SEAT presents the perfect car for enjoying a dynamic lifestyle. The
top version of the Leon range – the CUPRA 290 – now delivers a maximum of 213 kW / 290
PS, guaranteeing outstanding performance paired with excellent efficiency. The stunning
design, individual equipment options and excellent quality are further points that make the
Leon CUPRA a very special proposition indeed. In true SEAT fashion, exceptional value-for money
is, of course, a given.
Among journalists and customers alike, the SEAT Leon CUPRA is much admired as a Sport
Coupé, as five-door and as Sports Tourer. In the trade media cross Europe, the CUPRA
immediately became a consistent winner in comparison tests; its owners love its design and
road manners. The new Leon ST CUPRA adds another dimension – the space of an estate. For
work and family, for sports and hobbies – thanks to its versatility and the maximum load
space of 1,470 litres, the Leon ST CUPRA is the perfect sports car for all aspects of life.
A concentrated package of hi-tech guarantees the enormous performance of the new Leon ST
CUPRA. At the top is the 2.0 TSI engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing.
Depending on the version, it delivers an output of 195 kW / 265 PS or now 213 kW / 290 PS.
The DCC dynamic chassis control, the front differential lock, the progressive steering, the
CUPRA Drive Profile and the standard-fit full-LED headlamps are further examples of its state ofthe art technologies.
CUPRA stands for power, performance, dynamics – and the Leon CUPRA fulfils all these
promises perfectly. The CUPRA 290 with optional DSG transmission catapults from zero to
100 km/h in just 5,7 seconds, and in 5,8 seconds with the manual gearbox. The regulated
top speed of 250 km/h is a matter of course. The maximum torque of 350 Newton meters is
now available across an even broader rev range from 1,700 to 5,800 rpm and guarantees
impressive pulling power in every situation. Against this, the new Leon CUPRA 290 is
astonishingly efficient. The average fuel consumption for both power variants is just 6.6
litres with DSG and 6.7 litres with the Leon SC manual gearbox. This equates to CO2 figures
of just 149 and 156 grams (Leon SC).
The performance of the Leon CUPRA 290 can be raised even further with the optional
Performance pack, which includes a set of Brembo brake calipers, an exclusive wheel design
and special tyres.
From the outside, the new model at the top of the SEAT line-up is recognisable only from the
CUPRA 290 lettering on the rear end. Inside, it boasts chromed trim elements, with high gloss
black available as an option. And the new, increased power output is audible, too – a
retuned exhaust system gives the sports engine an even more refined tone.
As a true sports engine, the 2.0 TSI reacts spontaneously to every movement of the gas
pedal and is deliciously high revving. The all-new power unit with its exceptionally
responsive turbocharger is packed full with hi-tech and groundbreaking features – in the
dual-injection system, the gasoline direct injection is complemented under partial load by
manifold injection. Its optimum set-up reduces fuel consumption and particulate emissions.
Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range – the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift
system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the
cylinder head and is part of the innovative thermo system. A new kind of coating on the
aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum. The CUPRA efficiency
package also includes the start/stop system and brake energy regeneration.
CUPRA has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and
amazing sporting character. The Leon CUPRA manages to set the bar a good deal higher – in
every dimension. With the DCC dynamic chassis control, front-axle differential lock and
progressive steering all fitted as standard, the new Leon CUPRA achieves considerably faster
laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor. At the same time, it is significantly
more relaxed to drive, with a surprisingly refined level of comfort even on long motorway
journeys. Safe and reliable deceleration comes courtesy of the CUPRA-specific, highperformance
brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.
The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic
lightweight design of the new Leon family is also evident on the CUPRA. The new generation
of the DCC dynamic chassis control developed specifically for the CUPRA is even more
sensitive and responsive, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in
a matter of milliseconds. The same applies to the driver’s preferences – the CUPRA Drive
Profile permits extensive individualisation of the ride.
The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this
front-wheel drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated
and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Newton metres and, in
extreme cases, 100 percent of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is
integrated into all the handling systems like ESP and EDS. It improves not only the traction,
but also reduces torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on
steering feel.
Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering improves the agile handling
of the new Leon CUPRA. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel, less
steering movement is required, reducing the number of grip changes, especially in cornering
or parking manoeuvres. The steering in the new Leon CUPRA works with a progressive ratio
through variable toothing on the rack.
The ESP handling system has been further developed specifically for the Leon CUPRA and
enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely
dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages – the first
stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESP into sport mode, permitting greater
yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESP completely.
The CUPRA Drive Profile enables the characteristics of the Leon CUPRA to be adapted across
a very wide range to meet the individual preferences of the driver. Alongside the Comfort and
Sport modes, the CUPRA mode was, of course, a focal point for the engineers in Martorell.
Throttle response is particularly sensitive in this setting, while the DSG operates in its
sportiest shifting mode and the sound actuator supports the full tone of the turbocharged
engine. DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the front-axle differential lock
also operate at their sportiest settings.
Emotional design is a great strength of the Leon family. For the CUPRA, this has been
developed one step further. The new front end with its large air intakes and full-LED
headlamps ensures a powerful look, as do the rear skirt with its diffuser effect and the two
oval end pipes. The alloy wheels are exclusive to the CUPRA, while the red brake callipers
and tinted side and rear windshields underscore its individuality.
The focus of the interior is on the CUPRA sports steering wheel in its own unique design
complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission, as well as the top sports
seats in Alcantara finished with white stitching. Black full-leather upholstery, likewise with
white stitching, is also available. For extreme lateral grip, there are optional bucket seats.
The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.
The CUPRA 290 is visually differentiated by its unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint
finish, the Aerodynamic Pack with the spoiler on the rear roof edge, CUPRA lettering on the
brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this
top sporty variant are in gleaming chrome or optional black.
The Leon CUPRA also states its position as the top model in the SEAT range through the
progressive steering, dynamic chassis control, front-axle differential lock, CUPRA Drive
Profile and high-performance brake system with 19-inch wheels (CUPRA 290).
Also standard equipment, are the full-LED headlamps and the LED rear lights. Alongside their
distinctive design, LED headlamps have many further benefits – they illuminate the road
ahead at a colour temperature of 5,300 Kelvin. Because this is very similar to daylight, it
places very little strain on the eyes. When it comes to efficiency, the LEDs consume minimal
energy – dipped beam, for instance, draws just 20 watts per unit.
The top sports seats in Alcantara, the CUPRA steering wheel and the Media System Plus with
a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen are all among the standard interior features in addition to the
extensive base equipment of the Leon FR. One particular feature in the CUPRA interior is the
ambient lighting. LEDs in the door panels emphasize the contours of the interior design and
add to the premium feel of the passenger compartment. At the same time, the ambient
lighting offers occupants improved orientation and an even greater sense of spaciousness.
The colour of the LEDs can be adapted via the CUPRA Drive Profile – they glow red in CUPRA
mode, with the standard setting being white.
The look of the Leon CUPRA can be further individualised with the options White Line, Black
Line and Orange Line. The surrounds of the radiator grille and wing mirrors and parts of the
two-tone aluminium wheels are painted in the respective colour – with the Orange Line
standing for Cup Racer orange.
Update – 08/09/15
SEATCupra.net have asked SEAT if an upgrade to the 290 map will be available to existing 280 owners. They said nothing is planned at the moment, but it’s being looked into.
We’ll keep you posted if we hear any more.