SEAT Leon Cupra R

SEAT Leon Cupra R - makes its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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.