The new SEAT Leon Cupra R - more bhp for your £*

SEAT has announced the UK specification and pricing for its most potent and sporting road car to date - the 210 bhp Leon Cupra R. The eagerly awaited Leon Cupra R will cost just £16995 on the road and offers more bhp per £ than its competitors*. The Leon Cupra R can be ordered from SEAT dealers from mid-July.

Developed jointly by SEAT and its competition arm, SEAT Sport, the Leon Cupra R rewrites the hot hatch rule book by combining outstanding performance and handling with generous equipment levels, stunning good looks and excellent active and passive safety.

At the heart of the Leon Cupra R's performance is the powerful 1.8-litre 20-valve turbocharged engine that develops a heady 210 bhp and 270 Nm of torque. This highly efficient power plant drives the front wheels through a close ratio six-speed gearbox to a top speed of 147 mph and 0-62 in just 7.2 seconds. All this power is matched by SEAT's Agile Chassis Concept (ACC), which delivers more sporty and responsive driving through revised suspension geometry, dynamic spring and damper settings, more direct steering and new suspension mounts. The sporting package continues with 18" alloy wheels through which the standard competition developed Brembo brakes with bright red painted "four-pot" callipers can clearly be seen. All this is backed up with state of the art active safety systems, such as ABS, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control with electronic differential (TCS).

The sporty performance is reflected in the Cupra R's looks, which instantly distinguish it from other Leons, both inside and out. The lowered suspension (6 mm), lower bumpers (45 mm), deep side skirts and extended wheel arches give it a dynamically low side profile. All body mouldings, handles and mirrors are finished in the body colour - a choice of just three - OVNI Yellow, Ebony Black or Flash Red. The redesigned front bumper provides a visual and functional edge, with a broader grille, integral fog lamps and large honeycomb mesh air vents to maximise airflow to the twin-intercoolers and large brakes. At the rear the Cupra R sports a fuller bumper with a deeper spoiler at the trailing edge of the roof. The badging is unique to the Cupra R with the word LEON sitting wide across the centre of the tailgate below the "S" logo. A special Cupra R badge sits at the right of the hatchback and the red "R" logos are repeated on both front wings. The final external visual touch is the chrome oval tailpipe.

The Cupra R's interior is no less striking for its all-black theme. Everything from the dashboard, through upholstery, carpeting and door panels, right up to the headlining and sun visors, is black. Contrasting red stitching on the upholstery and steering wheel and red "R" logos emblazoned on the front seat backs complete the sporty look. The equipment list is equally impressive with climate control, electric windows, twin front and side airbags, 6-CD player and a multi-function computer all standard. Front sports seats and a rear three-person bench are standard, but front Recaros with a 2 + 1 rear seat can be ordered as an option. Whichever seat option is taken, the rear seat is fitted with two ISOFIX child seat mountings. Satellite navigation is also available as an option. The highly desirable Leon Cupra R package is protected by an immobiliser and volumetric alarm with back up horn and full Thatcham 1 approval.

The Leon Cupra R price of £16995 includes delivery to dealer, VAT, 12 months road tax, first registration fee, 3 year/60000 mile warranty (2 years unlimited), 12 year anti-perforation warranty, 3 years SEAT Assistance/roadside assistance.

Examples of Leon Cupra R's "More bhp for your £"

Make and model OTR Price bhp £ per bhp bhp per £
SEAT Leon Cupra R £16995 210 £80.93 0.01235
Vauxhall Astra SRi Turbo £16495 192 £85.91 0.01163
Mini Cooper S £14500 163 £88.96 0.01124
Ford Focus ST170 £16495 170 £97.03 0.01030
Honda Civic Type-R £15995 197 £81.19 0.01231