The current generation SEAT Leon has been a colossal success for the Spanish car maker, with the stylish and refined hatchback sparking a raft of other models that looked to the small family car as a key reference, such as the Ateca and Ibiza.
Now, SEAT has used the performance-focused Leon Cupra as a basis for its most powerful and exclusive car yet: the Leon Cupra R.
Priced at just under £35,000, the hot hatch is powered by a two-litre TSI petrol engine with 305bhp that drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox to push the car from zero to 62mph in 5.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph.
Other notable features include a new steering system, modified camber angles on the front axle, four piston Brembo brake callipers and crucially, a retuned exhaust system with an even racier note.
Visually though, you’ll be able to spot the Leon Cupra R due to its monsoon grey or midnight black exterior colour, as well as the carbon fibre details on the rear spoiler, lower lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser. The newly extended wheel arches also boast a more powerful design around the air intakes.
Furthermore, there’s copper detailing on the door mirrors, tailgate lettering and 19-inch Cupra R alloy wheels, as well as on the dashboard, centre console, door panel stitching and steering wheel Cupra logo.
The equipment list is equally impressive and builds on the Leon Cupra 300 by adding Keyless Enter & Go, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and headlight washers, rear view camera, BeatsAudio sound system with ten speakers, adaptive cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen with 3D map display and 3D emblematic buildings, as well as dynamic route guidance, backed up by a 10GB hard disk drive.
Shame then that only 24 of the 799 examples will make it to UK roads, and you’ll be able to get your hands on one (if you’re lucky) from January 2018.
What do you think of SEAT’s new flagship Leon? Will you be clamouring to lay your hands on one? Pour out your opinion in our comments section below.
For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.
Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.