What is it?
The most powerful production Seat to date. The Cupra R is the new flagship for the Leon family hatchback, and aims to be a true hot hatch in the classic sense without neglecting the requirements of the modern car buyer.
This means it accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.2 seconds, but restricts emissions to 190g/km and offers a claimed fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg.
The power comes from the same 2.0-litre TSI that can be found in the Golf and Scirocco R. However, while the Golf offers a power output of 266bhp, the Leon, like the Scirocco, is limited to 261. The slightly lower power output for the Leon is down to the fact that it has to get all that power onto the road through its two front wheels rather that all four.
As this is the flagship for the Leon range, Seat has made sure that it stands out from the rest of its siblings. Buyers will get a hefty dose of black detailing both inside and outside the car, with the wing mirrors and the lower diffuser being notable recipients of the re-colouring.
A twin centrally mounted exhaust pipe, 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, gloss black front seat backs and drilled aluminium pedals are all added to help turn the car from a family hatchback into a performance car. To make sure it handles like a performance car, Seat has also added sports suspension and XDS - the electronic differential that transfers power to the wheel which has the most grip when traction is lost.
