SEAT Leon ST (2014 - 2020) Cupra 300 2.0 TSI 300PS 4Drive DSG auto (06/19-on) 5d Owner Review

I previously owned a Seat Leon Cupra (manual) mk1 and then moved to a Seat Leon FR with the DSG semi-automatic gearbox - also the hatch. When it came to choose another car, the Seat Leon ST 2.0 TSI Cupra 300 Lux [EZ] 5dr DSG 4Drive (nice short name!) was on my shortlist. I wasn't able to test-drive one in the exact specification I was after, so this was the first car I bought without driving first. It's also my first brand new vehicle. I've done far fewer miles than expected due to COVID-19 but having owned the car for more than a year, I've had a good chance to experience the vehicle on shorter and longer trips. This includes family trips with 3 passengers and full use of the boot capacity. The Cupra ST has a fair bit more luggage space than the hatch but is only about 30 cm longer. To my eyes, it's a nice looking shape too. Of course, that's subjective. It has more luggage space than many cars of a similar size - or some which are larger. Big enough for shopping and holidays. It's a well specced car, with dual climate control, full leather (heated front sheets and electric driver's seat), adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay, sat nav. It also has a digital dash which can be configured with various displays. You can choose the traditional (but digital) dials if you wish from the various options. Some of the features are specific to the Lux model. It's useful having the ACC on longer motorway journeys, especially combined with the DSG box. Wireless phone charging is hardly critical, but is useful. I tend to use wired CarPlay for sat nav if travelling further afield. The built-in sat nav is okay. But Apple Maps or Google Maps are better, and you get free updates. It also has dynamic chassis control and numerous options to change the car's dynamics through the infotainment system. These user settings can affect the suspension, gear changes, throttle, air conditioning, cruise control acceleration and so on. But it's simple to stick to defaults. For a sporty car with 19 inch wheels, the ride on the Comfort setting is quite compliant. That said, I came from a Leon FR which had a fairly (read very) firm ride. So, if that's an issue for you, check for yourself before buying. You can drive round town in comfort mode, which still gives you all the 300hp or thereabouts. But let's you drive smoothly with good throttle control. Stick the DSG box into sport to give a sharper throttle response, or change into sport, Cupra or individual modes. You can also use the paddles for more manual control. However, the gearbox generally picks the right gear, so you can drive it in full automatic mode. It's an easy car to drive smoothly in the city, with front and rear sensors for parking. Then you can use more of the power on the open road - when it's safe to do so, of course! The boot floor is adjustable to two heights and of course you can lower the rear seats to create more load space. Plenty of storage in the cabin and 4 USB sockets (2 in front, 2 in rear) for connections. I haven't used it yet, but there is a power socket in the boot too (not in the hatch). Some people reckon that SEAT is the poor cousin to Audi and VW. However, having driven various Audi and VW hire cars, I would say that SEAT is not far behind in the interior quality. I prefer the high up position for the infotainment and the SEAT's style and image. I feel it's definitely worth going for a Leon with Full Link (includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) if you want sat nav or music apps such as Spotify - although you can connect via bluetooth without it. I have very few criticisms of the car. It's probably overpriced despite the excellent specification, engine power and adaptability. However, you can get good discounts. So, I would recommend looking at online broker prices. I bought through Motor Source Group at far less than the manufacturer's recommended price. The car was delivered to the front door from a local dealer and I got a fair part exchange price. The part ex was also collected from home, so it was a very easy transaction. Fuel economy is not bad for a 300ps estate with four wheel drive. Insurance is also acceptable, especially if you are an older driver. Could be exorbitant if you just passed your driving test. It's my favourite car (so far!). I would recommend anyone looking for a sporty, family estate considers the Cupra Lux ST - albeit the model I purchased is no longer available brand new. It's practical, comfortable and spacious yet has enough power and braking whenever you need it. Could be a good second hand purchase, at the right price.