Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG startstop

The Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG start/stop represents a captivating blend of practicality and high-performance engineering within the compact segment. Produced by the Spanish automaker SEAT, a prominent member of the Volkswagen Group, this particular variant of the third-generation Leon ST (Sport Tourer, or station wagon) was available from 2015 to 2016. Positioned as a “hot wagon” in the European market, it combined the utility of a five-door, five-seat station wagon with the exhilarating dynamics of a true performance vehicle. Unlike many performance models that prioritize two-door or hatchback configurations, the Leon Cupra ST offered a compelling proposition for enthusiasts who required ample cargo space and rear-seat comfort without compromising on driving excitement. Its advanced powertrain architecture, featuring a robust internal combustion engine paired with a sophisticated automatic transmission, underscored its commitment to delivering a spirited driving experience while adhering to contemporary efficiency standards.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG start/stop lies a formidable 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, designated by the EA888 / CJXH code. This powerplant is a testament to modern engineering, delivering a robust 290 horsepower between 5900 and 6400 rpm, translating to an impressive power-per-liter output of 146.2 Hp/l. Equally significant is its torque delivery, peaking at 258.15 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) across a broad range from 1700 to 5800 rpm, ensuring potent acceleration and flexibility in virtually any driving scenario. The engine employs a sophisticated valvetrain with Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for both power and efficiency. Its advanced fuel injection system combines direct injection with multi-port manifold injection, a strategy designed to reduce particulate emissions and improve fuel economy, particularly under varied load conditions.

Further enhancing its performance capabilities, the engine benefits from a turbocharger and an intercooler, which work in tandem to force-feed cooler, denser air into the combustion chambers, thereby maximizing power output. With a compression ratio of 9.3:1, the engine is tuned for high performance while maintaining reasonable efficiency. Power is channeled to the front wheels through a highly responsive 6-speed automatic DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) transmission. This dual-clutch unit is renowned for its lightning-fast shifts, contributing significantly to the vehicle’s dynamic character. The integration of a Start & Stop System further aids in fuel conservation and reduced emissions during urban driving, aligning with its Euro 6 emission standard compliance.

The performance figures for the Leon Cupra ST are truly impressive for a vehicle of its type. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds, with 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) achieved in 5.9 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155.34 mph (250 km/h), a common practice among European performance vehicles. Despite its potent output, the vehicle demonstrates commendable fuel economy, with a combined NEDC rating of 35.6 US mpg (6.6 l/100 km). Urban driving yields 27.7 US mpg (8.5 l/100 km), while extra-urban cruising can achieve an excellent 42.8 US mpg (5.5 l/100 km). Its CO2 emissions are rated at 154 g/km, reflecting its balance of power and environmental consciousness. The car’s kerb weight of 3066.63 lbs (1391 kg) results in an excellent weight-to-power ratio of 4.8 kg/Hp (208.5 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4 kg/Nm (251.6 Nm/tonne), underscoring its agile and responsive nature.

Design & Features

The Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG start/stop masterfully combines the practical architecture of a station wagon (estate) with the aggressive aesthetics and functional design cues characteristic of SEAT’s high-performance Cupra division. Its five-door body style and seating for five passengers make it a highly versatile vehicle, ideal for families or individuals requiring significant cargo capacity without sacrificing a sporty appearance. The exterior design features sharp lines, a distinctive front fascia, and aerodynamic elements that hint at its performance capabilities. With a length of 178.86 inches (4543 mm), a width of 71.5 inches (1816 mm), and a height of 56.34 inches (1431 mm), the Leon ST Cupra strikes a balanced and assertive stance on the road. The wheelbase measures 103.58 inches (2631 mm), contributing to both interior space and stable handling.

Practicality is a cornerstone of the Leon ST Cupra’s design. The trunk (boot) space is generous, offering a minimum of 20.73 cubic feet (587 liters) with the rear seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 51.91 cubic feet (1470 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This ample volume allows for easy transport of luggage, sports equipment, or groceries, making it a genuine all-rounder. The vehicle’s maximum load capacity is 1342.62 lbs (609 kg), and it can accommodate a roof load of up to 165.35 lbs (75 kg), further extending its utility.

Underneath its sporty exterior, the Leon Cupra ST boasts a sophisticated chassis and suspension setup designed for dynamic driving. The front suspension features an independent McPherson-type system with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, providing precise steering response and excellent road holding. At the rear, an independent multi-link spring suspension with a stabilizer ensures superior grip and comfort, even during spirited driving. The braking system is equally robust, with ventilated discs both front and rear, offering strong and consistent stopping power. Assisting systems include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety during emergency braking. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup with electric power steering, delivering direct feedback and easy maneuverability, reflected in its minimum turning circle of 34.45 feet (10.5 meters). The vehicle comes equipped with performance tires, typically 225/40 R18 or optional 235/35 R19, mounted on 7.5J x 18 or 8J x 19 wheel rims, respectively, enhancing both grip and visual appeal.

The Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG start/stop in the European Market

For the European market, the Seat Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG start/stop carved out a significant niche as a desirable “hot wagon.” Unlike the North American market, where station wagons have historically seen fluctuating popularity, performance estates are highly valued in Europe for their unique combination of driving thrills and everyday practicality. SEAT, as a brand, has often been positioned to offer a sportier, more emotionally charged alternative to its Volkswagen Group stablemates like the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia, sharing much of their underlying technology but with a distinct Spanish flair in design and tuning.

The Leon Cupra ST appealed to a specific demographic: buyers who craved the raw power and agile handling of a compact performance car but also needed the expansive cargo capacity and rear-seat comfort that a traditional hatchback couldn’t offer. It provided a more practical alternative to performance coupes and sedans, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts with families or those leading active lifestyles. Its competitive pricing, relative to premium German rivals, further cemented its appeal. The 290-horsepower engine, coupled with the quick-shifting DSG transmission and front-wheel drive architecture, delivered an engaging driving experience, characterized by strong acceleration and confident cornering dynamics. While front-wheel drive might seem a limitation to some, SEAT’s engineers employed advanced differential technologies (such as a limited-slip differential, common in Cupra models, though not explicitly detailed in the provided data) to effectively manage torque steer and maximize traction. This made the Leon Cupra ST a formidable contender on winding roads and a comfortable cruiser on the autobahn, embodying the European ideal of a versatile, high-performance daily driver. Its relatively short production run from 2015 to 2016 makes this specific variant a sought-after model among enthusiasts today.

Technical Specifications