Spanish fly

Since revealing the regular Leon Cupra, Seat have been doing big things to its Golf-sized hatchback. Big power. Big brakes. Big style. Big performance. That’s a lot of big for a medium sized car. Indeed, Seat proudly boasts the Leon Cupra R is their “hottest ever hatch”.

Not content with the 155kW engine from the Golf GTI, Seat have nicked the 195kW engine from the Audi S3. That means this thing really flies. Strangely, though, the 0-62mpph time of Leon Cupra R is only rated at 6.1 seconds, whereas the S3 is under six seconds. Hmm, could be some marketing genius happening there methinks. Sure, the Seat is a front-wheel drive layout only, compared to the quattro S3, but you would expect the lower weight to make up for any traction issues. Never mind.

Along with most everything else you’ll be reading about in the next few weeks, this car will be having its first public showing at Frankfurt.

LEON CUPRA R: SEAT’S HOTTEST EVER HOT HATCH IS HERE!

SEAT is preparing to unveil its most potent model to date with next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the awesome new Leon Cupra R.

The influential German show, opening to the public on 17 September, will see the official debut of the SEAT Leon fleet’s stunning new flagship which boasts a brutally powerful 265 PS 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine.

Instantly becoming the most muscular production model ever to wear the trademark SEAT ‘S’, the forthcoming Leon Cupra R matches the power output of the title-winning
SEAT Leon TDI World Touring Car.

Naturally, the new Leon’s 265 PS direct injection 2.0 TSI engine is the star of the show boasting not only tremendous power, but also easy torque transmission and remarkable flexibility. Among the four cylinder 16V unit’s key features is a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy its greater performance demands while also allowing it to fully comply with strict EU5 emissions standards.

Transmitting that urge to its driven front wheels, the Cupra R is capable of prodigious performance. The zero to 62 mph time, for instance, is a formidable 6.1 seconds, while the top speed of 155 mph is comfortably adequate. All this, and yet the new SEAT’s combined fuel consumption figure is put at just a shade under 35 mpg.

Inside and out, the exclusive nature of the Spanish maker’s new model is obvious to the enthusiast thanks to the distinctive letter ‘R’ on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch. The all-important initial also appears inside, on the right instrument dial and the remote control key. Meanwhile, the exclusive Cupra logo graces the front bumper, the centre of the hatch and, inside, the steering wheel and seat backrests.

Further distinctive detailing which underlines the Cupra R’s extreme nature includes arch-filling 19-inch, five double-spoke alloys shod with ultra-low profile 235/35 tyres. The wheel assembly also enables a set of generous 17-inch 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 16-inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear, uprated to deliver the greater braking capacity obviously required to keep that 265 PS safely in check.

The interior features eye-catching competition-styled bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather-clad multi-functional steering wheel and sporty aluminium-trimmed pedals.

In its home market, the latest Leon’s extensive line-up of standard equipment includes ABS + TCS, ESP + EBA, XDS (SEAT’s new electronic system which mimics the function of a limited slip differential), front and front side airbags, curtain airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points, low tyre pressure warning, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and MP3-compatible eight-speaker CD/radio.