New Cupra Leon hatchback and estate reveal set for 29 April

Cupra is readying a substantial update for the Leon hatchback and estate which will see changes applied to the car’s tech features and design. We’ve spied the car testing in various forms, but now Cupra has issued its first official teaser image, alongside confirmation the cars will be revealed in full on 29 April.

The single image doesn’t give much away. Indeed, we’re able to garner more information from the various camouflaged cars we’ve caught out in the open over the past few months. What the picture does show, however, is a new rear light signature split into three parts. We can also make out the illuminated ‘Leon’ lettering to the side.

The new Leon will be revealed in hatchback and estate forms next week, alongside the revised Cupra Formentor SUV. A similar teaser image of that car showed an illuminated Cupra badge, but it remains to be seen whether the Leon will benefit from a similar treatment.

Previously spied winter testing in different forms, the new Leon will follow VW’s recently updated Golf Mk8.5, and will join other updated MQB models like the revised Skoda Octavia and Audi A3, both of which are due in showrooms later this year.

Aside from what we’ve seen in the aforementioned teaser image, the spy pictures show a continued evolution of the brand’s design language. This will start with a new set of LED headlights that are markedly different in shape compared to the current model’s, featuring a new triple-element lighting signature. 

These lights will sit within a brand new front end design that will take its cues from new Cupra models like the Tavascan SUV, dominated by a much larger lower grille and more three-dimensional grilles and vents.

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The white Cupra Leon hatchback in these images appears to be a plug-in hybrid model as indicated by the faux exhaust finishers on the lower bumper and a secondary filler cap for the battery on the front wing. Cupra’s designers also look to be having fun with the wheel designs, with the hatchback featuring a new tri-spoke alloy with a diamond cut finish. 

We’ve also spied images of the forthcoming Cupra Leon estate version, this one most likely featuring the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and all-wheel drive system, as suggested by the four round exhaust finishers tucked away in the rear bumper. This model also has its own tri-spoke wheel design, and like the hatchback a chunky set of bronze-finished calipers behind. 

The Cupra Leon interior will also be given a refresh, but we’ll have to wait and see if that applies to a new set of digital interfaces as has been featured in the new Mk8.5 VW Golf.

Cupra has announced the car will be revealed at the end of April, but it’s not yet clear when orders will open, or when first customer cars will arrive in the UK. Expect a small price premium over the pre-facelift Leon, which starts from £31,565 in base V1 trim.

Now read our list of the best estate cars to buy...