Being sensible has never been so much fun
The UK press gave some fantastic reviews for the new Leon ST Cupra after 15 journalists went to Barcelona to try out the new model on the road and track.
Auto Express described it as “intoxicating” and Top Gear as a “compelling package.”
Here are some of the highlights from the UK’s motoring press:
Auto Express: five stars
“Adding a heap of practicality to an already tasty recipe was never going to do the Leon Cupra a disservice, and this new ST version proves it.”
“Its performance is as intoxicating, its character as engaging and its fitness for purpose greater than ever. This car offers the space and flexibility any growing family could ever need, plus the thrills to keep keen drivers grinning from ear to ear.”
“Despite the performance, it’s also surprisingly affordable to run, returning 42.2mpg and emitting 157g/km of CO2.”
The Telegraph: four stars
“First impressions of this fast estate car are very good indeed. Being sensible has never been so much fun.”
“Everybody gains from a package that combines load-lugging ability with fun handling and a powerful engine – 276bhp in the case of the Leon ST Cupra.”
Autocar: four stars
“Fast estates such as this, the Seat Leon ST Cupra, are great. What’s not to like? They offer space and fun in equal measure, and this particular one promises pretty large doses of each.”
“The Leon ST Cupra feels like a proper hot hatch, with a fairly mobile back end, scorching pace and masses of initial bite as you throw it into a corner.”
Top Gear
“The Leon Cupra ST is a pretty compelling package, all told. As sharp as the hatch to drive, and with a shedload more space for an additional £995, it swaggers confidently into the ‘one car to fit all’ debate.”
“It’s when you grab it by the scruff of its neck that the SEAT really impresses. Toggle the ‘Drive Profile’ selectable settings to their most committed and you fine-tune the Cupra into a talented hot hatch. Bung it into a corner and, once you’re committed, you can lean back on the power, that clever diff lock pulling you around.”
Car Throttle
“The ST Cupra’s just as entertaining on a back road as it is on a curvaceous circuit.”
“It’s able to send up to 100 per cent of power to either of the driven wheels, and redefines what you might think is possible in a front-wheel drive car.”
“We were fans of the Leon Cupra hatchback when it launched last year, and sticking a jolly great boot on the rear hasn’t messed with the car’s winning formula. In fact, it’s added to its appeal. It’s still fast and brilliant to drive, but now there’s space for all your clobber too.”
