Cupra Leon review – MPG and running costs
Mostly sits in the 30s, making it fine by modern hot hatchback standards
All Cupra Leons are relatively efficient considering their level of performance, with the Leon 245 averaging close to 40mpg and the 300 only a few mpg behind at 35-37mpg. The all-wheel-drive 310 estate drops this down to 33mpg, although these are all claimed figures.
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 those figures will plummet. We ran both a 300 hatchback and 310 estate on the fast fleet for six-month periods and found mid-30s for the hatchback and high-20s for the estate to be more appropriate figures, although longer journeys at reasonable motorway speeds would bring the figures closer into line.
The ‘eco’ driver mode also helps this figure along, although the DSG ’box’s insistence on decoupling at every opportunity and the soggy throttle response makes it a little frustrating to use every day.
The EA888 motor has otherwise proven to be very reliable, and throughout our many experiences has had no major hiccups. Less reliable is the Leon’s infotainment system, which like lots of modern VW tech has a tendency to freeze up. Luckily, the car’s main functions never go down the same route, keeping the driver’s display and safety systems in check. It’s more of a general irritant when the HVAC and radio controls have a day off.
Leons on the 235-section 19-inch tyre run a Bridgestone S005 compound from the factory, which will run you about £170 per corner.
