It's not hard to like the Seat Leon ST Cupra 280. Apart from the design — which must be the happiest interpretation of the MQB platform — it doesn't lack other arguments. I'm talking about the interior space, the performance of the 2.0 TSI engine with 280hp and the general behavior of the set. Familiar or sporty? Both. An ambiguity that confuses the accounts even for those who write.
The familiar facet is similar to all other vans in the Leon range: spacious, well equipped and comfortable enough — I reinforce the word “enough”. Inside there's space for two chairs and the luggage compartment doesn't lack space for the kids' gear, more specifically 587 liters of gear — with the seats folded down the value rises to an impressive 1,470 liters.
“By the way they can still shame a Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 V-Spec or a Dodge Viper SRT-10. That's what the times on the German track say…”
But then comes the sporty facet to shuffle the bills – or make the choice easier… Selecting Cupra mode on the 6.5-inch touchscreen, the Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 transforms itself. Once comfortable and docile enough, it transforms into an impetuous, fast and precise van. These are the right adjectives to describe the dynamic behavior and performance of the 2.0 TSI engine in Cupra mode.
In this version with DSG gearbox, the Leon ST Cupra, with 280 hp and 350 Nm of torque (available between 1750 and 5600 rpm) the Spanish brand announces an acceleration capability from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and one maximum speed speed of 250 km/h. Consumption is 6.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 154 g/km — at carefree (and not rushed) paces, count instead with 8.3 l/100 km.
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Despite the longer wheelbase and the higher weight (45kg) compared to the hatchback version, I didn't notice any noteworthy dynamic difference between the two versions. In other words, the ST offers everything that the 5-door version offers and even adds space on board. Not a bad deal.
For 42,610 euros it is possible to have a van with 280hp of power, as capable of taking children to school as accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds towards the nearest track-day. Along the way they can still shame a Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 V-Spec or a Dodge Viper SRT-10. I'm not saying this, it's the times on the German track…