Cupra Leon VZ2 300 (2021) Review

The 2021 Cupra Leon VZ2 300 is a standout in the hot hatch market, packing 300 brake horsepower, a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph (thanks to electronic restrictions). With front-wheel drive, this car is built for thrill-seekers, and it certainly delivers on the grin factor. Let’s dive into what makes this hot hatch so exciting—and where it could use some improvements.

if you’re looking for a fun, fast, and practical hatchback at a great price point, the Cupra Leon VZ2 300 should be at the top of your list.

Performance & Handling: The Joy of Front-Wheel Drive

At first glance, you might wonder if a car with 300 horsepower should have all-wheel drive. But Cupra keeps things entertaining with a front-wheel drive setup that brings a sense of fun, especially during aggressive driving. The acceleration is sharp, and the exhaust note is fantastic — one of the car’s most enjoyable features. Put it in Cupra mode, and it really roars to life, although it also pipes in some artificial engine noise that doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a shame because the real exhaust note is sublime.

The Cupra Leon’s suspension is firm, as expected from a sports car with large wheels and a low-profile tire setup. While it may give you a rougher ride on city streets, it shines on twisty roads or track days. The car grips the road with confidence, thanks to its stiff suspension and adaptive dampers, which allow you to soften or stiffen the ride depending on the driving mode you select.

Customizable Driving Modes: Almost Too Much of a Good Thing

One thing you’ll appreciate (or maybe find a bit overkill) is the range of driving modes. With around 19 modes to choose from, you can tweak nearly every aspect of the car’s performance to match your preferences. Whether you’re cruising around town or pushing the car to its limits, there’s a mode for every occasion. However, with so many options, it might feel like Cupra has gone a little too far.

The Infotainment System: Almost Perfect, But...

Now, let’s talk tech. The Cupra Leon comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which is great because the built-in infotainment system could be better. It’s not the most responsive system, and the touch-sensitive sliders for volume and climate control could have been replaced by good old-fashioned knobs. However, the voice control is impressive, and most essential functions can be easily managed from the steering wheel.

One issue with the infotainment is its startup speed — it’s a bit slow. But once you're connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it becomes a minor inconvenience. Overall, the system is fine, but it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of the rest of the car.

Interior & Comfort: Premium with a Few Plastic Flaws

Inside, the 2021 Cupra Leon feels high-end where it counts. The top of the dashboard features high-quality materials, and everything is solidly put together — there’s no rattling or cheapness to speak of. However, the lower half of the interior, particularly the door pockets, are let down by some cheap plastics. It's a small gripe, but when you compare it to something like an Audi, which tends to use felt-lined storage spaces, it does feel like a missed opportunity.

That said, the steering wheel is a standout feature. Cupra has gone all out with a VW Group-style wheel that’s loaded with controls and finished with a carbon effect that looks and feels fantastic. The driving position is spot on, offering great visibility and comfort, even on longer drives. The suspension is firm, but this is no cushy luxury car — it’s a hot hatch that wants to be driven hard.

Practicality: A Hot Hatch With Everyday Usability

For a car that offers such thrilling performance, the Cupra Leon is also surprisingly practical. You get 380 litres of boot space, which is respectable for a hot hatch. The back seats offer decent legroom, making it comfortable for passengers, whether they’re adults or kids in car seats. You won’t struggle to use this as your daily driver, even if you’ve got a small family.

Final Thoughts: A Hot Hatch Done Right

So, would I recommend the 2021 Cupra Leon VZ2 300? Absolutely. It delivers a fantastic driving experience, whether you’re looking for excitement on the weekends or a practical ride for everyday use. Sure, the infotainment system could be improved, and some of the interior plastics feel a bit cheap, but these are minor flaws in an otherwise excellent package.

Stylistically, the Cupra Leon strikes the perfect balance between aggressive hot hatch and refined daily driver. It looks sporty without being over-the-top, making it an ideal choice for those who want performance without shouting about it.

If you’re in the market for a hot hatch and want something that stands out from the usual VW Golf GTI or even its sibling, the Golf Club Sport, the Cupra Leon VZ2 300 is a serious contender. With its killer exhaust note, solid build quality, and the ability to customize almost every aspect of the drive, this is a car that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun, fast, and practical hatchback at a great price point, the Cupra Leon VZ2 300 should be at the top of your list.

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