It's a good time for small fast estates. There's the
Mercedes CLA45 Shooting Brake
VW Golf R
Focus ST
on the way and now this, the SEAT Leon ST Cupra.
To avoid confusion with the Ford, we'll refer to the SEAT as the
Leon Cupra
wagon from now on. And it is a proper load-lugger too, boasting a maximum 1,470 litres of boot space. The Merc has 1,354 by comparison.
Essentially then there's everything that's so good about the Cupra hatch in a more practical body. You might argue it's a cooler car too; who doesn't love a fast estate after all? Both 265 and 280hp models will be offered [Update - SEAT has since confirmed no 265hp version for the UK], with the manual and DSG gearbox options available on each. SEAT claims a 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds for the DSG-equipped 280, just two tenths behind the equivalent hatchback. Like for like a Leon FR estate is 58kg heavier than the five-door hatch so we would expect a similar gain for the Cupra. Predictably efficiency suffers a little, the additional kilos knocking a few points off the CO2 and mpg. Again using the DSG 280 as an example, the official numbers are 42.8mpg and 154g/km.
The usual selection of (very subtle) Cupra identifiers are found here too with a few badges, black mirrors for the 280, small spoilers and twin exhausts. There's another set of terrible fast Leon wheels as well. How hard can it be to design some attractive rims?
Like the hatch, the DCC adaptive dampers, VAQ differential lock and progressive steering are standard on the wagon. Intriguingly, the Performance Pack and bucket seat option will be additionally available for a proper family day out at the Nordschleife. To be investigated as soon as possible...
On that note, a Geneva debut would seem most likely for the Leon Cupra wagon. The standard estate carries a £995 premium over the five-door; applying that to the Cupra would put the manual 265 at £26,685 and the 280 at £27,935. Let's hope the estate doesn't get overshadowed by the Golf R in a similar fashion to the Cupra hatch. Expect a confirmation of UK prices and availability soon.