Monday 5th December 2016

Refreshed SEAT Leon Cupra 300 announced

More power for the hatch, all-wheel drive and DSG for the updated wagon

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Since its launch in early 2014, the SEAT Leon Cupra is a car that's continued to impress PH in its various forms. Oh sure, it may not be quite as engaging as a Renaultsport Megane or have interior plastics quite as plush as a Golf, but its combination of speed, dynamics and value have won it a lot of fans. The estate is also very good, and both Performance Pack variants make it a much more intense package.

Insert 'all the car you'll ever need' comment here

Now it's time for a mid-life update. While the focus from SEAT is on the additional equipment - keyless go, new driver assist features and a bigger infotainment screen - we're more interested in the mechanical changes. Essentially it would appear the EA888 2.0-litre turbo is now to Golf R spec, with 300hp and 280lb ft, but of course in a lighter (by about 80kg) and front-wheel drive package. Expect the revised Golf R to boost those numbers (and the cabin ambience) to restore family superiority sometime next year.

Interestingly the Leon Cupra ST will now be all-wheel drive and DSG-only, making it very much a Golf R lite. The Leon Cupra ST DSG 4Drive - yes, that is the full name - is not the first all-wheel drive fast SEAT of course, the original V6 Leon Cupra using a 4Motion system. Looks like the front-wheel drive Cupra estates, particularly the Performance Pack cars, will be even rarer now...

Cosmetic changes are mild and in line with the standard Leon facelift, most notably the new lights, reprofiled bumpers and - at last - some nicer wheels too.

The new Leon Cupra is available to order now (prices are still to be confirmed), with first deliveries due in March. However, if you can go without the latest infotainment and another few horsepower, there are bargains to be had on the outgoing car. Prices start at less than £17,000 now - this car is the super subtle 265 as well - with £20K buying a late 2015 manual hatch and the 290 version available for not much more. For those after the estate, this blue car looks nice. First drive of the 300hp car coming as soon as we can get one!

[WCZ]

this will be a fantastic car for the money!