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Spyshots: SEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate Development

If you're sufficiently committed to driving like an idiot in a hatchback – and let's face it, we petrolheads are – than the SEAT Leon Cupra is probably the best car you can buy for the money. Now, the same people are working on an estate version, as you can see from our fresh spy photos taken at the Nurburgring.
SEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate Development 7 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
SEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate DevelopmentSEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate DevelopmentSEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate DevelopmentSEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate DevelopmentSEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate DevelopmentSEAT Starts Leon Cupra Estate Development
Performance estates have become increasingly popular over the past year, as more and more automakers, including most recently Peugeot, offer them. Volkswagen has also been spotted developing an all-whee drive Golf R Variant, but SEATs have a habit of being dark horses of the automotive world.

Compared to the all-wheel drive Golf R Variant, the Leon ST Cupra will be slightly down on power, boasting 280 PS to the German 300. However, it should be lighter and have a more engaging chassis. Above around 50 km/h, there isn't going to be any difference between the two in terms of performance.

The prototype we spied features a body kit from the FR sports line and dual exhausts from the normal Leon Cupra. Of course, the actual production car will look better, but there aren't going to be any major surprises. The same bumpers, side skirts and alloys will be used here as on the other two Cupra models.

The Leon ST Cupra will make its official debut in 2015, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It should cost about €1,000 extra compared to the hatchback and in return offer 580 liters of standard cargo space.

The rivals

We expect two versions of the 2.0 TSI engine to be available, one with 265 PS, the other with 280 PS, both available with a six-speed manual or optional DSG. With the exception of the Golf R, the SEAT will be the most powerful model in its class and perhaps also the best looking. Peugeot's recently revealed 308 GT only boasts a 1.6-liter THP turbo and is thus limited to 200 PS, while the Renault Megane GT 220 has – you guessed it – 220 PS.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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