Among journalists and customers alike, the SEAT Leon Cupra is much admired as a Sport Coupé, as five-door and as Sports Tourer. In the trade media cross Europe, the Cupra immediately became a consistent winner in comparison tests; its owners love its design and road manners. The new Leon ST Cupra adds another dimension - the space of an estate. For work and family, for sports and hobbies - thanks to its versatility and the maximum load space of 1,470 litres, the Leon ST Cupra is the perfect sports car for all aspects of life.
A concentrated package of hi-tech guarantees the enormous performance of the new Leon ST Cupra. At the top is the 2.0 TSI engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing. Depending on the version, it delivers an output of 195 kW / 265 PS or now 213 kW / 290 PS. The DCC dynamic chassis control, the front differential lock, the progressive steering, the Cupra Drive Profile and the standard-fit full-LED headlamps are further examples of its state-of-the-art technologies.
Cupra stands for power, performance, dynamics - and the Leon Cupra fulfils all these promises perfectly. The Cupra 290 with optional DSG transmission catapults from zero to 100 km/h in just 5,7 seconds, and in 5,8 seconds with the manual gearbox. The regulated top speed of 250 km/h is a matter of course. The maximum torque of 350 Newton meters is now available across an even broader rev range from 1,700 to 5,800 rpm and guarantees impressive pulling power in every situation. Against this, the new Leon Cupra 290 is astonishingly efficient. The average fuel consumption for both power variants is just 6.6 litres with DSG and 6.7 litres with the Leon SC manual gearbox. This equates to CO2 figures of just 149 and 156 grams (Leon SC).
The performance of the Leon Cupra 290 can be raised even further with the optional Performance pack, which includes a set of Brembo brake calipers, an exclusive wheel design and special tyres.
From the outside, the new model at the top of the SEAT line-up is recognisable only from the Cupra 290 lettering on the rear end. Inside, it boasts chromed trim elements, with high-gloss black available as an option. And the new, increased power output is audible, too - a retuned exhaust system gives the sports engine an even more refined tone.
Hi-tech engine components
As a true sports engine, the 2.0 TSI reacts spontaneously to every movement of the gas pedal and is deliciously high revving. The all-new power unit with its exceptionally responsive turbocharger is packed full with hi-tech and groundbreaking features - in the dual-injection system, the gasoline direct injection is complemented under partial load by manifold injection. Its optimum set-up reduces fuel consumption and particulate emissions. Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range - the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the innovative thermo system. A new kind of coating on the aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum. The Cupra efficiency package also includes the start/stop system and brake energy regeneration.
The Chassis - hi-tech for precision and dynamics
Cupra has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and amazing sporting character. The Leon Cupra manages to set the bar a good deal higher - in every dimension. With the DCC dynamic chassis control, front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard, the new Leon Cupra achieves considerably faster laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor. At the same time, it is significantly more relaxed to drive, with a surprisingly refined level of comfort even on long motorway journeys. Safe and reliable deceleration comes courtesy of the Cupra-specific, high-performance brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.
DCC dynamic chassis control
The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic lightweight design of the new Leon family is also evident on the Cupra. The new generation of the DCC dynamic chassis control developed specifically for the Cupra is even more sensitive and responsive, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in a matter of milliseconds. The same applies to the driver's preferences - the Cupra Drive Profile permits extensive individualisation of the ride.
Front-axle differential lock
The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Newton metres and, in extreme cases, 100 percent of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is integrated into all the handling systems like ESP and EDS. It improves not only the traction, but also reduces torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on steering feel.
Progressive steering
Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering improves the agile handling of the new Leon Cupra. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel, less steering movement is required, reducing the number of grip changes, especially in cornering or parking manoeuvres. The steering in the new Leon Cupra works with a progressive ratio through variable toothing on the rack.
The ESP handling system has been further developed specifically for the Leon Cupra and enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages - the first stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESP into sport mode, permitting greater yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESP completely.
Cupra Drive Profile
The Cupra Drive Profile enables the characteristics of the Leon Cupra to be adapted across a very wide range to meet the individual preferences of the driver. Alongside the Comfort and Sport modes, the Cupra mode was, of course, a focal point for the engineers in Martorell. Throttle response is particularly sensitive in this setting, while the DSG operates in its sportiest shifting mode and the sound actuator supports the full tone of the turbocharged engine. DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the front-axle differential lock also operate at their sportiest settings.
The Design - emotional and powerful
Emotional design is a great strength of the Leon family. For the Cupra, this has been developed one step further. The new front end with its large air intakes and full-LED headlamps ensures a powerful look, as do the rear skirt with its diffuser effect and the two oval end pipes. The alloy wheels are exclusive to the Cupra, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windshields underscore its individuality.
The focus of the interior is on the Cupra sports steering wheel in its own unique design complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission, as well as the top sports seats in Alcantara finished with white stitching. Black full-leather upholstery, likewise with white stitching, is also available. For extreme lateral grip, there are optional bucket seats. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.
The Cupra 290 is visually differentiated by its unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint finish, the Aerodynamic Pack with the spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are in gleaming chrome or optional black.