The presentation of the SEAT Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 began surprisingly casually: a report on the increase in sales of cars of the brand (by 11% in Europe), a report on the success of Leon, who added an impressive 44%, talk about the most important export markets for SEAT - they turned out to be Mexico, Algeria and Turkey. And only at the end, as if remembering why we all gathered near the factory in Martorell, we were shown the most important thing - a video from the Nürburgring North Loop. Dramatic music, camouflaged Leon with the eloquent number 0001 NUR, spectacular footage from the track. But where is the lap time?
“Find out at the Geneva Motor Show!” smiled back Antonio Valdivieso, who has worked for SEAT for more than 20 years as Head of Communications. Luckily, the motor show didn't have long to wait, and now we already know that the Leon Cupra 280 broke the Renault Megane RS record (8:07.97) by a decent margin - Jordi Genet (driver of the former SEAT Sport WTCC factory team and brother of the ex-Formula- 1 Mark Genet) raced along the Nordschleife in 7:58.44. But then I settled on Antonio with other questions. Why can you hardly distinguish Cupra from twenty meters from the Leon FR modification? And where did the bright body colors go? There is not even the signature yellow that has always distinguished the Cupra versions! And the entire available palette exactly repeats the not very cheerful range of shades of ordinary SEAT Leon.
The SEAT Leon Cupra is based on the MQB modular platform, on which other “charged” cars of the VAG concern are built: the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Skoda Octavia RS, as well as the all-wheel drive Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R. McPherson struts in front, multi-link design in the back. The ground clearance of the Leon Cupra has been reduced by 10mm compared to the Leon FR, and by 25mm compared to the regular Leons. The curb weight of the three-door Leon Cupra is 1375 kg (five-door 20 kg heavier) - 75 kg less than the previous Leon Cupra R.
The three-door version is 35 mm shorter and 20 kg lighter than the five-door version, so it accelerates to 100 km/h faster. Leon Cupra reaches 100 km / h in 5.9 seconds with a manual transmission (five-door spends 0.1 seconds more). With DSG, the sprint is reduced by another ten for any of the modifications. Finally, the Cupra 280 is also 0.1 seconds faster than any of the similar models with a 265-horsepower engine.
The “charged” SEAT hatchback is offered in two versions: Cupra with a 265-horsepower two-liter turbo engine and forced Cupra 280 (power is encrypted in the digital index). Moreover, with the advent of the Leon SC, you can also choose a three-door modification of the “lighter” with a wheelbase shortened by 35 mm! Another news is that a six-speed DSG robot with two clutches is available for a surcharge. But for the first acquaintance, I chose the Leon Cupra with a manual transmission.
And did not lose! SEAT Leon Cupra, like our recently tested "relative" - Volkswagen Golf R - pleased us with a comfortable grip and precise operation of the gear lever. In normal modes, the Leon Cupra doesn't show much of its nature at all. 18-inch wheels with 225/40 R18 tires did not turn the Cupra into a bone shaker - thanks to the adaptive dampers (DCC). Armchairs with increased lateral support are not clamped with strong hugs. And the elasticity of the turbo engine eliminates the need to constantly switch - the “shelf” of torque (350 N∙m) “hangs” in the range of 1750-5300 rpm. Accelerate even in sixth gear from 50 km / h ... Even the pleasant roar of the “exhaust” does not bother you - the “volume” of the exhaust system can be reduced in the Cupra Drive Profile menu by selecting Comfort mode.
And I had a chance to wake up the whole herd on the Casteoli Motor Park track. This track is not used for competitions - amateur track days are held here, and in recent years it has been loved by automakers who hold presentations here. Here I have already ridden a Toyota GT86 coupe (for details, see the material “Toyota GT86. Return to the Roots”), an Infiniti Q50 sedan (read the article “Test drive Infiniti Q50. Love goes through the wires?”) And even a Nissan Leaf electric car RC ("Nissan Juke Nismo Test Drive: Physical Education")! And we will be happy to come again - a configuration with many high-speed arcs and a height difference delights people with gasoline in their blood! Especially when you get here on a really suitable car.
Skeptics will once again be confounded. 265 forces on the front wheel drive? No problems on dry pavement! Ahead looms the stern of the instructor's Leon FR, which is trying with all its might to break away from the Cupra. Dudki! The basic equipment (in the markets of Western Europe) Leon Cupra includes a new VAQ self-locking differential with a multi-plate clutch. And this piece of hardware is damn effective - while the Leon FR's electronic lock-out tries to keep the unloaded wheel from slipping, the Cupra shoots out of the corner with the right pedal to the floor!
SEAT Leon Cupra conquers with ease in “communication” - you immediately find a common language with the car, you don’t have to fight it. The engine pulls confidently from the bottom and does not turn sour at the top, steering responses are fast and accurate, and even the brakes do not give up after a few laps on the race track, although they do not have four-piston calipers (soon this option will be available for a surcharge). Oh, still pepper in character - the chassis is set to understeer. You go right - no problem. But as soon as you go overboard with the entry speed, the Cupra will begin to slide the front axle outward. And even the release of gas in a turn will not make her stand across the road.
You can add "special effects" by selecting the Sport mode - the suspension becomes denser, the steering wheel is filled with effort, and bass notes of "exhaust" begin to penetrate into the cabin. But there will be no global difference in habits - except that faster responses to pressing the accelerator pedal will facilitate gas shifts when shifting to lower gears. The stabilization system at the same time weakens the grip and allows the car to slip a little before taking it by the scruff of the neck. On a mountain road, a looser collar is enough, but on a track, the ESC seems a little too caring. Fortunately, it can be turned off completely.
The multimedia complex with a 5.8-inch touch screen does not shine with graphics and speed. In the Cupra Drive Profile menu, you can select one of the algorithms for the operation of the DCC suspension, engine, steering, adaptive cruise control and differential in the front axle (or set your own settings in an individual mode)
The Leon Cupra 280 is slightly sharper thanks to the low-profile 19-inch wheels (235/35 R19), but the difference in dynamics is hardly perceptible. The hardest part is choosing the gearbox. Yes, with DSG Cupra 280 will accelerate to hundreds of 0.1 seconds faster than with mechanics (5.7 seconds versus 5.8). And it’s easier to drive along the track - you won’t make a mistake with the right step and once again you won’t unbalance the car when braking. But with DSG, you have to “open” at the exit earlier - the robot does not always switch to a lower one in advance. The manual mode partly saves the situation, but even then the DSG lacks predictability. Plus, the traditional dislike for traffic jams - having huddled in the dense traffic of Barcelona, I state that small jerks when switching from first to second and back have not gone away.
The SEAT Leon Cupra 280 (left) differs from the regular Cupra in black mirror caps, 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (instead of Continental ContiSportContact 5), an additional "280" badge and calipers with Cupra lettering. Plus an enlarged spoiler on the tailgate
By hook or by crook, I skated three sessions instead of two, but even then the thirst for speed was not satisfied. A fantastic road near Mount Montserrat came to the rescue - empty, flat, wide enough and with well-visible high-speed turns. Get into the rhythm and enjoy! Sound, dynamics, dimensions - as if SEAT engineers created the Leon Cupra 280 not for the Nurburgring, but for this serpentine. From such a passionate "private dance" it will not be long to lose your head! And they interrupted him ... no, not the end of the "tip", but the fuel level lamp. I drive out to the highway, refuel and “to the base”.
The standard equipment of the SEAT Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 (at least in European markets) includes LED headlights with a color temperature of 5300 Kelvin, which is close to natural light. This reduces the strain on the driver's eyes.
By the way, Jordi Genet raced his lap in a car with mechanics, but the main difference with the Megan RS probably fell on the tires. If “our” Leon Cupra 280s were shod in Bridgestone Potenza RE050A (like Megane RS Trophy), then the record hatchback could boast the latest Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (which, for example, is equipped with Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari 458 Speciale) and four-piston Brembo brakes . But do not rush to accuse SEAT of cheating - this package will be available for order from mid-summer.
Alas, we are not destined to enjoy the company of the new king of "hot" hatchbacks. I don’t want to believe this fact, and it shocked some participants in the RHHCC amateur championship who had their eyes on the Cupra - there will be no Cupra 280 version in Russia, as well as DCC adaptive shock absorbers and a VAQ self-locking differential (they cannot be ordered separately from each other)! The reason is just in the "smart" racks, the reliability of which in our conditions no one can guarantee - Volkswagen also does not sell the Golf GTI with a package that includes DCC and VAQ.
Antonio is also perplexed: “This is bullshit! We have the technology, but we can't sell a car with it. But it is useless to argue with techies.” The situation is in the best traditions of striptease: they teased you with characteristics, set a record at the Nurburgring, but they won’t let you “touch” it. Perhaps the absence of DCC and VAQ will allow setting an attractive price for the Russian market, and enthusiasts will order third-party differentials (for example, Quaife or Drexler) for change. But the price list has not yet been announced, because the SEAT Leon Cupra will debut in Russia only in August at the Moscow Motor Show.
Technique
Despite similar characteristics with its predecessor (SEAT Leon Cupra R), Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 are equipped with a modernized two-liter engine of the EA888 family (was EA113). The motor received a new block head, pistons, stronger connecting rods and reinforced bearings, fuel injection became combined (into the intake manifold and directly into the cylinders), and the valve timing system now controls both camshafts. Peak boost pressure (turbocharger is also new) - 1.1 bar. The only difference between the “heart” of Cupra 280 is other software
The limited slip differential VAQ has a multi-plate clutch, the degree of blocking of which is regulated by a pump (the pressure in the hydraulic system compresses the clutches). The pump is controlled by electronics based on information from sensors for speed, wheel rotation and lateral accelerations.
At MIAS-2014, the Spanish automaker SEAT presented its most frisky hatchback Leon Cupra of the new (third) generation in its "Russian version". The novelty received front-wheel drive, one version of the power plant and two versions of the body. The price for the 2015 SEAT Leon Cupra was announced in September, but dealers will start accepting applications only in November 2014.
The appearance of the SEAT Leon Cupra is dynamic and as sporty as possible. Stylish "muzzle" with artsy optics and sharp edges of the air intakes is neatly complemented by elegant stamps on the hood and sidewalls, giving the contours of the hatchback additional aerodynamics. The sloping rear end completes the fast-paced, sporty look, sporting stylish LED taillights. In Russia, the SEAT Leon Cupra will be available both in a shortened 3-door version and in the usual 5-door format.
The length of the five-door SEAT Leon 3 Cupra is 4271 mm, while the wheelbase is 2631 mm, the width does not exceed 1816 mm, and the height rests on the mark of 1434 mm. In turn, the 3-door version received a body length of 4236 mm, a width of 1810 mm and a height of 1423 mm. The wheelbase of the three-door is 2596 mm. The hatchback clearance in all cases is 117 mm. The curb weight of the SEAT Leon 3 Cupra is 1375 or 1395 kg depending on body type.
Salon hatchback SEAT Leon Cupra is designed for five passengers, but the second row is a little cramped. The interior design does not shine with an abundance of sports elements, in fact, the interior migrated almost unchanged from the usual SEAT Leon, although it received some features: a sportier steering wheel, metal pedals, etc.
The hatchback trunk is also small, as is the amount of free space in the back - in the base it holds only 380 liters of cargo.
Specifications. The driving force of the hatchback SEAT Leon Cupra in the Russian open spaces will be a 4-cylinder turbo engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters, powered by gasoline. The engine has an in-line layout and is equipped with a 16-valve DOHC timing, combined fuel injection, a variable valve timing system and an exhaust manifold integrated into the engine block. The output of the motor is 265 hp. in the range from 5350 to 6000 rpm, and the peak of its torque falls at around 350 Nm and is already reached at 1750 rpm, holding up to 5300 rpm. The engine is aggregated either with a 6-speed "mechanics" or with a 6-speed "robot" DSG. In the first case, the starting acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will take the SEAT Leon Cupra 5.9 seconds, and in the second, a little less – 5.8 seconds. "Maximum speed" in both cases is electronically limited to 250 km / h. As for fuel consumption, in the combined cycle, the hatchback eats about 6.6 liters of AI-95 gasoline per 100 km.
The SEAT Leon 3 Cupra hatchback is built on the well-known modular MQB platform and received only front-wheel drive without a self-locking differential, which is available on the European market. The suspension of the SEAT Leon Cupra hatchback is completely independent, spring, MacPherson struts are used in front, and a multi-link design is used in the rear. Note that the optional adaptive suspension available in Europe will not appear in our country. The SEAT Leon Cupra brake system is dual-circuit, ventilated disc brakes are used on all wheels. The hatchback rack and pinion steering mechanism was supplemented by an electromechanical power steering with a variable gear ratio.
Options and prices. In the list of basic equipment of the SEAT Leon Cupra sports hatchback in Russia, the manufacturer included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED optics, climate control, cruise control, full power accessories, a “winter” package, 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP systems, ASR, central locking, immobilizer and multimedia entertainment system with touch screen. Acceptance of applications for the new SEAT Leon Cupra will begin on November 3, 2014, and the cost of the hatchback starts at an intricate mark of 1,283,274 rubles for the basic package.
New car Seat Leon Cupra 2014 should appear in showrooms as early as next month (March), it will be officially presented at the Geneva Motor Show. However, a few months earlier, information about the new product leaked to the network, and we were able to observe photos of the appearance and interior design. Also, the technical characteristics of the machine became known to the general user, which, without undue modesty, surprised many. The new Leon Cupra can accelerate to 250 km / h, and overcomes a hundred in just 6 seconds! Very good, and for many fans of fast driving Seat Leon Cupra can be a worthy alternative to other high-speed models.
Price and equipment. In Europe, sales will begin in May 2014, and the price of the new Cupra will be one and a half million rubles or more. The basic package will include a motor with 265 "horses" under the hood and a 6-speed "mechanics". The top-end equipment boasts a 280 horsepower unit and a DSG robotic gearbox. However, any version of the Seat Leon Cupra is distinguished by an enviable nimbleness, and it will not be so easy to catch up with this baby on the track.
However, manufacturers follow the golden rule, when the buyer himself decides what exactly he needs and what not. The car is presented in eight configurations, where you can determine not only the appearance of your future car (three doors or five), but also the volume and power of the engine, as well as the gearbox.
The appearance and dimensions of the car of the new Leon Cupra almost copy its predecessor, but the high dynamics and acceleration, of course, forced the Spanish manufacturers to make some changes. So Cupra got a front bumper with a powerful air intake and a rear spoiler that helps it stay on the road at high speeds. The radiator grille has become wider, the fog lights have been replaced by headlights with powerful LEDs.
In general, any of the versions of the Leon Cupra 2014-2015 lineup looks stylish and truly sporty. The streamlined body eloquently says that speed is not a hindrance for him, and the more the better. This is also indicated by the fact that the car is equipped with a sports exhaust system and has two chrome-plated exhaust pipes.
The interior of the new Leon Cupra will not leave anyone indifferent, and will delight you with high-quality materials, rich equipment and well-thought-out ergonomics. The chairs are designed specifically for fast driving, because it is not in vain that the extreme line of the speedometer froze at an impressive 300 kilometers per hour. There is also a 5.8-inch control screen that will help you configure navigation, multimedia and conveniently use parking sensors. The interior is trimmed with perforated Alcantara leather, however, as is the steering wheel.
In the basic configuration, the car can also offer LED interior lighting, front differential lock, ABC EBD braking system, dual-zone climate control, electric power steering, DCC sports chassis, hill climb stabilization system and much more.
Those who become the happy owners of Leon Cupra new can proudly call themselves not so much car enthusiasts as pilots, because the filling of their new monster allows this. Pedal to the floor, and the kilometers rush past at breathtaking speed, as if they do not exist, as if they are completely arbitrary. But for those who prefer a quieter ride, the manufacturers also took care of adding three modes at once: "comfort", "sport" and "cupra", which will help you adjust the response of the car to your immediate needs. Having received a sporting start, Leon Cupra, for all that, did not lose the practicality for which many lovers of good cars appreciated him. The car can accompany you both on a quiet family trip and on the race track, where everything is decided by your reaction and how many "horses" under the hood of your unit.
Specifications. The Spanish hatchback is equipped with an upgraded 4-cylinder two-liter TSI engine. Depending on the selected mode, the car can deliver different power, but in general, the twin turbo ensures acceleration of the base body to hundreds in 5.9 seconds, while more top-end models cope with the task even faster. Fuel consumption at the same time, it pleases the soul: according to the manufacturer, it will not exceed 7 liters in the combined cycle, if the recommendations of the system are followed. Also, the Seat Leon Cupra can be called an ecological car, because it meets the Euro standard of the 5th series. So if you care not only about speed, reliability and comfort, but also about the environment, this is your choice.
I have been driving 1.6 (2005 before NEW) since April 2007, after Octavia 1.6 (2004) and Mazda 323 (1995). I took it by chance - a site with a commission trade in used cars from a friend, he called, I arrived, saw and, I answer, I immediately fell for it, especially since the price was delicious ($ 15,000), mileage 38,000 (without twists), in excellent condition. And I've been looking for a month already, rolled a lot of money on a taxi, traveled to all car dealerships - you could buy some empty bucket with these grandmas. In short… immediately after the test, I left a deposit (although I was looking for something family)… The impression is a wild delight!!!
So:
1. Exceptional!!! controlled machine - on the track my normal speed is 140-150 km / h and on bends I don’t particularly drop it - very pleasant in taxiing;
2. As for power, it’s a matter of habit, in the city it’s enough, if someone wants to drive at a traffic light, then after 3500 rpm. begins to understand that it’s not easy to race with Leon, but on the track I help overtaking with a box (I keep the speed at 4000) and overtake quite confidently.
3. Very comfortable seats with good lateral support, the steering wheel is set in two positions, all the switches are at hand, in short - 500 km (Zaporozhye-Kyiv) - easily, without aching back;
Strengths:
Weak sides:
Review Seat Leon 1.8 20VT (Seat Leon) 2004
As soon as this machine began to be produced, I immediately liked it ... But unfortunately I could not drive and try what it actually costs ... Half a year ago I bought (finally) myself, already used SEAT LEON 1.8 20VT 180 l / s. with 75 thousand miles. The car really lived up to all expectations! Appearance is great. Acceleration also exceeded expectations ...
For example, I got with the Mustang 4.6 303 l / s and left it far behind. Suspension, as for me harsh (but I have 17 wheels 225/45 rubber) may be in this way. But excellent road holding. And what to say about comfort, I think, for those who buy this kind of car, this is not the main thing ... By the way, there is enough space in the cabin, even the rear passengers do not complain. As soon as I took the machine, I immediately replaced the timing belt, and so, for 40 thousand (I have already passed) I only changed oil, rear pads and filters (consequences of Crimean gasoline :).
There were no more problems. No extraneous sounds, knocks, the car behaves like new. But the consumption is not happy, if you press the gas pedal all the time, then the computer gives out an average of 15 liters per 100 km. But still, I can not find competitors in this class for this car. In my opinion, no Mazdas and Toyotas lay next to each other ... Unless it was Golf 5 ... And now I am a fan of this car and would not change it even for a Lamborgini :)
In March of this year, the new Seat Leon Cupra 2014 will be officially demonstrated at the Geneva Motor Show. But Seat did not torment people with anticipation, and published a photo and some technical specifications of the novelty. At the beginning of this month, photos of the new car appeared on the Internet. Fans of the novelty were able to get acquainted with the appearance and interior design of this hatchback. Seat Leon Cupra 2014 will need less than six seconds to accelerate to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. And the maximum speed of the new brainchild of Seat can be 250 kilometers per hour.
PACKAGE AND PRICE
Sales of this car in Europe begin in May this year. The cost of the new Leon Cupra 2014 will be 30,810 euros for the minimum configuration. This package will include a three-door hatchback with a 265 hp engine, a six-speed manual gearbox. The maximum configuration of this car will consist of a five-door body, a 280 hp engine. and automatic transmission 6 DSG. There will be 8 variants of the new hatchback, four variants for the three-door Seat Leon Cupra 2014 and four variants for the Seat Leon 2014 with five doors, respectively. So every car lover who is looking for his faithful horse will be able to find a suitable option from the proposed complete sets of a new car.
EXTERIOR
The appearance and dimensions of the new model are very similar to the rest of the Seat Leon C-class cars. But the engineers and designers did a great job to improve the aerodynamic properties of the new Cupra 2014 model so that they match the dynamics and speed characteristics of the Cupra family of cars. The changes affected the false radiator grille, which increased slightly in width; there was a new front bumper, large air intakes, as well as a spoiler. There are no front fog lights, they are compensated by LED headlights. If you look at the side of the car, it is quite difficult to find the differences between the new and the old version. But if you look closely, you can see large 18 or 19 inch alloy wheels, low profile tires, tinted rear side windows and glass on the tailgate. You can see the rear-view mirrors on the legs.
Behind the new versions of the Leon Cupra 2014 look great too. A quick glance is enough to see twin exhaust pipes with chrome tips, a new rear bumper that has an additional diffuser. There is a large spoiler on the tailgate, as well as LED position lights.
INTERIOR
Inside, the new Seat Leon Cupra 2014 is very richly equipped, finished with quality materials, ergonomics thought out and verified. The on-board computer has an instrument panel with a multifunctional color screen. The multifunctional steering wheel with a rim trimmed from the bottom has a leather trim. The speedometer scale is marked up to 300 kilometers per hour, and the tachometer scale is marked up to 8000 rpm. The interior of the car is trimmed with perforated Alcantara leather. The front seats with a superior profile backrest have bolsters to support the hips and torso.
The central panel has a 5.8-inch touch screen that can control the multimedia system, telephone and navigation. The basic package of the new Seat Leon Cupra 2014 includes LED background lighting that changes color from white to red; front differential lock, electric power steering, dual-zone climate control, engine start-stop system, adaptive chassis, brake energy recovery system. The driver of this excellent car will be able to choose the most suitable mode, there are only three of them: Comfort, Cupra and Sport. These modes will tune the engine, transmission, chassis and steering for a more comfortable driving experience. The new 2014 Seat Cupra is a sports car with excellent handling and a groovy engine. But the car can still be used as a standard family car. This car is very practical.
POWER POINT
The 2014 Seat Leon has amazing specifications. It is ideal for lovers of speed. This novelty has a two-liter gasoline four-cylinder TSI engine with twin turbocharging. Based on the settings, the engine can produce different power. Cupra 265 with a two-liter engine of 265 horsepower will have an acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.9 seconds. Cupra 280 with the most powerful two-liter engine of 280 horsepower will accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.8 seconds.
The new Seat Cupra 2014 will be able to accelerate to 250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 6.4 liters for the Cupra 265 engine and 6.7 liters for the Cupra 280 engine, respectively. The maximum torque is reached at crankshaft speeds from 1700 to 5300 rpm, and is 350 Nm. The car has a wheelbase of 2636 millimeters, like the standard model. The new car has a completely independent suspension, disc brakes, a stabilization system, as well as an assistant when starting uphill.
Test video Seat Leon Cupra 2014 on the track
