SEAT Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition

Limited-run special takes performance estate out in style

IT’S not uncommon for car makers to launch special editions as a model reaches the end of production.

Late last year, SEAT presented the Leon Cupra R– a kit-laden, tuned version of the standard hot hatch. Now it’s the turn of the ST estate, driven here for the first time in Carbon Edition trim.

The tweaks are less extensive than those on the R, but exclusivity is on par. SEAT won’t divulge exactly how many are reserved for British buyers, although we’re told “fewer than 50” will make it. Each costs £2,400 more than the standard car.

For your extra cash you get plenty of carbon trinkets. Available only in grey, the Cupra 300 Carbon Edition has carbon-fibre side blades, plus carbonfibre front and rear diffusers. There’s a set of unique wheels, and quad exhausts.

Unlike the Cupra hatch, which recently saw a 10bhp power dip due to the latest WLTP regulations, the estate retains its 296bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine. The only mechanical tweaks, in fact, are the Brembo brakes, which add fierce stopping power to the ST’S roster.

Otherwise, this Leon drives just like the standard Cupra. It feels ferociously quick, but with the added security of allwheel drive, the wagon doesn’t squirm quite like the hatch. It offers traction in spades, with very little body roll.

Despite using the older six-speed DSG transmission, the car changes gear quickly and smoothly. The short paddles aren’t as tactile as those in some of the SEAT’S rivals, and even in manual mode it’ll change cogs automatically when it hits the red line. In Cupra mode, fullthrottle upshifts are accompanied by a rasp from the exhaust.

The ride isn’t quite as accomplished as in a Volkswagen Golf R Estate, and refinement – especially on these 19-inch wheels – is particularly poor.