Seat Leon SC Cupra 300 2017 first drive

We may live in an age where environmental responsibility, safety and connectivity are all important for any manufacturer, but the Seat Leon Cupra 300 is the latest hot hatch to get involved in a good old-fashioned power war.

Sure, the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 are knocking on the door of 400bhp, but those are stretching the limit of what a hot hatch is. If we look at more affordable pocket rockets, then a figure of 300 ponies is starting to become the new target for Focus-sized front-drivers.

So with the Volkswagen Golf R now gaining another 10bhp, there’s room in the Volkswagen Group hierarchy for a quicker Cupra. It now has a round 300 metric horsepower, or 296 Great British horsepower. Torque is also up by 22Ib ft to 280 and is channelled through a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

You also get an electronically controlled limited slip diff, adjustable dampers and a lightly revised interior and exterior. While a four-wheel drive variant of the estate is optional for the first time, we’re looking at the regular three-door with a manual ‘box.

Despite an abundance of firepower under the bonnet and 19in alloys filling the wheel arches, the Cupra is pretty understated. Yes, you get more aggressive-looking bumpers and twin exhausts, but there are no wild wings, huge vents or other boy racer favourites. As with the old Cupra 290, to the uninitiated it could be any other Leon hatch.

That softly, softly approach extends to the driving experience. Considering the skinniness of the tyres' sidewalls and the performance-tweaked suspension, the Cupra is surprisingly compliant when the dampers are left in Comfort mode. Yes, you do feel rough roads and expansion joints, but you’re never jostled around too much.

With an engine that happily pulls quietly from very low revs, it’s actually quite a relaxing mode of transportation, right up until you decide to give it some welly. On a smooth dry road, the Cupra accelerates ferociously, pushing you against the back of your seat and sending the speedo needle soaring. Change up a gear and you'll find a quick and unobstructive shift.

You do get the feeling that maybe there’s a bit too much power for the chassis, though. Leave the traction control on and it’ll stick its oar in all too readily. Turn it off and you’ll still get the odd flash as the Cupra wheelspins through first gear and into second.