Super-Exclusive Leon ST Cupra Gets Carbonfibre And Brembo

Seat has announced a new flagship Leon Cupra estate, set to be built in extremely small numbers: fewer than 50 will come to the UK.

The Leon ST Carbon Edition stands out with 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels bespoke to the model, and carbonfibre bodywork extensions at the base of all sides. The side and front skirts look a bit vulnerable to kerbs, but the rear diffuser in the same material looks seriously mean, wrapped around four dark chrome exhaust tips.

It follows in the wheel tracks of the bronze-accented Cupra R limited edition hatchback from earlier this year, which the other Matt tested against the Hyundai i30 N. That run of just 24 cars for the UK sold out quickly.

Although it uses the arguably cooler body style, the Carbon Edition is 10bhp down on the R at 296bhp, possibly because of the reductions made necessary by the WLTP emissions test, as we reported several weeks ago. It won’t make any perceptible difference to performance.

Brembo brakes and bucket seats are borrowed from the same parts bin that supplied the R. On the other hand this special model uses four-wheel drive and DSG. The R was front-driven and only imported to the UK as a manual.

The UK price for the Monsoon Grey special is £35,575. Orders can be taken now, but no more will be imported once the 40-something are sold. It’s believed that Seat is waiting to gauge demand in several different countries before finalising numbers that will reach each.