New SEAT Leon Cupra- Impressive new looks, inside and out
- The XDS system provides excellent traction
- Efficient 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine
Visitors to the Barcelona Motor Show can admire the design of a car that has become a benchmark in terms of performance and road handling, mainly thanks to the excellent work carried out on its chassis and its powerful, efficient 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine. And the best is yet to come, since the improvements made to the 2009 version, coupled with the electronic XDS self-blocking mechanism, make the new León CUPRA a true segment leader.
Reworked styling
The most obvious difference on the new León CUPRA is its new silhouette, featuring sophisticated, innovative black honeycomb cooling vents at the front beneath the central grille. The front bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word CUPRA immediately visible on the left.
The rear features a prominent black moulding at the bottom of the bumper, a polished steel oval tailpipe and the characteristic model name in the centre of the hatch.
A side look at the León CUPRA reveals a lower ground clearance compared to the standard León version, making the car look and feel more like a racing unit, equipped with 225/40 tyres on spectacular 18 inch rims. Through each wheel’s five double-spokes, the brake discs and sporty red brake callipers are clearly visible, while the eye-catching wheel arches and black-encased door mirrors are all further distinctive traits of the SEAT model.
All the interior elements are black clad, replacing the usual light tones on other models. There is a leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the CUPRA logo at the bottom and a matching gearknob. Further sporty details are the white-faced instrument dials and aluminium pedals.
Special mention goes to the Leon CUPRA seats, with their true racing bucket styling featuring integrated headrests and the “CUPRA” badge displayed on the backrests. These seats offer tremendous side support when dealing with corners, as well as driving comfort. An attractive new option now available is black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching, highly reminiscent of 70s competition cars.
Maximum control with the XDS system
The new XDS system crucial in helping the powerhouse León CUPRA 2009 convey all of its horsepower to the road, at the same time guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, precision and control.
This electronic system works together with ESP to very progressively apply braking power to the wheel that loses grip when dealing with a curve. It is as effective as a mechanical self-blocking mechanism, but works more smoothly and avoids installing another mechanical element on the car.
A lot of credit must also go to SEAT’s efficient Agile Chassis, which is still fully effective on the León CUPRA 2009. Its precise exterior dimensions combine perfectly with a generous wheelbase and front McPherson suspension set-up with a Multi-link rear assembly, making it one of the models with the best dynamic performance in its segment.
The chassis of the previous León CUPRA generation was a benchmark in its segment for its sporty performance, agility and quick response to the driver’s prompts. But the new León CUPRA achieves the seemingly impossible – it provides the driver and passengers with even greater driving comfort, thanks to modifications made to the shock absorber ratings and silentblocks.
240 hp 2.0 TSI engine, a true thoroughbred
The new León CUPRA 2009 is equipped with the same powerful 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine as its predecessor, which provides brilliant performance and delivers exceptional fuel consumption figures. Top speed is clocked at 247 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes only 6.4 seconds, and it covers a standing kilometre in only 26.4 seconds. At the same time, average combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres for every 100 km.
In order to get the most out of this engine, the new León CUPRA is equipped with a six-speed gearbox, whose gear ratios have been purposely adapted to provide a top-notch mechanical assembly.
Top of the line equipment
The León CUPRA 2009 offers a fully comprehensive equipment line-up.
Driver and passenger safety is one of the highlighted aspects, with the possibility of protection offered by up to eight airbags – two at the front, two front side airbags, and a head airbag at the front and rear. These six airbags come as standard, with the further optional possibility of rear side airbags. The rear window seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.
As well as the innovative new XDS system, other standard active safety elements include ABS, TCS, ESP and EBA emergency braking that activates the hazard lights when engaged. The car’s anti-theft device is a standard, volumetric, motion-sensing alarm. Furthermore, the León CUPRA is equipped with other electronic driving aids such as cruise control and a driver-defined maximum speed warning system.
Hill Hold Assist is an optional electronic driving aid found on the new SEAT León range that keeps the vehicle stationary on a slope for up to two seconds when the brake pedal is released prior to accelerating. This prevents the car from rolling forward or back, and makes city driving and manoeuvring more comfortable.
Furthermore, the navigation system is completely new compared to the previous version. This one combines audio equipment and satnav functions with a touch screen and SD memory card. The screen also interacts with the new climate control mechanism. The screen displays information related to navigation, audio, telephone and climate control. The Integral Parking Pilot has front and rear sensors, and the Optical Park System displays the proximity to obstacles surrounding the vehicle on its screen, as a visual back-up to the warning beeps.
Additionally, the León CUPRA is equipped with the following standard equipment: low tyre pressure warning, cornering fog lights, trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + Aux-in, combined USB + Aux-in installation and dark glass, among others.
Images : New SEAT Leon Cupra
[Source : SEAT]
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