Photo: SEAT
Volkswagen-owned SEAT is on a bit of a roll as of late. Especially from a design standpoint, the Leon has that certain something that makes it more beautiful to behold compared to its platform brother, the Golf. In Cupra form, the Leon also happens to be fun.
Introduced in 2013, upped to 290 PS in 2015, and improved once again in 2016 for the 2017 model year, the facelifted Leon Cupra channels 300 PS (296 horsepower) to the front axle. The 2.0 TSI also offers 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque to play with, making for an improvement of 10 PS and 30 Nm.
With get-up-and-go available between 1,800 rpm and 5,500 rpm, it all becomes clear, then, that the facelifted Cupra is SEAT’s take on the Volkswagen Golf R. Dubbed as “the most powerful model in the [Leon] series ever produced by SEAT,” the compact-sized hatch is joined by a family-oriented version: the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra, which is pictured in red.
The wagon, in comparison to the hatchback, makes use of 4Drive. That’s the Spanish manufacturer’s way of saying the ST Cupra is enhanced by a fifth-generation Haldex-type AWD system actuated by an electro-hydraulic pump. In other words, the family-oriented Cupra ST can transfer up to 50 percent of the engine’s goodies to the rear axle. An electronic differential lock is on the menu as well, mimicking what a limited-slip differential does by applying the brakes to the wheel with the least traction. Simple solution, but effective.
Whereas the hatchback-bodied Leon Cupra can be had with a manual or dual-clutch transmission, the Leon Cupra ST is only available with the DSG. When you think about it, the automatic tranny suits the wagon better because this body style isn’t meant for bare-knuckle corner carving. As a grand tourer with family-hauling credentials, the 2017 SEAT Leon Cupra ST makes perfect sense.
Just like the regular SEAT Leon in facelift attire, the Cupra family now features better styling than before, Keyless Entry and Engine Start, an e-brake, plus a flurry of safety features. The latter category includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Protection, Lane Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.
With get-up-and-go available between 1,800 rpm and 5,500 rpm, it all becomes clear, then, that the facelifted Cupra is SEAT’s take on the Volkswagen Golf R. Dubbed as “the most powerful model in the [Leon] series ever produced by SEAT,” the compact-sized hatch is joined by a family-oriented version: the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra, which is pictured in red.
The wagon, in comparison to the hatchback, makes use of 4Drive. That’s the Spanish manufacturer’s way of saying the ST Cupra is enhanced by a fifth-generation Haldex-type AWD system actuated by an electro-hydraulic pump. In other words, the family-oriented Cupra ST can transfer up to 50 percent of the engine’s goodies to the rear axle. An electronic differential lock is on the menu as well, mimicking what a limited-slip differential does by applying the brakes to the wheel with the least traction. Simple solution, but effective.
Whereas the hatchback-bodied Leon Cupra can be had with a manual or dual-clutch transmission, the Leon Cupra ST is only available with the DSG. When you think about it, the automatic tranny suits the wagon better because this body style isn’t meant for bare-knuckle corner carving. As a grand tourer with family-hauling credentials, the 2017 SEAT Leon Cupra ST makes perfect sense.
Just like the regular SEAT Leon in facelift attire, the Cupra family now features better styling than before, Keyless Entry and Engine Start, an e-brake, plus a flurry of safety features. The latter category includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Protection, Lane Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.
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