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2015 SEAT Leon ST Cupra Revealed: 280 HP Hot Estate

The guys at Auto Emocion have done it again, launching a car that's very practical and yet can still set your pants on fire. Say hello to the 2015 SEAT Leon ST Cupra, the big boot version of everyone's favorite Spanish hooligan.
2015 SEAT Leon ST Cupra 13 photos
Photo: SEAT
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Let's delve straight into the tech bits, which give this car its flavor. Power comes from a 2-liter TSI turbo engine, mechanically similar to the one in the new Golf R Variant. However, while VW sends the power to all four wheels, the Leon ST Cupra stays lighter by only using the front ones.

Two stages of tune will be available. The base unit makes 265 hp, but you can also order a 280 hp version. Both have a very substantial level of torque, 350 Nm of it (258 lb-ft), delivered from low revs. A choice between a six-speed manual or an optional 6-speed DSG will be offered.

0 to 100 km/h sprint times:
  • Leon ST Cupra 265 Manual: 6.2 seconds
  • Leon ST Cupra 265 DSG 6.1 seconds
  • Leon ST Cupra 280 Manual 6.1 seconds
  • Leon ST Cupra 280 DSG 6.0 seconds

Either way you look at it, this wagon is faster than any Golf GTI. The boot is also cavernous and with the seats down, you get up to 1,470 liters of cargo space. And since this engine belongs to the latest generation EA888 family, there's an abundance of fuel-saving tech. Set it in economy mode and you can even expect 6.6 l/100km, an impressive combined average that can even shame some large diesels.

As standard, the Leon ST Cupra comes with a front axle diff lock and the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. Full-LED headlights and LED taillights are also standard, as are alcantara seats and the Media System Plus infotainment system.

Rivals?

In our eyes, the Leon ST Cupra is a podium car. There a few rivals, including the recently launched Peugeot 308 GT. The French have built a well equipped and luxuriously trimmed car, but with a 1.6-liter turbo or a 2-liter diesel providing the power, it's nowhere near as fast as the SEAT, nor as competent. Skoda also sells a hot Octavia vRS Combine, but the maximum output is 220 PS and it doesn't have a diff.

The only big rival Martorell has comes from within the VW group, namely the Golf R Variant. That car has all-wheel drive and 300 hp, 20 more than the Leon. We'll let you guys decide which is better.
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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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