Seat has revealed first images and details of two versions of the new Leon Cupra – “the most powerful series production car the Spanish manufacturer has ever produced.”

The all-new Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280

The Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 make are both equipped with a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 195 kW in the Cupra and 206 kW in the Cupra 280, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm for both of them.

The Cupra 280 is Seat’s most powerful road-going model ever and will complete the 0-100 km/h run in 5.7 seconds when fitted with the DSG unit, while with the 6-speed manual gearbox it will be 0.1 seconds slower. The regularSeat Leon Cupra does 5.8s with DSG and 5.9s with the manual transmission, and all versions have an electronically-capped top speed of 250 km/h.

Seat mentions a 6.4 litres/100 km combined fuel economy for the manual Leons and a 6.7 litres/100 km figure for those working with the optional DSG.

Dynamic precision

Both these front-wheel drive Seats feature DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard.

The DCC chassis control system featuring a Cupra mode firms up the vehicle’s suspension when activated while the new front-axle differential significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car.

Weighing in at 55kg less than its predecessor, and comes with standard start/stop and energy recovery systems, the manual Cupra is now capable of a 149g/km CO2 figure.

Design features

Additional design features include full-LED headlamps, larger air intakes, rear diffuser, twin exhaust and unique 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows. TheSeat Leon Cupra 280 rides on 19-inch rims and can be distinguished by an aero kit with a rear spoiler, together with a black exterior and interior trim.

The interior is complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission, sport seats in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching, full-leather upholstery in black, and aluminium entry sills and pedals.

Apparently Seat is also planning a Cupra version of the ST model which will likely be introduced later this year.

Unfortunately Seat’s cars aren’t sold here any more, but we have a few used Seats listedhere. The closest you’ll get to a Leon Cupra is its Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R cousins.

Seat Leon Cupra gallery