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Cupra Leon review – MPG and running costs

Mostly sits in the 30s, making it fine by modern hot hatchback standards

Evo rating
RRP
from £31,090
  • Brisk, decently engaging, nicely balanced
  • Slightly numb steering, aggressively priced, frustrating HMI

All Cupra Leons are relatively efficient considering their level of performance. The all-wheel-drive 333 estate is unsurprisingly the thirstiest, while the PHEVs will be by far the most frugal with management and effective use of that plug-in powertrain.

With the 300, like all modern turbocharged petrol engines, on-paper mpg figures must be taken with a pinch of salt, as the moment you get that turbo spinning the figures will plummet. The mid-30s figures we saw in our old long termer continue with this new car. The old 310 estate managed high-20s. Longer journeys at reasonable motorway speeds would bring the figures closer into line.

The EA888 motor has otherwise proven to be very reliable, and throughout our many experiences has had no major hiccups. The Leon’s updated infotainment system is a bit sturdier than before, with less of a tendency to freeze up.

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Leons on the 235-section 19-inch Bridgestone S005 tyre used to run you about £170 per corner. These Hankooks are a little cheaper, at £165 as of December 2024.

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