If the ever-increasing range of performance SUVs leaves you a little cold, the hot new Seat Leon Cupra R ST estate should warm your heart. Put simply: this is the fastest Seat ever built.
In standard guise, the Leon Cupra R ST produces 300hp, but for an additional £500, customers can up the ante to a sports car-baiting 370hp. Still want that Cupra Ateca SUV?
The superfast wagon is powered by the ubiquitous 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. But in exchange for 500 notes, Seat will equip the Leon Cupra R ST with an ABT tuning pack, which sees the power increased to 370hp and the 0-62mph time fall to 4.5 seconds.
The top speed remains limited to 155mph, but the ABT-enhanced Leon is 0.4 seconds quicker to 62mph. Small margins are a big deal in the performance car world.
Throwing Copper
Crucially, unlike the front-wheel-drive Leon Cupra R hatchback, the ST is all-wheel-drive, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting that power down. The special edition also comes with quad exhausts, Brembo brakes, bucket seats and a panoramic sunroof, along with copper and carbon fibre detailing.
The 370hp versions will also feature ABT detailing on the rear badge – we suspect the majority of customers will opt for the upgrade. Well, if you’re spending £37,975 on the standard car, what’s another £500 – especially when it’s spread over a three-year PCP deal.
Blackness Grey is an exclusive colour for the Leon Cupra R ST, but buyers can also opt for Magnetic Tech, Midnight Black or Nevada White. Copper logos and badges and 19-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.
Selling The Drama
On the inside, you’ll find illuminated aluminium plaques, an eight-inch touchscreen, Digital Cockpit, carbon fibre and copper detailing, Alcantara steering wheel and gear knob, and bucket seats.
“The Leon Cupra R ST represents our ability to make unique, exciting cars with the most advanced technology ready for the most demanding and diverse of drivers. It’s the amalgamation of the brand’s experience in motor racing and the ability of our design and engineering teams to seamlessly mix performance and functionality,” said Antonino Labate, director of strategy, business development and operations of Cupra.
You can order the fastest-ever Seat from 9 April. While Cupra is now a standalone Seat sub-brand, it will continue to offer go-faster versions of Seat’s existing catalogue. If they’re all as potent as this wagon, long may Cupra continue to reign in Spain.