Despite being more practical than saloons, estates are not really that popular with customers – and the onslaught of SUVs have made things even worse. Still, fast wagons do hold a certain appeal for petrolheads, and Seat’s Cupra division apparently thinks the same, as they decided to retain the ST estate bodystyle for the next-generation Cupra Leon.

As you can see in the spy images, Cupra’s journey to become a proper standalone brand involves offering a compact wagon as well. The camouflaged test car’s quad tailpipes indicate that this is the more powerful version of the two models planned as the Spanish car maker also intends to introduce a base 245 HP plug-in hybrid model into the range. The faster Cupra Leon is expected to make use of the Group VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter turbo four, which in the case of the Cupra Ateca produces 296 HP and 400 Nm of torque.


If the outgoing model is anything to go by, then it’s safe to expect all-wheel drive as well, at least as an option. This powertrain combo has proven to be a winning formula for both the Golf R and the current Leon, so it makes sense to stick to it. The new generation of the Leon is based on the same, upgraded platform that underpins the soon-to-be revealed Golf Mk8. The new model will grow in size, both in its hatchback and its estate bodystyles, with the latter being obvious thanks to that massive rear overhang.

Just like its German cousin, the new Cupra Leon ST is expected to benefit from a raft of new technologies, like a 48-volt electrical architecture that will help it lower its emissions, and and improved connectivity, as it’s going to offer the Group’s brand new infotainment system that will debut in the Golf. With the regular Seat Leon expected to debut sometime towards the end of the year, it’s safe to assume that the hot Cupra variants will launch sometime in mid-2020.