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.
