New Seat Leon ST Gains 4Drive AWD Versions, Available Only with Diesel Engines

The new Seat Leon ST is now available in "4Drive" all-wheel-drive versions. Making its debut at the Vienna Auto Show (January 16-19), the Seat Leon ST 4Drive is offered with two diesel engines: a 104hp/105PS 1.6-liter and a 148hp/150PS 2.0-liter.

The 4Drive system is a permanent all-wheel-drive system that uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.

The AWD system works in conjunction with the four-wheel EDS dynamic control system consisting of electronic differential locks on both axles, the extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), the electronic stability program and the multi-collision brake.

In normal operation, the clutch sends most of the engine power to the front wheels, but when traction suffers, the torque is diverted to the rear as well.

The two TDI engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with average fuel economy standing at 4.5 l/100 km (52.2 mpg US) for the 1.6-liter and 4.8 l/100 km (49 mpg US) for the 2.0-liter. CO2 emissions are rated at 119 and 124 grams per kilometer, respectively. Both models are fitted as standard with a start/stop system and braking-energy regeneration.

The 2.0 TDI model sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, while the 1.6 TDI does it in 12 seconds. Top speed is rated at 211 km/h (131 mph) and 187 km/h (116 mph), respectively.

The Seat Leon ST 4Drive 1.6 TDI will be introduced in Europe this April, with the 2.0 TDI model to arrive in summer.

By Dan Mihalascu

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New Leon Cupra is Most Powerful Seat Ever with Up to 276HP [w/Video]

Following yesterday’s leaked photos, Seat released official details of the new top model of the Leon range, the Leon Cupra, which is available in two flavors, one with 262hp (265PS) and the other with 276hp (280PS).

The latter is the most powerful series production car ever made by Seat (the 310PS Leon Cupra R Limited Edition was created by Seat Netherlands and offered only in 100 units). In both states of tune, the engine produces 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Available from the start as either a five-door or three-door, the new Leon Cupra is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI petrol engine with dual injection and variable camshaft timing. The Cupra also benefits from other features including a front differential lock, the DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the Cupra Drive Profile. The latter consists of three different driving modes: Comfort, Sport and Cupra.

The top Leon Cupra 280 with optional DSG transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds (5.8 seconds with the manual gearbox) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The base Leon Cupra is only marginally slower, needing 5.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill (5.9 seconds with manual transmission).

Seat says the new Leon Cupra is also more fuel-efficient than its predecessor thanks to the start/stop and brake energy regeneration systems, with both variants averaging 6.4 l/100 km (36.7 mpg US) when fitted with the DSG gearbox and 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 mpg US) with the manual gearbox. CO2 emissions vary between 149 and 154 grams per kilometer.

Design-wise, the Cupra stands out from regular Leon models thanks to larger air intakes, rear skirt with diffuser effect, rear spoiler, the two oval end pipes, tinted side and rear windows, exclusive 18- or 19-inch wheels in titanium finish and red brake callipers. Inside, the Leon Cupra features a new sports steering wheel with shift paddles for the DSG transmission, sports seats in dark grey Alcantara with white stitching and aluminum pedals and entry sills.

The car will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with full pricing to be announced closer to launch. In the UK, the Leon Cupra will start from £25,690 (€30,930).

By Dan Mihalascu

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VIDEO

First Photos of Seat's All-New Leon Cupra 280PS Hot Hatches

Official images of Seat's new duet in Europe's competitive hot hatch segment, the Leon Cupra five-door and its three-door sibling, the Leon Cupra SC, have spilled online ahead of their world premiere at the 2014 Geneva motor show in March.

Both models feature the same aerodynamic kit, bespoke trim accents and big alloy wheels that give them a (subtly) more dynamic look than the regular editions, as well as a common 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four rated for 280PS or 276hp.

In the VW Group world, the output figure places the Leon Cupra between the VW 217hp (220PS) and 227hp (230PS) editions of the VW Golf GTI, and the Golf R and Audi S3, both of which come with a 296hp (300PS) 2.0L turbo.

Power will likely be channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or an available DSG dual-clutch transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential. As you'd expect, the Cupra models will also come with uprated suspension, brake and steering components to improve handling and feel.

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