SEAT Leon ST Cupra revealed

SEAT has introduced its first ever high-performance estate in the shape of the new Leon ST Cupra. The estate offers all of the performance and sporty character of the hatchback, but comes with an added dose of practicality.

The biggest and most obvious change over the standard Leon Cupra comes at the rear. The ST Cupra is 272mm longer, and this means boot capacity swells to 587 litres with the back seats in place – 207 litres more than in the hatchback. Folding them flat frees up 1,470 litres.

The added bulk on the rear end has had an impact on performance, but only fractionally, with the same 276bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine propelling the ST Cupra from 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds – that’s only 0.2 seconds down on the hatch. Despite this pace, SEAT still claims up to 42.8mpg and 154g/km of CO2 are achievable.

Buyers have the option of pairing the turbocharged motor to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission. They can also specify a £2,025 optional ‘Sub8 Performance Pack’ for their ST Cupra, which adds larger Brembo brake calipers, specially designed 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in either black or orange and body-coloured side skirts. For a further £460, semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are available, too.

Again, like the hatch, the ST Cupra also comes with a front-axle differential lock which can send up to 100 per cent of power to either of the front wheels depending on which has the most traction.

Standard kit includes 19-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlamps, a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, ambient lighting and Cupra Drive Profile. Pricing has yet to be officially announced, but the Leon ST Cupra is likely to command a premium of around a £1,000 over the hatch.