Skip advert
Advertisement

Cupra Leon VZ Cup revealed – but it’s a non-starter for UK customers

The conservatively-styled Cupra Leon ia set gain some visual volume in new VZ Cup form

The Cupra Leon hatchback has been criticised for perhaps not looking quite as aggressive as it ought to given the levels of performance, so to address that, it’s revealed a new VZ Cup trim level that’s available on all three powertrain options. 

The changes are subtle, and start with a two-tone copper and black 19-inch wheel design that until now has yet to be available on UK models. There’s also some new carbonfibre additions including a larger rear spoiler and new mirror caps, with extended side sills completing the changes outside. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, Cupra’s trademark Petrol blue interior theme contrasted with copper elements is available on a new lightweight bucket seat that was first seen on the EU-only Formentor VZ5. These don’t only offer increased lateral support, but also are mounted lower for a more connected feel to the road. 

The steering wheel-mounted buttons usually reserved for high-level Formentors and the Leon ST 310 are also now available on lesser models, which might sound arbitrary, but with an extra two controls, one for engine start and the other instant access to the Cupra drive modes, means the process of tailoring the Leon to your mood is a far more straightforward process than digging through menus in the touchscreen. 

Unfortunately, no chassis or setup tweaks are part of the package, which is why it’s not such a great loss that the VZ Cup trim level will not be available in the UK. This, however, doesn’t discount different special editions or trim levels like the previous Carbon Edition or Cupra R Abt Edition finding their way over in the future, we’ll just have to wait for something a little more interesting in this generation to reveal itself.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

It has a VW Golf R engine, but the Cupra Leon is quietly old-school
evo Fast Fleet Cupra Leon 300 VZ3 MK4 facelift
Long term tests

It has a VW Golf R engine, but the Cupra Leon is quietly old-school

Why the old-school demands of a front-wheel-drive hot hatch still have their place
22 Jun 2026
Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf Edition 50 fighter, but it might not be as hardcore
Cupra Leon VZ TCR
News

Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf Edition 50 fighter, but it might not be as hardcore

The most hardcore Leon since the Sub8 of a decade ago comes with removable rear seats
9 Dec 2025
Cupra Leon estate VZ3 review – more power and personality than VW's Golf R
Cupra Leon VZ3 estate
Reviews

Cupra Leon estate VZ3 review – more power and personality than VW's Golf R

The Cupra Leon estate is the slept-on AWD cousin to the Golf R and S3, utilising the much-lauded torque-splitter differential
17 Nov 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Superb review – an excellent excuse to avoid buying an SUV
Skoda Superb review front
In-depth reviews

Skoda Superb review – an excellent excuse to avoid buying an SUV

The Superb continues to do what it always has: punch above its weight and offer compelling value for money
2 Jul 2026
BMW M240i review – a great value sports car, but better than a proper hot hatch?
BMW M240i xDrive front
In-depth reviews

BMW M240i review – a great value sports car, but better than a proper hot hatch?

The BMW M240i is one of the most affordable new six-cylinder performance cars you can buy – and one of the sweetest, too
2 Jul 2026
Citroën AX GT review – the ultimate forgotten 1980s hot hatch
Citroën AX GT front
Reviews

Citroën AX GT review – the ultimate forgotten 1980s hot hatch

The underdog French hot hatch of the 1980s might just be the most fun to drive. If you can find one.
3 Jul 2026