THE lifestyle estate or sports tourer has become a way of life in the UK and there are some tasty offerings out there.

One such is the SEAT Leon ST Cupra 280 2.0 TSI 280ps which drives in with a well-orchestrated combination of performance and practicality which has magnetic appeal to the driver who wants a deal more from his or her tourer.

For a start, the stats of this car speak volumes. The MPI multipoint petrol Injection with TSI Direct Injection whisk this car to a maximum speed of 155mph with 0-62mph coming up in just 6.1 seconds, a figure that puts some sports hatches to shame.

And a combined economy of 42.2mpg means that exciting driving need not cost the earth.

Fed through a six-speed manual gearbox, the power of this car is something to be experienced in a sports estate.

The engine is the more powerful of the two Cupra versions of the Leon and is surprisingly docile about town.

But fire up the revs and it springs into action with a flourish. Although there is an electronically controlled limited slip differential you do get wheelspin. However there is impressive grip and stability through corners which is a great plus point.

Credit must go to SEAT designers for the compliant ride plus the Cupra Drive profile including dynamic chassis control and progressive steering.

And performance and tourer practicality have to be backed up by looks and on the Leon the base is there for one of the best looking cars available for under £30,000.

Cupra 280 trim adds gloss black door mirrors and integrated LED indicators, a gloss front grille frame, black rear roof spoiler and red brake Callipers to an already comprehensive Cupra specification which includes dual chrome exhaust pipes and full LED headlight pack.

Infotainment includes a 3D map navigation system, high-resolution driver's display and and SD card slot.

The 280 runs on 19 inch exclusive alloys and they certainly suit this car.

On the practicality side there are storage pockets either side of the load deck and an adjustable floor that can be raised to give a separate storage compartment beneath plus a flat load deck with the seats behind. And with the seats up there is a serious amount of room in this car.