Cupra 4 drive caravan towing?

AlexOS

Active Member
Hi,
Does anyone know if you can tow a caravan with a Leon Cupra ST 4drive (2018)?
I have seen that a few people have attached tow bars, and one local company has quoted, but looking at the Leon spec sheet, it says the max towing weight is only 750kg?
I am guessing that the normal point for attaching a stronger tow bar would be blocked by the exhaust system, as other models its 1700-2000kg
Thanks for any advice.
Screenshot 2025-05-26 at 12.26.10.png
 

SuperV8

Active Member
May 30, 2019
1,805
886
Hi, yes the V5 says 750kg.
I am trying to work out why?
The Xperience 4x4 is rated to 2000kg, but the cupra, with more power, torque, 4x4 is only rated to 750kg?
It will be because they haven't done any homologation for towing for that sporty model - same as RS4, M3 etc they are not rated for towing..
Doesn't mean it physically can't - just means it legally can't!
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,705
1,551
It will be because they haven't done any homologation for towing for that sporty model - same as RS4, M3 etc they are not rated for towing..
Doesn't mean it physically can't - just means it legally can't!

That was also the case with the previous generation VW Golf R. Not sure whether it’s the same for the current generation R.

Towing with a car not type approved for towing would also invalidate insurance cover.
 

AlexOS

Active Member
It will be because they haven't done any homologation for towing for that sporty model - same as RS4, M3 etc they are not rated for towing..
Doesn't mean it physically can't - just means it legally can't!
Thanks for the reply, it makes no sense why they wouldn't they homologate that one..

and whats more annoying, is the Cupra Leon ST 4drive.. thats basically the same car (chassis, engine, gearbox, suspension), is plated to tow up to 1900kg!
 

AlexOS

Active Member
That was also the case with the previous generation VW Golf R. Not sure whether it’s the same for the current generation R.

Towing with a car not type approved for towing would also invalidate insurance cover.
yes, obv I won't be doing it if its not allowed, I just don't understand thy they wouldn't do it, when the 2020 Cupra Leon version is plated for 1900kg.. Same car..
 

SuperV8

Active Member
May 30, 2019
1,805
886
Thanks for the reply, it makes no sense why they wouldn't they homologate that one..

and whats more annoying, is the Cupra Leon ST 4drive.. thats basically the same car (chassis, engine, gearbox, suspension), is plated to tow up to 1900kg!
I'm sure it's just a cost/bean counter decision - can they amortise the homologation cost over enough sales, and do they think the typical Cupra/R/RS4/M3 owner wants to tow.
Maybe the load rating on the low profile 19"/35 tyres and lowered suspension also comes into it?

There are lots of weird 'quirks' with tow ratings - for example, my ST 184tdi has a 1600kg max tow rating - where as the lower power 150tdi version can tow 1800kg! go figure! Also in my humble they are also not realistic in the real world, as I don't think the relatively light weight 1400kg Leon should be towing anything near 1600kg let alone 1800kg!
 

AlexOS

Active Member
I'm sure it's just a cost/bean counter decision - can they amortise the homologation cost over enough sales, and do they think the typical Cupra/R/RS4/M3 owner wants to tow.
Maybe the load rating on the low profile 19"/35 tyres and lowered suspension also comes into it?

There are lots of weird 'quirks' with tow ratings - for example, my ST 184tdi has a 1600kg max tow rating - where as the lower power 150tdi version can tow 1800kg! go figure! Also in my humble they are also not realistic in the real world, as I don't think the relatively light weight 1400kg Leon should be towing anything near 1600kg let alone 1800kg!
I get what you are saying, but as I mentioned, the 2020 Cupra Leon ST 4drive is rated for 1900kg..
It is the same chassis, engine, geabox, suspension, 19" low profile rims.. The only difference is the body and cabin internals..
 
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