19 August 2009 - 11:00
SEAT of power
Say hola to the most powerful Spaniard since, er, Franco: the Leon Cupra R.
It’s the most powerful car ever built by SEAT – and, in fact, is as powerful as the Leon touring car racer, putting out 261bhp from a two-litre turbo petrol engine, the same unit found in the Audi S3.
Unlike the four-wheel drive S3 – but like the upcoming Scirocco R, which will also be powered by the same engine – the Cupra R remains staunchly front wheel drive. SEAT has attempted to tame all that power through the use of an ‘XDS’ electronic system that mimics the function of a limited slip diff.
If you can keep it in a straight line, the Cupra R will hit 62mph in 6.1 seconds and top out at a limited 155mph. SEAT quotes combined fuel consumption of just under 35mpg.
Expect plenty of ‘Cupra’ and ‘R’ logos dotted over the interior and exterior, along with a liberal sprinkling of leather, aluminium and Alcantara in the cabin.
Prices should start at around £21,000 if and when it reaches the UK, meaning it should undercut the Scirocco R by several grand.
We’ll get a closer look at the Cupra R at the Frankfurt show next month.
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Is it me, or does that thing look like it's riding on stilts?
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Methinks the big question will be how well this 'XDS' system does in curing the torque steer associated with high powered front-wheelers. If it doesn't sort things out, it'll be another member of the 'pointlessly powerful' club. As far as the looks go, no real complaints but the cupra treatment always looks better on a 3-door rather than a 5 imo.
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I have always loved these hot Leons, and i like this as well. Dont like the colour though, can i have it in yellow please? Actually i wouldn't buy one, since i could have a Focus ST, but this would be very near my second choise...
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Minus the alloys, It looks no different to a diesel cupra.
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I dont know why but I alwayz hated the Leon Cupra R. I dont mind paying that bit extra for the scirocco though its well worth it and I reckon alot of people are in the same boat with me
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in my opinion cetrain badges on cars rule them out from being a great car. such as seat, skoda, hyundai, daewoo, kia and perodua. these companies may at some stage make a good car but that will be ruined by the fact they are from those brands. i dont see the point in seat at all and their styling is terrible this new leon looks like a shoe not a car. it may be powerful but its stupid going through the front wheels and the focus rs is far better than this. also they may say seat have vw engines and other parts and your getting a bargain but i dont mind paying extra to buy a car with a proper badge on it and one with german build quality
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Could definitely use a lower front end and a 3 door would definitely be better but if it was in a sedate colour it would be a good sleeper.
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what is with the front where the badge is? that grille is disgusting
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i love the leon, infact all seats, they are cheaper, bigger, beter looking VWs. Seat is one of the best every-day car manufactures around now, and this Cupra R is the clincher
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Well Im spanish, and kinda proud of having a brand thats its basically cheap volkswagens.Quality is there, and despite i really dont like the new leon's shape (and im sure i wouldnt buy one) i think its a more than clever choice for the money. Btw Johnjoe you cannot compare Seat & Skoda, with the Korean cars, not if you like cars more than you like badges. I would go for the Scirocco tbh, but just because its 10 times more beautiful, not for the badge. Bye bye :)
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Seat Ibiza
FR offers ignificant performance shortfall versus insignificant savings. Buy the Cupra. Or better yet the Clio Cup.
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kingrocky commented on this article
19 August 2009
Even if the S3 costs more, you would have to buy the S3 because only an idiot would buy this. Why? Because it's Spanish.
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