By Ian Strachan.
SEAT’s strategy of using the CUPRA brand for its upmarket and performance vehicles has resulted in some very attractive cars. The CUPRA Leon Estate is a case in point. The SEAT Leon Estate has transformed from a practical but fairly conservative family car to an elegant and sporty performance vehicle.
That smart, copper-coloured CUPRA badging, sharp looks all round and bags of technology have added to an already desirable mix. The CUPRA Leon in estate form has good looks, a very smooth ride, good, firm handling, a powerful engine and a comfortable and roomy interior.
I test drove the CUPRA Leon Estate in 1.5 e-Hybrid Shadow Edition spec, powered by a zippy 1.5 litre petrol engine, supported by a battery which can give you around 50 miles of electric-only driving. The combination is capable of taking you from 0-60 in less than 7.5 seconds.
The responsive 204 bhp engine has a top speed of 137 mph where allowed. .
The power plant is easy-revving and never under strain. Married to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox it gives excellent acceleration through the range.
Ride and handling is both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed. Suspension is firm without being hard.
Inside, the CUPRA Leon Estate is impressively roomy, particularly in the back. Its 270 litres of boot space can be increased with the back seats folded. Instruments are well laid out and clear. The electrically adjustable and heated front seats are comfortable and supportive.
Standard equipment on the well equipped spec which I tested includes a colour touchscreen for media and satnav controls as well as heating and other driver features, DAB radio with Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, electrically operated and heated door mirrors with CUPRA puddle lights, all-round airbags, electric windows and daytime running lights.
You also get attractive ambient lighting, lane control assist and blind spot monitor, On the road price of this CUPRA Leon Estate 1.5e-Hybrid Shadow Edition 204PS DSG is a competitive £47,155. My test car had metallic paint at an extra £695.
This is an excellent high performance, smooth running, sporty and sophisticated estate that feels more expensive than it is.
