Skip advert
Advertisement

New SEAT Leon ST Cupra 300 Carbon Edition 2018 review

If you’re after a fast estate car the SEAT Leon ST Cupra is a top choice, but fewer than 50 of this limited run are UK-bound

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your SEAT Leon
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Even in its advancing years, the SEAT Leon ST Cupra remains a fine choice for those after a fast estate car. We’d argue whether this Carbon Edition model is worth the extra cash, but many will favour it on exclusivity alone. Fewer than 50 will come to the UK, so if you want one you’ll need to act fast.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s not uncommon for car makers to launch revenue generating special editions as a model reaches the end of production.

Late last year, SEAT presented the limited run Leon Cupra R – a kit-laden, tuned version of the standard hot hatch. Now it’s the turn of the Leon ST estate, driven here for the first time in Carbon Edition trim.

SEAT Leon ST estate in-depth review

The tweaks are less extensive than those on the Cupra R, but exclusivity is on par. SEAT won’t divulge exactly how many are reserved for British buyers, but we’re told “fewer than 50” will reach UK showrooms. Priced from £35,575, that’s £2,400 more than the 4DRIVE and DSG-equipped model on which it is based.

For your extra cash you get – as the name suggests – plenty of carbon trinkets. Available only in Monsoon Grey, the Cupra 300 Carbon Edition gets carbon fibre side blades, as well as carbon fibre front and rear diffusers. There’s a set of unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and quad-exit exhausts.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

31,484 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £9,300
View Ioniq electric
Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

47,278 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £13,525
View Qashqai
Kodiaq

2021 Skoda

Kodiaq

38,572 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,500
View Kodiaq
Tucson

2020 Hyundai

Tucson

53,200 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,200
View Tucson

Unlike the Cupra hatch, which recently saw a 10bhp power dip due to the latest WLTP emissions regulations, the estate version retains its 296bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine. The only mechanical alterations for the Carbon Edition, in fact, are the Brembo brakes, which add fierce stopping power to the ST’s performance roster.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Otherwise, this Leon drives just like the standard Cupra. It feels ferociously quick, but with the added security of all-wheel drive, the wagon doesn’t squirm quite like the hatch. It offers traction in spades, with very little body roll through fast corners.

Despite using the older six-speed DSG transmission, the gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly. The short paddles aren’t as tactile as those in some of the SEAT’s rivals, however, and even in manual mode it’ll change cogs automatically as it hits the redline. In Cupra mode, full throttle upshifts are accompanied by a fabricated rasp from the exhaust.

The ride isn’t quite as accomplished as in a Volkswagen Golf R Estate, and refinement – especially on these 19-inch wheels – is particularly poor. Road noise is apparent from little more than town speeds, while rough motorways create an intrusive din. Still, the Cupra-branded bucket seats are supportive and comfortable on longer runs.

Along with all the carbon add-ons, this was our first opportunity to try SEAT’s Audi-inspired digital cockpit dials. While they are easily configurable using the steering wheel-mounted controls, the graphics aren’t as sophisticated and the fonts feel less premium. It’s a shame, because functionality is fantastic, with the ability to show full-screen mapping, trip detail and media info – all in place of the conventional speedo and rev counter.

Elsewhere, quality is good, if (again) a little way shy of the equivalent Volkswagen. The biggest problem, however, is the Golf is ever so slightly cheaper than this limited run Leon, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,090
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £12,599
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025