One of the latest manufacturers facing difficulty over the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is SEAT. More specifically, the model facing issues is the highly desirable Leon Cupra 300, the manufacturers only hot hatchback. If you aren't clued up on the new testing standards, WLTP exists to provide consumers with accurate expectations of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, it forces manufacturers to test their cars in a more true to life test procedure to provide accurate results that better reflect everyday driving.
Once again the Leon Cupra will be named '290' due to SEAT having to de-tune the 296 (300PS) brake horsepower, 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine to 286 brake horsepower (290PS). If you're concerned as to whether the estate variant of the Cupra has changed, have no fear - thanks to its all wheel drive setup the model hasn't been forced to undergo the changes. The changes were recently confirmed by a SEAT spokesperson - "In the context of new homologations, there are adaptions for the exhaust-gas-treatment and for the power output. From now on, all front wheel drive 2.0 TSI Cupra will feature a 290PS engine, while the 4-wheel drive will feature a 300PS engine."
The Leon Cupra isn't the only hot hatch to affected by WLTP though, other victims are the:
- Volkswagen Golf GTI - You can now only get the GTI Performance variant. On the brighter side, the new Golf Mk8 is supposed to be revealed next car, hopefully we'll see a GTI model soon after.
- Volkswagen Golf R - Power output downgraded from 310 BHP to 296 BHP.
- Peugeot 308 GTi - Production halted until Peugeot have addressed the issue.
In the long run, WLTP will benefit consumers as manufacturer stated fuel economy will be much more realistic to obtain in your daily driving, but its a shame how much inconvenience the changes have caused to those eagerly waiting their brand new cars.