Seat unveils the Leon Cupra 300 - its most powerful car yet
Next year's Leon gets an all-wheel drive system and DSG gearbox
Seat has taken the wraps off its new Leon Cupra 300 hatchback, its most powerful car yet.
Along with a gentle facelift, the Cupra's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine has been boosted from 286bhp to 296bhp. It also benefits from a hike in torque, which is up from 258lb-ft to 280lb-ft. Seat hasn't said how this affects the acceleration figures, but it expects the Cupra 300 to be faster to 62mph than the outgoing model's time of 5.7secs.
Cars will be available in SC three-door, five-door and ST estate trim, which will also sport Seat's 4Drive all-wheel drive system and DSG gearbox. The ST trim matches the VW Golf R in both power output and chassis configuration, says Evo, and would be an "even closer match" if the five-door hatch had four-wheel drive.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Drivers will be able to choose from four pre-set chassis modes, including sport and comfort, which can be adapted through the Cupra 300's driver profile. It's also safer thanks to lane assist and pedestrian protection technology, as well as adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist.
The Cupra name has become synonymous with setting lap records at Germany's renowned motoring proving ground, the Nurburgring. In 2014, the 280 set the front-wheel drive record of 7m 58sec; it was beaten by the VW Golf GTI Clubsport this year.
Auto Express reports orders will begin "next summer" and expects prices to start from around £29,000.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What can Elon Musk's cost-cutting task force actually cut?
Talking Points A $2 trillion goal. And big obstacles in the way.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Her Lotus Year: Paul French's new biography sets lurid rumours straight
The Week Recommends Wallis Simpson's year in China is less scandalous, but 'more interesting' than previously thought
By The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 21, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - wild cards, wild turkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 2021: spy shots, plus specs, price and UK release
In Depth Souped-up hatchback is spotted for the first time while testing in South Africa
By The Week Staff Published
-
Seat el-Born electric car 2020: spy shots, plus specs and release
In Depth Spanish carmaker to join the EV fray with Volkswagen-based hatchback
By The Week Staff Published
-
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 2020: latest spy shots, specs, price and release
In Depth Hot version of the upcoming eighth-generation hatchback is on the horizon - here’s what we know so far
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Mercedes-AMG A45 review: a ‘marvellous’ answer to the Audi RS3
In Depth Critics get behind the wheel of the super hatch ahead of its release later this year
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Volkswagen recalls 75,000 cars over ‘potentially lethal’ seatbelts: are you affected?
In Depth German car giant used plastic cable ties to secure faulty belts on three new models
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Volkswagen and Seat issue warning over seatbelt fault
Speed Read Car companies tell their customers to avoid using the middle seat until a solution is found
By The Week Staff Published
-
Volkswagen announces scrappage scheme for old diesels
Speed Read German car giant could offer up to £6,000 if your diesel car was registered before 2010
By The Week Staff Published
-
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2017: Reviews and prices
The Week Recommends Iconic hot hatch adds more power and subtle tweaked styling - and it's a hit with reviewers
By The Week Staff Last updated