SEAT have just unveiled their most powerful series production car ever in the form of the SEAT Leon Cupra 280. The Cupra 280 sits at the top of a five-strong family of brand new Cupra models that begins with the 265 horsepower Leon SC Cupra and ends with the five-door Cupra 280 DSG.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of SEAT S.A. for Research and Development said of the new models: “The new Leon Cupra is pure SEAT: emotion and performance, design and dynamics combine to deliver driving fun mile after mile. State-of-the-art technology is evident in its enormous precision, but also in its compelling efficiency. The new Cupra is a sports car for every day; it feels just as much at home on the race track as it does on the long haul.”
Upgraded components over the standard car include a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system that sharpens the turn-in for improved agility, DCC dynamic chassis control to alter the suspension settings between sportier or more comfort-oriented, and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC) – including the ability to turn it off entirely.
These are on top of fundamental changes compared to the previous Leon Cupra: the new Leon is built on an all-new chassis, with a wider front track and fully independent suspension front and rear.
Visually, the SEAT Leon Cupra is recognisable by the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, DAB digital radio, SEAT Media System Plus, aluminium front door sill trims with Cupra logo, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. While the Cupra 280 is marked out by standard 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, black exterior mouldings and frames, black rear roof spoiler, red brake calipers with Cupra logo, and black interior inserts. Satellite navigation comes as standard with the Cupra 280, too.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of SEAT S.A. for Research and Development said of the new models: “The new Leon Cupra is pure SEAT: emotion and performance, design and dynamics combine to deliver driving fun mile after mile. State-of-the-art technology is evident in its enormous precision, but also in its compelling efficiency. The new Cupra is a sports car for every day; it feels just as much at home on the race track as it does on the long haul.”
Upgraded components over the standard car include a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system that sharpens the turn-in for improved agility, DCC dynamic chassis control to alter the suspension settings between sportier or more comfort-oriented, and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC) – including the ability to turn it off entirely.
These are on top of fundamental changes compared to the previous Leon Cupra: the new Leon is built on an all-new chassis, with a wider front track and fully independent suspension front and rear.
Visually, the SEAT Leon Cupra is recognisable by the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, DAB digital radio, SEAT Media System Plus, aluminium front door sill trims with Cupra logo, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. While the Cupra 280 is marked out by standard 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, black exterior mouldings and frames, black rear roof spoiler, red brake calipers with Cupra logo, and black interior inserts. Satellite navigation comes as standard with the Cupra 280, too.
The highlight of the interior is the unique Cupra sports steering
wheel, complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission.
The sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching,
are another interior upgrade found only on the Cupra models. Black
full-leather upholstery, likewise with white stitching, is also
available. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.
Below are the performance specifications for the new SEAT Leon Cupra models, along with the on the road price in the UK.
| Model | Doors | Engine | PS | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | 0-62 mph |
Top speed |
OTR price |
| SC Cupra | 3 | 2.0 TSI | 265 | 44.1 | 149 | 5.9 | 155 | £25,690 |
| SC Cupra 280 | 3 | 2.0 TSI | 280 | 44.1 | 149 | 5.8 | 155 | £26,940 |
| SC Cupra 280 DSG | 3 | 2.0 TSI | 280 | 42.2 | 155 | 5.7 | 155 | £28,225 |
| Cupra 280 | 5 | 2.0 TSI | 280 | 44.1 | 149 | 5.8 | 155 | £27,240 |
| Cupra 280 DSG | 5 | 2.0 TSI | 280 | 42.2 | 155 | 5.7 | 155 | £28,525 |
