in the most aggressive Cupra setting, with steering and drivetrain settings also adjustable.
The Leon proves to be an enjoyable and agile option on twisty roads. The front end responds eagerly to steering input, with body roll well-controlled, even when the dampers are set for comfort.
With precise, direct steering, placing the car accurately is effortless, and there’s ample torque available for pulling out of corners smoothly.
While the more expensive VZ requires less effort to achieve peak performance, the difference is most evident at higher revs. Here, the VZ charges confidently to its redline with its Golf GTI-sourced engine, while the V may feel somewhat less spirited.
Nonetheless, it delivers a pleasing sound profile, with the turbocharger providing a solid hiss and the engine emitting a satisfying growl.
Shifts from the seven-speed transmission are sharp in Cupra mode, and using the plastic paddles behind the wheel yields an immediate response. The car will maintain the gear you select using the paddles until it absolutely cannot.
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What do you get?
The standard features found in the Tribe Edition closely match those of the Leon V.
Cupra Leon V equipment highlights:
- Automatic LED headlights
- 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Keyless entry and start
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Tri-zone climate control
- Front and rear parking sensors
Leon V Tribe Edition enhancements include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels in black/copper finish
- Black rear spoiler extension
- Dark aluminum side skirts
- Petrol blue dashboard
- Petrol blue nappa leather seat trim
- Heated front seats
- Power driver’s seat adjustment and memory
To see how the Cupra Leon compares against its competitors, use our comparison tool.
Is the Cupra Leon safe?
The Cupra Leon boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing conducted on the SEAT Leon in 2020.
Category: Cupra Leon
Adult occupant protection: 91 percent
Child occupant protection: 88 percent
Vulnerable road user protection: 71 percent
Safety assist: 80 percent
Standard safety features include:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist with highway lane centering
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Reversing camera
- 8 airbags
- 2 x ISOFIX ports
- 3 x top-tether points
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How much does the Cupra Leon cost to run?
The Leon is no longer available with three years of complimentary maintenance as it once was.
Servicing and Warranty:
Cupra Leon V Tribe Edition
Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kilometers
Roadside assistance: 5 years
Service intervals: 12 months or 15,000 kilometers
Capped price servicing: 5 years
Total capped price service cost: $1990 (prepaid service plan)
To see how the Cupra Leon stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
CarExpert’s Take on the Cupra Leon
The Leon V was already a strong contender, and the Tribe Edition enhances that appeal.
Offering a unique combination of performance, practicality, and style in a base model, the Tribe Edition elevates the experience with a stunning interior and attractive exterior details.
The value proposition remains compelling, especially considering that you’d pay at least $13,000 more for an Audi A3 with an equivalent engine, while the similarly priced Golf R-Line delivers less power and flair.
Concerns? Unlocking the sporty attributes of the Tribe Edition remains a bit of a hassle. We’d appreciate Cupra including the Lamborghini-styled steering wheel from the VZx for easier drive mode switching.
This car has true sporting prowess, and it deserves to be more accessible.
Interested in purchasing a Cupra Leon? Connect with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here.
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MORE: Everything Cupra Leon
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
