Seat León ST Cupra R, limited and exclusive production of the sportiest estate in the Seat range

Limited to 300 units and with its power also capped at 300 CV, the Seat León ST Cupra R is the crowning jewel of the generation

You’re surely thinking that the Audi RS4 or Audi RS6 or, even, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo are sporty estates that are more exciting than the Seat León ST Cupra R, and you wouldn’t be wrong, but we’re talking about different leagues.

And that’s where the greatness of this special edition of the Seat León ST lies, modified to the most racing specifications the Catalan brand can offer on a model as popular as this one. A relatively affordable car with high-performance specifications and sensations beyond what you’d expect from an estate like this one.

To begin with, the current generation of the Seat León is gradually bowing out, and this is one of the tributes the brand wants to pay it for, among other achievements, being the best-selling model of 2018.

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The exclusivity of the Seat León ST Cupra R

That is why, limited to just 300 examples, the Seat León ST Cupra R takes the best of its compact sibling and adapts it to the estate body.

The Seat León ST Cupra R starts from larger architectural dimensions than the compact version: it widens its track by 20 millimetres at the front, from 1,536 mm to 1,556 mm, and by 16 at the rear, from 1,512 to 1,528 mm. This gives it greater width and, therefore, a different configuration.

Thus, thanks to the aerodynamic improvement work involving carbon-fibre body elements that also help reduce weight, to the chassis tuning aimed at enhancing its dynamism, supported also by the inclusion of Adaptive Chassis Control that allows the suspension setup to be changed in Normal, Sport and Cupra modes, and to modifications such as increasing the negative camber by two degrees on the wheels, this sporty estate becomes a real incentive for the most racing-minded families.

Powered by the four-cylinder, petrol 2.0 TSI engine, paired with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, and with 4Drive all-wheel drive which also differs from the compact version, the Seat León ST Cupra R can catapult itself from 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds, its best figure, depending on how the personalisable ESC is set in active, semi-active or off mode. In addition, the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

This car’s output is the aforementioned 300 CV, produced between 5,300 and 6,500 rpm, and a sensational torque figure of 400 Nm available from just 2,000 up to 5,200 revs.

All this potential to move a kerb weight of 1,557 kg results in a power-to-weight ratio of 5.19 km/CV. As for fuel consumption, the Seat León ST Cupra R averages 7.1 litres and emits 161 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled.

The finish of the Seat León ST Cupra R

But the merits of the Seat León ST Cupra R are not limited to driving enjoyment, since, for both aesthetics and comfort and liveability, the array of distinctive features of this special edition starts with a distinctive exterior and culminates in a high-level interior finish.

Beyond its dynamic influence, the hallmarks of the Seat León ST Cupra R’s image stand out, from the copper “Copper” colour that splashes across the bodywork and the 19-inch alloy wheels, fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and a Brembo brake system, to the appendages that improve its behaviour as it cuts through the air. And when it comes to exhaust gases, a sports exhaust that is not only a visual upgrade but also adds to the appeal of the whole through the sporty sound it produces cannot be overlooked.

Inside, the latest and most notable features that enhance the enjoyment of its cabin are not lacking. For example, in terms of driver assistance and safety, it comes as standard with the Safety Pack, including fatigue detection, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with pedestrian detection, Traffic Jam Assist, emergency assist and traffic sign recognition, volumetric alarm, Convenience Pack including light and rain sensor and anti-glare interior mirror, and the superb lighting system with Full LED headlights.

In addition, as distinctive elements, there is a steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara, as well as the gear selector knob. To enhance the driving experience, the front seats are heated bucket seats, with copper stitching and carbon-fibre-look details, complemented by black and copper inserts. The package includes a multicolour ambient lighting system and an LED interior lighting pack. To enhance the sense of freedom, the panoramic roof adds a feeling of expanded space.

A limited production

The exclusivity of this limited edition comes at a considerable cost. The price of the Seat León ST Cupra R is 53,495 euros for each of the 300 units to be produced of this very special sporty estate.

Technical specifications of this car

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