Say goodbye to the Cupra name with the SEAT León ST Cupra R, the last model from the brand to carry it

They say change is good and, although it often is, it is inevitable to feel sadness or nostalgia when it takes place. This is the same feeling the SEAT León ST Cupra R gives us, and you’re probably wondering why. The answer is very simple: this version of the Spanish compact will be the last SEAT to carry the Cupra name, because, as you know, that name has moved to the front line by becoming an independent brand and taking charge of the sporty vehicles of the parent company, something that will happen with the next generation of the León.

Let’s remember that the Cupra designation has been used by the brand for years to create its most radical models, and the León ST Cupra R is its ultimate expression. However, with the internal split that has taken place at SEAT, CUPRA will be the one responsible for bringing these sporty vehicles to life, with the Ateca being the brand’s firstborn.

Thanks to the R badge on the bodywork of this home-grown estate, SEAT has managed to offer a much more exclusive vehicle, perfect to be used as a grand finale. Both in terms of design and mechanics, there are a series of changes that differ greatly from those found on the standard León Cupra, although, it must be said, the Cupra R will only be available to 300 lucky buyers.

Visually, we find various parts finished in carbon fiber, a clear nod to exclusivity. At the same time, the bronze tone also seeks to add personality to the whole, something it achieves by creating a color contrast that can only be seen on models born at CUPRA or those still under the SEAT umbrella.

But it is in terms of mechanics where we really find important improvements, since the León ST Cupra R proudly claims to be the most powerful and fastest model ever built by the brand. To achieve this title, SEAT has relied on the well-known 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine, except that on this occasion it is capable of producing 300 CV of power and 400 Nm of torque.

In this way, SEAT bids farewell through the front door to a name that has given rise to so many iconic models within the brand, but which will live on in the arms of CUPRA. The next generation of the León is being cooked up at a rapid pace, and very soon we will be privy not only to all its details, but also to those of its sporty counterpart that will replace this León ST Cupra R.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €