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

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. 

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.