When Seat unveiled the revised Leon, they’ve said a new and improved Cupra version will also make an appearance, bringing its own surprises along the way. Judging by the recent hot hatch evolution, it’s not that hard to figure out that the upcoming Cupra will be more powerful. But the question is how much more grunt can Seat squeeze out of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-banger.
Developing 286 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) in its most powerful variant, the current Cupra is ballistic, but according to Auto Express, its replacement will come with 296 hp at its disposal. That means the Cupra 290 will become the 300, while Seat will still continue offering ST (estate) variants.
To make matters more interesting (and competitive within the VW Group), the estate version will be available with four-wheel-drive – probably borrowing the underpinnings from the Golf R (including the 296 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque 2.0-litre engine, in which case, it will be capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, and achieve a maximum top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The hatchback, meanwhile, will stick to front-wheel-drive only as the Haldex system was developed for the Leon X-Perience.
Other changes from the standard model are expected as well, including various redesigned elements, LED lights, and new interior trim and tech features.
Seat Leon Cupra Cross Sport pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
