Review
SEAT Leon Cupra 290
The top version of the SEAT Leon is the Cupra. It has recently received additional power, bringing the counter to 290 hp. There is a Cupra for the 3-door version “SC” (Sport Coupé), the 5-door and the station wagon “ST” (Sports Tourer). We went out with the SEAT Leon Cupra 290 as a 5-door. This is available from €34,440 with a six-speed manual transmission. For the six-speed DSG automatic transmission you have to pay 36,190 euros.
Engine
The beating heart is under the hood of the Cupra a 2.0 TSI petrol engine. You can rev it high and spit out a total of 290 enthusiastic horses, all of which are sent to the front wheels. This allows the Cupra to reach 100 km/h in a smooth 5.7 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h. According to Seat, the average combined consumption is 6.6 liters for the DSG and 6.7 liters for the manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are 154 and 156 g/km respectively.
Soundtrack
The Cupra has one of the best soundtracks from a 2-liter four-cylinder that we have ever heard. The sound increases nicely as you climb the revs and during sporty driving there is a nice thump from the exhaust every time the gearbox shifts up. This well-thought-out sound is partly due to the new exhaust system that was specially developed for the 5D Cupra 290 and SC. This new exhaust system is also lighter and provides more power.
DCC
The Cupra also features the latest generation of the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system. This was also developed specifically for the Cupra and ensures that the properties of the chassis and suspension change at lightning speed be adapted to the driving conditions. Via the Drive Profile you can switch between the different modes “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Individual” and, as a sporty ultimate, “Cupra”. In this Cupra mode, the throttle response is the sharpest and the DSG shifts the sportiest. The DCC system, the progressive steering and the front axle differential lock also get their sportiest setting in this mode.
Standard equipment
The standard equipment of the Leon Cupra also includes Full-LED lighting at the rear and front, as well as LED daytime running lights. You also get progressive steering. This adjusts depending on the speed, with the resistance increasing as the speed increases.
Design
Visually you can recognize the Cupra 290 by its beautiful 19-inch rims, the black exterior mirrors, the CUPRA letters on the brake calipers and a spoiler at the back of the roof. The interior of the Cupra also looks nice. In the center we find a sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom, which is specific to the CUPRA. This fits comfortably in the hand and offers extra grip thanks to the perforated leather. Also specific to the CUPRA are sports seats in dark gray Alcantara with white stitching.
Conclusion
The SEAT Leon Cupra 290 is a top car that will give you loads of driving pleasure. More than enough power, affordable and a soundtrack that could come straight from an AMG. Only the brakes lost some of their power with intensive use. What would also complete this car is a version with four-wheel drive.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
