► Seat Leon Cupra R
► 310PS and copper bits!
► UK allocation sold out
Want one of Seat’s fastest-ever production cars? Too bad – it’s now sold out in the UK. The new Seat Leon Cupra R is the hottest-ever car from the Spanish brand and had a limited production run of just 799 cars and only 24 were planned for Blighty.
Of course, we’re all in total shock at the CAR offices that a major car brand manages to shift more than 20 of a single vehicle type, but it’s not hard to see why.
The power boost isn’t much compared to the Leon Cupra 300, but the Cupra R keeps up with the latest Mk7.5 Golf R. The 2.0-litre turbo four-pot now produces 310PS (or 306bhp) but unlike the Golf R, all of that shove goes to the front wheels only. A 0-62mph launch of just 5.8 seconds is claimed, so peak tyre scrabbling awaits.
It’s not just about a power bump, though; look at all of the copper detailing! What is it with car makers and copper at the moment? Bentley’s EXP concepts, the Range Rover Velar in First Edition guise and now this new Leon…
Seat Leon Cupra R: copper aplenty!
The bumpers, side sills and rear diffuser are finished in carbonfibre, while the interior also benefits from a few choice copper details and carbonfibre panels. The gearshifter is upholstered in Alcantara.
Beefy Brembo brakes, dynamic chassis control and new exhaust system finish the build.
The Seat design boss speaks
Seat’s director of design, Alejandro Mesonero, describes the Cupra brand: ‘In the past, we were a little bit criticised, there was too much “boy racer”.’
With the Cupra R, Alejandro said that Seat not only improved the performance, but had to ‘make sure it’s visible on the body.’
Seat Leon Cupra R: price and release date
Want one? Out of the 799 being made, just 24 have been allocated for the UK, which we think is a bit of a shame for a country that’s so in love with the hot hatch. The Cupra R is priced at £34,995, so get your order in fast.
Check out the Leon Cupra 300 against the new Civic Type R, Focus RS and BMW M140i