What's all this about?
SEAT has dropped the powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine from the Leon Cupra hatchback into its estate version, which it calls the ST. That means you can now have the hottest Leon in three body styles - three-door SC, five-door hatch and estate ST.
How does it compare to the hatchback?
Very favourably actually. It is only offered as the ST Cupra 280 here in the UK, with 280hp as the name suggests. Torque peaks at 350Nm and six-speed manual (standard) and DSG (optional) transmissions are offered. The performance doesn't take a big hit; 0-62mph takes 6.0 seconds dead in a DSG Cupra 280, which is only a few tenths slower than the equivalent hatch. The ST Cupra can hit its 155mph speed limiter (where permitted) and fuel economy is broadly on a par with the hatchback too with the DSG-equipped car returning 42.8mpg and 154g/km CO2 and the manual model returning 42.2mpg and 157g/km.
Is there anything markedly different about the styling or equipment inside and out?
No; the ST gets all the toys and beefier body addenda of a genuine Cupra (large alloys, a rear diffuser with twin exhausts, big front air intakes, a spoiler and 280 badging for the high-power model) and the same generous levels of standard specification, including satnav, sports seats, climate control, LED lights, cruise control and more. Dynamically, the fastest ST benefits from progressive steering, dynamic chassis control, Cupra Drive Profile select, a limited-slip differential and uprated brakes. The cabin of the ST Cupra also has the same white accents, sports Alcantara seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel of its hatchback sibling.
What will it cost me?
Figuring on the £1,000 premium that a regular ST commands over its hatchback equivalent, the ST Cupra 280 is likely to start around the £29,500 mark when it goes on sale in March.
Matt Robinson - 8 Jan 2015
