New family face for Cupra duo

THE Cupra Formentor arrived just three 4 years ago as the brand's first bespoke model, and is already the company's best-seller in Europe. But to keep the sporty SUV on trend, it has been given a new look, interior tweaks and upgraded powertrains, while the Cupra Leon has also benefitted from a similar nip and tuck.

- Ellis Hyde

• Formentor and Leon updates
• More power, plus PHEV boost

Both cars have received significant styling changes to incorporate Cupra's latest design language, first seen on its forthcoming flagship, the Tavascan coupéSUV. The facelifted Formentor and Leon feature a new "shark-nose" front end as well as a three-triangle light signature, which is also replicated at the rear.

The front bumpers on both cars have also been redesigned, while the Formentor gets a thin air intake below the nose, and an open grille pattern to provide extra cooling. The Cupra badge has moved from the grille to just below the bonnet, and there's now an illuminated logo in the centre of the rear LED light bar.

Inside, both cars feature a 12.9-inch central touchscreen running a new infotainment system that Cupra says has an easier-to-use interface, particularly in regards to the climate controls. Both cars still have touch-sensitive temperature and volume sliders, but they are now illuminated.

Customisable