The facelift of the Leon series will also benefit from the Cupra version. In addition to some optical modifications and new assistance systems gets the fast Seat also a small power syringe and four-wheel drive. The latter, however, is reserved exclusively for the Kombiverion ST
As before, a two-liter gasoline engine is used in the Leon Cupra. Compared to its predecessor, however, the power has increased by 7 kW / 10 HP to 221 kW / 300 PS, the torque is now even 380 instead of 350 Newton meters. Thus, the Leon draws with the likewise 300 PS strong Golf R equal, but its power distributed to all four wheels. For the Cupra versions with three and five doors, an electronic, self-locking differential on the front axle alone has to ensure optimum traction. In addition, the top models of the series continue to have the Adaptive DCC chassis and a progressive steering.
Only in the combined version ST, the Cupra variant will also have four-wheel drive. The high-traction Haldex system is then also coupled with a dual-clutch transmission. The Spaniards are not yet mentioning the performance and prices, but presumably the four-wheel drive for the standard Sprint will take about five seconds, while the purely front-wheel-driven Cupra variants should be slower than a blink of an eye. Prices are expected to be at previous levels. Currently, the price list for the Cupra 290 as a three-door starts at around 33.500 Euro. The station wagon costs well 35.000 Euro. The markup for four-wheel drive and DSG should amount to a good 3.000 euros for the new ST. The new Leon Cupra is available from the end of December 2016, market launch is then in March 2017. (Mario Hommen / SP-X)