As a member of the Volkswagen family you just know that SEAT will have a certain standard of quality built into their cars so that they are equal to the standards set by the big bosses all the way back in Germany. Now, the Leon CUPRA has always stood out for its scintillating performance, striking design and alluring price and quality and yet all of these aspects of the car have now been taken to the next level with the launch of the Leon CUPRA 300 range. A range which hits UK showrooms in March.
It’s not just about power either. SEAT have shared with MotorMartin that the new Leon flagship, available in three bodystyles; SC, five-door and ST, also offers a highly rewarding driving experience and the safest, most reliable, functional and advanced technology. Among its features, SEAT say, are driver assistance systems such as Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Protection, plus, Electric Parking Brake and KESSY (Keyless Entry and Start). The integrated Media System Plus infotainment system with its eight-inch screen is the highlight of the new-generation, and, is the very first time that the Leon CUPRA has a Connectivity Hub that comprises a smartphone wireless charger and a GSM antenna amplifier for areas with low signal coverage. Excellent news.
MotorMartin has been made aware that with its newly uprated 2.0 TSI engine putting out 300PS, the new Leon CUPRA is its most powerful roadcar yet. The figures related to this achievement in engine power deserve a special mention. Not only is the engine 10PS more powerful than before (up from 290 to 300), but, more importantly, it’s maximum torque has increased from 350Nm to no less than 380Nm, across an impressive range too, from 1800 to 5500 rpm. With such a wide band, the result is a convincing and powerful response, from the engine barely ticking over, all the way up to hitting the rev limiter.
Harking back to its roots with the 2000 launch of the Leon CUPRA with all-wheel-drive, the SEAT Leon CUPRA 300 will also now boast a similar set-up, with 4Drive traction on the ST version, allied to a double-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG).
To get the most out of such a potent machine, the Leon CUPRA also comes with dynamic chassis control (DCC), a progressive steering system and electronic self-locking differential as standard. The dynamic qualities of the CUPRA can be adapted to the drivers’ tastes thanks to CUPRA Drive Profile too. There are four modes to choose from – Comfort, Sport, Individual and logically, CUPRA mode. This mode is the ultimate in hot hatch performance and takes the driving experience to another level.
SEAT have informed MotorMartin that UK pricing, specification and full technical information for the Leon CUPRA 300 range will be confirmed shortly ahead of order books opening ahead of its March 2017 showroom launch. MotorMartin can’t wait.
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