After visiting ABT
Sportsline, this Leon Cupra is ready to take on the big boys in the mega hatch
segment. It might not have as much
power as the aforementioned models, but this Spanish hot hatch is more than
capable of throwing a punch at them.
That’s because the
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder now delivers 370 PS and
460 Nm of torque, an improvement of 70 PS and 80 Nm over the stock Leon Cupra.
Besides adding
their own ECU and an aftermarket exhaust system, ABT Sportsline hasn’t
performed other mechanical upgrades. Thus, the vehicle remains front-wheel
drive, unlike the RS3 Sportback and AMG A45, but there is a way to benefit from
AWD: get the ST (aka estate) variant, preferably in the Carbon Edition flavor
that’s limited to 300 cars.
Enhancing the
ride’s head-turning abilities are different sets of wheels offered by ABT.
These measure between 18- and 20-inch in size, are offered in different shades
and patterns and can be shod with high performance tires, for an extra cost.
One doesn’t
necessarily have to own a Leon Cupra to benefit from some of ABT’s offerings,
as their portfolio includes more power for different engines of Seat’s compact
hatch. For example, the 1.4-liter petrol unit can deliver 160 PS instead of the original 122 PS, and the 2.0-liter diesel makes
210 PS, up from 184 PS.
