CHANGE OF PACE

European newcomer expands its range withw more affordable performance models

Spanish newcomer Cupra has added more models to its line-up, introducing VZ versions of its Formentor crossover and Leon hatchback. The VZ models sit one step above the entry-level Cupras, offering more power and bigger 19-inch rims for a circa-$5500 premium.

A modified version of the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder puts out 180kw and 370Nm, 40kw and 50Nm more than the base engine.

It’s the same engine that powers Volkswagen’s much-loved Golf GTI.

The Leon VZ we drove costs $56,990 driveaway, although that price is about to increase to $57,490 as Cupra adds a bigger 12-inch centre touchscreen.

That’s big money for a small car, but the VZ essentially delivers hot-hatch performance for a couple of grand less than the GTI, which now costs more than $60,000.

The Formentor, which is roughly the same length as a VW Tiguan but less spacious inside thanks to its sleeker profile, costs $58,490 driveaway.

Both vehicles feel a cut above mainstream rivals, with tech-laden cabins, soft-touch materials and ambient lighting with a choice of different hues.

The Formentor has a bigger touchscreen than the Leon (for the time being) but both share the same digital instrument cluster, which allows drivers to choose from a range of different layouts. Traditionalists can choose dials and needles, while others may prefer a more minimalist readout that focuses on the essentials such as speed.

Buttons and dials are scarce in the cabin, which makes for an uncluttered, modern look. The downside is that functions such as the airconditioning are trickier to operate because they require the driver to scroll through menus on the touchscreen.

Both our test cars had a $2450 “leather and sound” package that included leather trim, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function, a soft-touch dash with copper-coloured stitching and a nine-speaker Beats sound system.

A sunroof will set you back a further $1800, while premium paint is another $475.

Both cars are well equipped on the technology front. Aside from the large twin screens, there’s a wireless charging pad, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, satnav and four USB-C ports.

Rear passengers are well looked after. Legroom is similarly generous in both vehicles and passengers have their own aircon controls and USB ports.

All the expected active safety tech is standard, including a warning if you’re about to open the door into passing traffic.

There are also some sporty add-ons for driving enthusiasts.

The single-piece bucket sports seats have plenty of support for hard cornering, while paddles on the steering wheels let you shift the seven-speed dual-clutch auto manually.

Four drive modes are available: economy, comfort, sport and Cupra, which has the most aggressive throttle, exhaust, steering and suspension settings.

To tune the suspension for comfort or cornering ability, you adjust a slider in the drive mode menu, choosing from a much wider range of settings than in rival machines.

All of which adds up to an engaging driving experience. On a winding road, the Leon feels lively and nimble.

The dual-clutch auto instinctively plucks the right gear for maximum thrust out of slow corners, while the engine feels strong through a broad band of the rev range.

The only thing lacking is a satisfying exhaust note – even at full throttle, the engine sounds a little tame.

The Formentor isn’t as light on its feet as the Leon, but it still feels reassuring through the bends.

Cupra says the Leon will sprint from 0100km/h in 6.4 seconds, while the Formentor takes 6.8 seconds.

Both cars are pretty easy to live with in the daily grind, although the low profile 19-inch wheels can jar occasionally on sharper bumps and broken road surfaces. There’s also some tyre roar on coarser bitumen.

The engine is impressively efficient on the open road. We saw roughly 6.0L/100km on the freeway in the Leon and slightly more for the Formentor.

Around town those figures can creep into double numbers in heavy traffic.

Both cars make a strong impression. The only question mark surrounds the pricing, which is ambitious for a start-up brand.