Cupra refresh: All-new Formenor and Leon unveiled

At a glitzy event in downtown Madrid, the dust covers first came off its bestselling crossover SUV.

Ensuring it retains the number-­one sales slot in Europe, the funky Formentor gets a Batman-like makeover with a new front, rear light bar, stonking two-tone alloys and matt paintwork.

The signature triangular headlights have been replaced with three separate Matrix LED units shaped like the Tribe logo that also highlight the car’s new shark nose.

This is further complemented by a new apron finished in piano black, while the spotlights in the upper bumper have shrunk in size.

At the rear, the coast-to-coast lightbar now has a 3D effect, which runs into the centre where the Logo is also now illuminated.

The Cupra name is emblazoned across the tailgate, while a slatted diffuser finished in high-gloss black adds a real touch of sportiness, as do the quad exhausts finished in copper.

The changes to the Leon are less dramatic, with a fresh bonnet, sharper creases, alloy upgrade and snazzy new seats.

It also shares the same signature lightbar at the rear, while the cabin is treated to a new centre console complete with larger infotainment screen (12.9in) with touch and slide function.

It also comes with a new wireless full link system including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto channelled through its new human machine interface (HMI).

Engine-wise, the entry point for the Formentor is the new 1.5 litre TSI petrol unit, which delivers 150bhp linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

Performance is enhanced in the Leon with a larger 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, which has an output of 204bhp that’s twinned to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

At the top of the line-up are the VZ variants. (VZ stands for veloz in Spanish, meaning quick or fast.)

These beasts come with two different power outputs. The first delivers 265bhp through the front wheels, while the other bad boy bangs out a face-peeling 333bhp.

It gets its own exclusive drive mode that’s specially calibrated for the racetrack and is equipped with torque-splitter technology and optional Akebono brakes.

The Cupra mode gives you high dynamic torque response through the throttle and a light indicator in the dash tells you when you have hit peak revs.

It also cleverly shifts power between rear left and rear right wheels during cornering, giving the hulking SUV even greater dexterity and agility.

There’s even a drift mode, for those who enjoy the smell of burning rubber.

Cupra will offer a mild hybrid with 48V technology and a diesel in certain markets, but we reckon the new plug-in hybrid will be the top seller for both models. The new eHybrid engine options include two power outputs – 204 and 272bhp – and both will be capable of travelling in electric mode for up to 100km.

Both are equipped with the new 1.5 TSI engine, an electric motor and a larger battery pack that now offers 19.7kWh.

The battery can now be fast-charged at up to 50kW (DC charge) while on the road, or at home using a 11kW wallbox (previously 3.6kW).

The really good news is you won’t have to wait as order books for the two new models open shortly, with deliveries promised just in time for 242 registrations.

Prices will be announced in the coming weeks.

First look: New Skoda Superb and Combi priced from €48,325

The fourth-generation Skoda Superb hatchback and Combi (estate) have landed and are available to order, priced from €48,325.

Design-wise, the Czechs are playing it safe with their “evolution over revolution” ethos but they have made significant changes on the inside, with smart dials making for a more tactile experience, while a free-standing, 13in infotainment screen provides greater ease of use.

Skoda has simplified the engine offering for Ireland, with a new 1.5 TSI mHEV (150hp) and a 2.0 TDI (150bhp) diesel to choose from.

All models feature DSG automatic transmissions, with traditional manual gearboxes no longer offered.

In hatchback guise, the 1.5 TSI petrol engine, with mild-hybrid technology, consumes just 5.4 litres per 100km. Prices starts from €48,325 in Selection specification.

The 2.0 TDI engine, with prices starting from €48,825, consumes 5.1 litres per 100km of diesel or HVO (hydro-treated vegetable oil).

For an additional €2,000, customers can upgrade from the hatchback to the Combi estate with 690 litres of luggage capacity.

Both hatchback and Combi versions are longer and taller than their predecessors, while wheelbases remain unchanged. The Combi’s total boot capacity, with rear seats folded, is an impressive 1,920 litres.

Both are offered in three specs – Selection, Selection Plus and L&K. A Sportline model will be launched towards the end of the year, with prices to follow.

Dacia Duster ups the ante with new 4X4 capabilities

Not only is the all-new Dacia Duster getting a rugged new look, it’s being treated to a new engine line-up that boasts serious 4x4 off-road capabilities.

Most popular here will be the Hybrid 140, which uses the same combo that’s in the new seven-seat Jogger.

It comprises a four-cylinder, naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine that’s twinned to two electric motors, which generates a decent 138bhp. It also gets a 1.2kWh battery that stores power from regenerative braking, which is then used for electric-only city driving.

There’s also an entry-level three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol with a 48 V mild hybrid motor. This TCe 130 powertrain is available with a six-speed manual gearbox in the 4x2 and 4x4 versions.

Upping the ante in off-roading, the new Duster comes with five drive modes – Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco. It also has software to monitor lateral tilt, pitch and torque distribution.