Seat Leon Cupra 290, the Spaniards are getting even faster – Sports Cars
There is something extremely fascinating about a compact engine with nearly three hundred horsepower. Not so much because it is practical and maneuverable because of its size, but because you don't expect it to run as fast.
La Seat Leon Cupra 290 This is an improved version of the already fast Leon Cupra 280. 2.0 TSI engine now it produces ten hp. more, or 290 hp. at 5.900 rpm, and 350 Nm of constant torque in the range from 1.500 to 5.800 rpm. In addition, Seat technicians have worked on the exhaust sound, now clearly more suitable for this cavalry. It's actually a regular Cupra, a little faster and noisier, but as we'll see, there wasn't much to improve. With the increase in power, the Leon accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 5,7 seconds and reaches 250 km / h.
However, turning around it looks like normal Leon FR. It's only when you get closer that you notice the badges, twin tailpipes and red brake calipers with Cupra script. Even the 19-inch wheels with 235/35 tires suggest this Leon needs some power to hold back, but overall the Cupra 290 is a sober car.
THE interior they are very well finished and boast typical Volkswagen quality, but are more carved and voluminous than their Golf counterparts. The dashboard is crafted from a single piece of soft plastic, while the retention seats with the Cupra logo are crafted from a clever mix of leather and Alcantara.
Even the steering wheel doesn't flaunt racing intent, but the 300kph full-scale speedometer and aluminum pedals are important clues.
The obedient side of Cupra
La Leon it starts by turning the key, quietly waking up the four-cylinder turbocharger. You can choose from different driving modes (comfort, sport, cupra and last custom) that affect the gearbox, engine, differential and steering.
Relax while driving six-speed DSG gearbox it shifts very smoothly at 2.000 rpm, keeping fuel consumption low (on average I was able to drive 15 km / l). In fact, the engine is resilient, quiet, but very tight.
Thus, the DCC electronic suspension makes driving comfortably velvety without causing any wobbling.
I know that for a 290 hp sports car not the best way to feel relaxed and comfortable, but in fact it is. Cupra it is a very pleasant car in everyday use. The steering is light enough, the seat is high enough, the stereo (standard) is very powerful and has all the desired C-segment options, including cruise control, rear parking sensors and 6.5-inch touchscreen navigator.
Mr. Hide
Проведение Seat Leon Kupra on the right track, and you will discover his second person. Cupra mode stretches all of Leon's nerves, making the skin stiffer, opening the exhaust valve and making the steering heavier.
When you turn on the gas for the first time, you don't believe. I have driven powerful cars, but the Cupra engine always surprises me. The way it transmits power reminds me of something Nissan GT-R: The engine has a slight lag and pulls like a train from 1.500 to 6.000, with a torque spike of around 3.500 putting the front tires in a crisis. To be honest, the extra ten resumes are hard to take, but we take our word for it. Electronically controlled limited-slip differential intervenes discreetly; it works reasonably well without causing harsh torque reactions in the steering, but at the same time very well at inhibiting understeer in second and third gear.
La Cupra 290 it is very fast when mixed. There are plenty of mechanical grips to lean on and the balanced frame makes it very simple and welcoming. The rear is actually well-set, but in tight corners it still follows the front wheels precisely with no resistance. It's really easy to drive fast with the Leon: the DSG is punctual and quick as always, and the confidence that the car instills makes you feel comfortable even at incredible speeds. Even braking provides more safety and the pedal, albeit with great effort, is very well adjustable.
Compared to the Mégane RS, things look a little more filtered, both in terms of steering and information coming from the chassis, but this is the only situation in which the Spanish are inferior to the French.
The electronically controlled DCC dampers are the devil: they almost completely eliminate roll and pitch, but they pass through holes with exceptional ease, allowing the wheels to always remain glued to the ground.
Il sound from the inside it is not so pleasant. The growl of the four-cylinder TSI is noticeable, but every time you switch to wide-open throttle, a crimson sound is heard from the rear of the car. Soundproofing, however, is very accurate, but the sound is still a little artificial.
However, from the outside, the sound does not even seem to be it. Engine TSI it has a sharper and wilder sound, and when toggled and released, it explodes and fires like New Years Eve, forcing you to finally appreciate the soundtrack that's up to par.
everyday
La Seat Leon Cupra 290 leaves the qualities of the Cupra 280 intact, greatly improving the sound and giving it a little more HP - even if the power was lacking. Its ability to be comfortable and practical on the move, yet insanely fast on the road (or rather on the track) is to be commended. It is not easy for a sports car to be able to combine these two aspects well, but it seems that they have succeeded in Seat. Even slow-moving mileage is good for a 2.0 turbo engine with almost three hundred horsepower, and if you're careful, you can even reach 15 km/l.
