CUPRA Leon and Formentor Received New Design

The innovative challenger brand unveils the redesigned and upgraded CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon, aiming to sustain their triumphant journey.

Building upon its earlier success, the new CUPRA Formentor enters the scene, aiming further to solidify its position in the Crossover SUV segment. As the brand’s flagship model, the CUPRA Formentor has garnered widespread acclaim, appearing as an emblem of the brand’s identity. In a highly competitive Crossover Utility Market (A-CUV) market, it soared to the top of the sales charts last year with 120,100 units delivered worldwide (up 23.0% compared to 2022), marking a remarkable achievement for the brand’s inaugural uniquely crafted vehicle.

Meanwhile, the new CUPRA Leon exudes a robust persona, available in both 5-door hatchback and Sportstourer variants, coinciding with a significant milestone for the brand.

In the initial quarter of 2024, CUPRA achieved a milestone by delivering 56,600 vehicles, witnessing a notable surge of 21.4% compared to Q1 2023. Notably, March emerged as a record-breaking month for the brand, with 23,800 deliveries, marking an all-time high.

New Designs to Provoke Strong Emotions

The updated exterior boasts the CUPRA emblem prominently displayed on the front bonnet, serving as the focal point of the aggressive shark-nosed facade. Triangular matrix LED lights and a commanding lower grille accentuate this bold aesthetic. The same triangular lighting motif carries through to the rear, framing the illuminated central CUPRA logo. New matte colour options like Century Bronze or Enceladus Grey add further distinction to both vehicles.

Inside, the emotional appeal of the exterior design is echoed in a blend of sportiness and sustainability, infused with a host of digital technologies and thoughtful material selections. The interior exudes a heightened sense of quality, featuring newly crafted elements like the central console. Moreover, the interior embraces sustainability by incorporating materials such as Bucket seats wrapped in either 73% recycled microfibre or environmentally conscious leather.

Digitalisation Takeover

Driver focus is centred around digitalisation, with both vehicles featuring an enhanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) showcased in the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel and the larger 12.9’’ infotainment system. Notably, the infotainment system now boasts a retro-illuminated slider for added functionality.

In the realm of audio, a new premium 12-speaker sound system has been developed in collaboration with Sennheiser Mobility, renowned for its pure, signature sound trusted by music professionals worldwide.

Range of Powertrains

Under the hood, a diverse range of powertrain options are available, encompassing four distinct technologies: TSI (petrol), mild hybrid (eTSI), TDI (diesel), and eHybrid (plug-in hybrid). The latest iteration of the plug-in hybrid system delivers an impressive 272PS (200kW) and offers over 100km of all-electric range, now compatible with fast charging (up to 50kW DC charge).

Exclusive to the CUPRA Formentor and the CUPRA Leon Sportstourer is a new petrol engine choice (TSI), producing a formidable 333PS (245kW), augmented by torque splitter technology and Akebono brakes.

Unveiling the Brand’s Design Obsession

The world debut of the new CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon epitomised CUPRA’s identity as a design-focused brand.

During the event, the brand introduced CUPRA Design, a dedicated design studio. Beyond curating the brand’s merchandise, CUPRA Design will collaborate with like-minded companies seeking to infuse their brands with CUPRA’s distinctive style. The vision for CUPRA Design is to serve as the premier destination for those craving bold, unconventional designs, regardless of their product or project.

Building upon the design ethos exemplified by the new CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon, the brand is set to unveil further innovations in collaboration with its partners, embodying the same commitment to striking design.

MAM, the eco-conscious jewellery brand hailing from Barcelona, is partnering with CUPRA to craft a collection featuring a ring and “Welcome to the Tribe” bracelets, available in both standard and limited editions. These pieces are meticulously fashioned from ruthenium and copper, materials intrinsic to CUPRA’s automotive designs, aiming to encapsulate a sense of raw authenticity.

In another collaboration, CUPRA has once again joined forces with Barcelona’s renowned lighting design studio, Marset, to present the captivating Dipping Light. This colourful reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic lamp was showcased at the event, embodying CUPRA’s aesthetic values of refinement and sophistication, intertwined with an emotional and unconventional flair.

CUPRA Catwalk

The “CUPRA Design Obsession” took centre stage with a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle at Plaza de Cibeles, nestled in the heart of Madrid. CUPRA’s core values were showcased in a manner never before witnessed.

The plaza was transformed with expansive screens, creating a suspended catwalk where virtual models representing the 9 principles of the brand’s visionary ethos seemingly strutted before the mesmerised audience.

The concept behind this innovative catwalk was to dissect and understand the distinct elements that define CUPRA’s design identity. Each avatar personified a value intrinsic to CUPRA’s appeal, including a rebellious spirit challenging the norm, the camaraderie of the Tribe inviting individuals to join, and an unwavering obsession driving continuous improvement—an ethos that resonates with many, yet may not appeal to all.

---

The unveiling of the redesigned and upgraded CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, showcasing its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

Deliveries of the new Leon and Formentor will begin this summer, with prices for both likely to start from around the £35,000 mark.

With a focus on design, CUPRA has crafted vehicles that not only exude a bold and aggressive aesthetic but also incorporate sustainable materials and cutting-edge digital technologies, elevating the driving experience to new heights.