Cupra ST: the latest hot hatch estate

The hot hatch estate genre is one we really quite like here at TG, so it gives us great pleasure to confirm there's a new one. Making life more difficult for the Ford Focus ST and VW Golf R estates will be this, the Seat Leon Cupra ST.

It’s the third iteration of new Leon Cupra, following on from three- and five-door versions. But you could argue it’s the best-looking. Seat has eschewed boxiness and given the Leon ST a bit of vigour, not least courtesy of those two dramatic lines swooshing across its sides. And thumbs up for the 911 Turbo-esque alloy wheels.

While Leon Cupra hot hatches have the option of two power outputs, the ST will only come in more powerful 276bhp trim, with a choice of six-speed manual and DSG paddleshift gearboxes. It’ll hit 62mph in 6.0secs – 0.2sec slower than a five-door Cupra – on its way to a limited 155mph top speed.

As well as coming with the usual Cupra goodies – a clever front diff and Dynamic Chassis Control – it will also have the Leon’s Sub8 Performance Pack on the options list.

This £2,025 package aims to bring the Cupra close to the specification with which Seat set a then-record lap of the Nürburgring, and includes semi-slick Michelin Cup tyres, bigger Brembo brakes and 19in wheels which can be specified in orange. Front-wheel-drive estate cars get no madder than that…

Sales of the Cupra ST start in March, with prices expected to kick off at around £28,000. That should give it around £4000 of breathing space beneath the 20bhp-healthier Golf R estate, which also has a bit more bootspace.

What do think, TG.commers? Are hot hatches cooler with a bit of extra length?