Only a few years ago, 100bhp/litre of an engine’s cubic capacity was considered to be very racy indeed. For a 2.0-litre petrol engine to develop 200bhp was extraordinary. Thanks to a close relationship with one of Europe’s longest established tuning firms, German-based ABT, a subtle rejigging of the Leon’s ECU (its electronic engine management system) results in a seriously rocking 173bhp/litre in a purposefully re-engineered family wagon.
While the ‘standard’ version of the car is far from sluggish, 346bhp equates to a 0-60mph time of just 4.3s, which is hot-Merc-quick and bordering on supercar mentality…all for a £500 premium on a 296bhp car listed at £37,975. It is a conspicuously good deal, although it is also limited to just 150 examples, which suggests that rocket-powered skates might be required to secure one.
Naturally, apart from its copper-stitched, black Alcantara sports seats, this Leon ST (estate) could be the same as any regular Seat Leon inside. It is neatly detailed and not only accommodating but notably comfortable for up to five occupants and their belongings. It drives around town sensibly, its 7-speed twin-clutch, automated gearbox snicking up and down the ratios imperceptibly and undemandingly. However, mash the accelerator pedal into the carpet and, following a typical turbo-petrol installation, momentary gulp of air (they used to call it turbo-lag), this Leon takes off like a scalded polecat.
Armed with 4WD (4Drive in Seat-speak), there is zero drama, zero waywardness and maximum traction. It simply delivers…in spades. In fact, it borders on boring, so efficient is the car’s uprated drivetrain. Yet, apart from a slightly greater whooshing from the four tailpipes, a glance sidewards will reveal the enhanced speed of the passing scenery, or rearwards, if you want to see diminishing traffic behind the car. Behave like a lunatic and you could lose your licence quicker than a bat of the eyelids. Drive sensibly and the Leon ST (by ABT) is a performance addict’s delight, with stopping and steering power to match.
Back in the Land of the Living, the tuned Leon is not bad on the fuel front, returning an official combined figure of 33.6mpg, while emitting a modest 164g/km CO2; not bad considering the performance potential and not especially greedy on the tax front either, which makes it an entirely liveable proposition.
As a company, Seat was living like a ‘poor relation’ within the greater VW Group. However, there exists a sense of greater purpose within the brand over the past couple of years that has been reinforced by a succession of record-beating sales targets, not just in the UK market. Cars like this Leon Cupra R ST are a prime example of a brand listening to its critics and its customers and, while Cupra is becoming a standalone brand (as DS is to Citroen), we can expect even more in the not too distant future.
