Test Cupra Leon ST 4Drive 310 CV (with video)

We get back behind the wheel of a Leon, although in this case it is not a Seat, but a cupra leon in Sportstourer station wagon body. In addition, for this occasion we have chosen the most performance engine of all, the 2.0 TSI with four-wheel drive, which develops a whopping power of 310 hp.

For me, it is an ideal combination. In fact, for practicality and balance I like it more than the Cupra-Formentor, although I understand that the crossover aesthetic is capable of dragging more clients. But having said all of the above, we are going to do a very quick review of the entire car and we focus more thoroughly on the driving sectionwhich is the most important thing in this Cupra.

Familiar and not very loaded, a wolf in sheep's clothing

As you can see, at the design level the base is a Seat Leonalthough very different. Cupra introduces its bumpers, grilles, copper-tone logos, footrests, wheels and diffuser to change it completely and so that, when we see it on the street, we can clearly differentiate it from a Seat.

The visual distinction is total, with a very racing style that attracts attention in every street Look at the presence given by its 19-inch wheels and the four exhaust outlets, which, by the way, are totally real and functional.

The Cupra León has good details inside, but it can also be improved

From cabin I especially like two things. The first is the fantastic style of his leather seats so sporty with copper-tone embroideries that, despite looking very racing and they are very supportive, they are also really comfortable. A 10 for them, without a doubt. In addition, we have electrical adjustments, memory and heating.

The other detail that I also really like the steering wheel. In addition to its aesthetics, which I find very cool, the fact of having the driving modes button here seems to me to be a success in this car, since we change the behavior of the vehicle in just an instant and without taking the hand off the rim.

But also There are a couple of things that don't convince me so much. The least is the screen multimedia. Yes, it is very big, very visual and very complete. However, there are times when it is a bit slow and, above all, it has too many menus and the climate control is not easily controlled, forcing you to divert your eyes from what is important, which is the road.

The other detail that I don't like very much is that of some adjustments. Creaks are perceived in areas such as the air vents or instrument panel and the satellite buttons on the steering wheel do not give a great sensation of solidity. I think they have some room for improvement here.

Spacious for four adults and with a good trunk

For the rest, we have optimal driving position Due to the correct adjustment possibilities of the steering wheel and seats and at the level of space, there is no problem for adults of any size in the front seats. As in any Seat Leon.

The same happens in the second row, leaving good access and a correct space for two adults of sizes within the usual average to travel with enough comfort. The central square is not practical enough, but it is there for specific cases. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of a folding central armrest, air vents or some nets to place magazines.

For its part, trunk It has an automatic gate and once open we find a volume of 620 liters. It does not lose capacity because it is a 4-wheel drive and the space is quite good to carry all the family luggage on vacation or a set of spare tires to spend the day on the circuit, because we can knock down the rear seats with some handles from behind here.

Mechanical offer of the Cupra León

As for the engines, for only a few weeks the entry version to the Cupra León range is the 1.5 hp 150 eTSI engine with microhybridization and DSG change (see video test), receiving the Eco environmental label from the DGT. It has also been incorporated 2.0 TSI with 190 hp, although in this case without electrical support.

Related article:

Test Seat León FR 1.5 eTSI 150 CV DSG 7v 5 doors (with video)

The next step is 1.4 eHybrid, a plug-in hybrid available with powers of 204 and 245 hp. From there we would return to the block again 2.0 TSI without electrification, offered in powers of 245, 300 and 310 CV, the latter only in ST bodywork and with all-wheel drive, the variant we are testing.

A quick refresher on technique before action

As we said, we have the block 2.0 TSI well known in the Volkswagen Group. It has 1.984 cc, 16 valves and turbo. develop 310 CV between 5.450 and 6.500 turns, as well as an engine torque of no less than 400 Nm between 2.000 and 5.450rpm. Among its benefits we find a maximum speed limited to 250 km/h and 0 to 100 in 4,9 seconds, that is, practically a second less than its front-wheel drive counterpart. The average consumption approved is 8,1 liters.

According to the suspension, we have an independent McPherson-type system on the front axle and an independent multi-link scheme on the rear axle. To this must be added that shock absorbers are adaptive hydraulic, varying its hardness depending on the driving mode. By the way, in the Individual mode that we can customize, it is possible to adjust their hardness in no less than 15 different levels.

If we talk about brakes, in this case we take the optional Brembo front with 370mm front discs in diameter bitten by 4-piston calipers. Undoubtedly, an almost mandatory option if we are going to practice happy driving in certain circumstances because they give many guarantees. We haven't made the most of it on the circuit, but on the mountain climb at a good pace they haven't shown any signs of fatigue.

At the wheel of the Cupra Leon ST 2.0 TSI 310 CV 4Drive

The Cupra Leon It stands out mainly for its versatility, for its adaptation to the terrain. You can circulate at a normal pace in total comfort while looking for your mountain pass and, once you arrive, unleash its full potential. In quiet driving it behaves like any Seat León, that is, it is comfortable, smooth and pleasant to drive.

Everything changes when we decide to move on to the Sport or Cupra modes. The steering reduces its assistance, the suspension stiffens, the engine is much more predisposed to leave you stuck in the buckets and the DSG not only stretches the gears more but also makes the transitions faster.

It also opens the exhaust valves for more outside sound, leaving some pop when you lift the throttle and adds an ambient sound inside which, to tell the truth, is a little falsetto... It seems to want to imitate a V8 and I don't think it's very successful, but we can always disable it.

trifles aside, the car runs a lot, pushing well from below and standing out from approximately 2.800 until it reaches the rev limit a little above 6.500 laps. Unfortunately in sequential mode it automatically goes up to a higher gear, not staying short, which on certain occasions does not help. That's the only downside I can put on the gearbox.

The grip is sensational, especially in motor skills

La address is very direct and precise, making some very fast support changes, but I miss a little more feeling, of information to our hands about the grip through the steering wheel. I hope that in the VZ Cup version, which comes with an even more extreme set-up, this will improve a bit.

One of the key points of this car is traction. It grips a lot in braking and in lateral support, but Coming out of the curve it's a real beast. A year ago now I tried the front-wheel drive version and it was already very good in traction, but coming out of such slow curves with full throttle is where 4Drive makes the difference. Even more so in areas where the asphalt is a bit wet.

It's outstanding!, really. It is outrageous what runs and what it grabs. It seems like a lie. A spacious family, comfortable to go on a trip with the family and at the same time, change the chip and transform. All this with a 0 to 100 in less than 5 seconds, figures until not long ago reserved for super sports cars.

Conclusions

The 4 hp Cupra León ST 310Drive is a true chameleon. Comfortable and quiet for day to day and a beast that devours straight lines and curves when we ask it to. That versatility is what I like most about him, without a doubt. The only aspect I miss with him is a bit of information or purer sensations, but of course, that would make it less comfortable on routine trips.

Before testing the car I had doubts. Would it be justifiable to change the behavior of the variant with 4Drive traction compared to the front version? Well, honestly, I still have some doubts. From my point of view, if you are going to drive frequently through very cold areas or with a lot of rain, it is advisable to opt for all-wheel drive, but if this is not the case, you can save the 3.000 euros difference and invest in other extras...

Equipment Cupra Leon

Serial

• Drive Profile (driving modes)
• progressive steering
• XDS Electronic Locking Differential
• Full LED headlights
• Taillights with infinity beam and dynamic indicators
• Cruise control and speed limiter
• Front Assist
• Unintentional Lane Change Assist
• automatic high beams
• Fatigue detector
• rear parking sensor
• 7 airbags (including front center airbag)
• Rain and light sensor
• Tri-zone air conditioner
• Keyless entry and start
• 10,25 inch digital box
• 10-inch touch media screen
• Electric parking brake
• 18-inch wheels
• Darkened rear windows
• Front seats with lumbar adjustment and Copper-tone stitching
• Leather multifunction steering wheel
• illuminated foot pegs

VZ

• Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC)
• Cupra mode in Drive Profile
• Launch Control
• VAQ Differential
• Sports steering wheel with satellite start buttons and driving modes
• jam assistant
• Adaptive and predictive cruise control
• blind spot detector
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Recognition of traffic signs
• Front and rear parking sensors with park assist
• 12-inch multimedia screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bucket sport seats
• Heated sports steering wheel with paddles
• Aluminum pedals
• Multicolor ambient interior light

VZ Cup

• Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tires
• Brembo brakes
• Matrix LED headlights
• Openable panoramic roof
• Beats Audio System sound system with 9 speakers
• 19-inch Performance Sport wheels
• Specific skirts
• Front CupBucket seats with carbon fiber shell

Cupra León range prices

Editor's opinion

• Editor's rating
• 4 star rating
• Excellent

^€33.340 a ^€59.135

• 80%

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• Cupra Leon ST 2.0 TSI 310 CV 4Drive
• Review of: Diego Avila
• Posted on:
• Last modification:

• Exterior design

  Publisher: 75%
• interior design

  Publisher: 75%
• front seats

  Publisher: 80%
• rear seats

  Publisher: 85%
• Trunk

  Publisher: 85%
• Spring Suspension

  Publisher: 90%
• Consumption

  Publisher: 60%
• Comfort

  Publisher: 75%
• Price

  Publisher: 60%

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Gallery Cupra Leon Sportstourer 310 CV

More information about this model

cupra leon

• Plazas 5
• Power 150 - 310 hp
• Consumer goods 1,2 - 8,5l/100km
• Assessment 4,6