Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp
Polestar 5 front
Reviews

Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp

Polestar’s flagship finally arrives, with a bespoke aluminium structure, electric powertrain and suspension. But will anyone actually buy it?
1 Jun 2026
Westfield Sportscars sold – beloved Caterham rival bought by Dutch track day company
Westfield sale
News

Westfield Sportscars sold – beloved Caterham rival bought by Dutch track day company

The company will continue its present operations as it prepares for the future
2 Jun 2026
Mercedes GLC Electric review – big on space and tech, if not driver appeal
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric front
Reviews

Mercedes GLC Electric review – big on space and tech, if not driver appeal

The Mercedes GLC Electric rolls out a load of clever EV technology and uses it to soothe, rather than entertain, its driver
1 Jun 2026