What is it?
We may live in an age where environmental responsibility, safety and connectivity are all important for any manufacturer, but the Seat Leon Cupra 300 is the latest hot hatch to get involved in a good old-fashioned power war.
Sure, the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 are knocking on the door of 400bhp, but those are stretching the limit of what a hot hatch is. If we look at more affordable pocket rockets, then a figure of 300 ponies is starting to become the new target for Focus-sized front-drivers.
So with the Volkswagen Golf R now gaining another 10bhp, there’s room in the Volkswagen Group hierarchy for a quicker Cupra. It now has a round 300 metric horsepower, or 296 Great British horsepower. Torque is also up by 22Ib ft to 280 and is channelled through a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
You also get an electronically controlled limited slip diff, adjustable dampers and a lightly revised interior and exterior. While a four-wheel drive variant of the estate is optional for the first time, we’re looking at the regular three-door with a manual ‘box.
Join the debate
Add your comment
What changed?
Understated
£30k and 300hp might as well go the whole hog and get a 4 WHEEL DRIVE Golf R, which most people will do, OR save a fair bit and get a slower (read quick enough) GTI or a FOCUS ST. IMHO
Exactly the right car...