Recently, Seat has launched its most fuel efficient Leon to meet the latest ECO regulations. Now, it is turn to introduce Leon Cupra R – a true hot hatchback.

Seat Leon Cupra is targeted to hatch enthusiasts, who has petrol in their veins. The car hits UK market will full power. This is the most powerful Seat yet offered for sale for 25-year history of the brand.

Cupra R is powered by tuned 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering 265PS. The power unit is specially revised by the engineers at SEAT's state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Martorell. The current Leon Cupra develops 240PS, but the new one is just staggering.

The 16V petrol engine has a new high-pressure fuel pump injector to deliver more fuel and to allow Cupra R to meet EU5 regulations. The monster under the bonnet also features revisions to the electronic engine management system, plus increased maximum turbo pressure (1.9 bar at max output and 2.2 bar at max torque, versus 1.8 bar for the 240 PS 2.0-litre TSI in Leon Cupra).

Seat Leon Cupra R (2010)
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The torque is even more staggering – 350Nm are available at just 2 500 rpm ( 50Nm than the current version of the hot hatch).

There is no doubt that 265PS on a FWD car is too much and the engineers had the task to maintain traction. Some system were installed to Cupra R to help the driver with such amount of power only at the front wheels.

XDS – SEAT's clever electronic system which uses enhanced ABS functionality to mimic the operation of a traditional limited slip differential – ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance are among the new car's standard-fit kit and work together to help keep things on the straight and narrow.

The classic discipline from 0 to 62 mph is covered in 6.2 seconds and the top speed is 155mph – really an amazing result. The fuel economy is just as good as the performance results - 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190 g/km.

The mighty engine is combined with Cupra R's standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The car features sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, discreet extended high level rear spoiler, subtle ‘R' badging and the careful application of gloss black highlighting inside and out.  Huge 19" Potenza wheels, available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish, mark out the ‘R' as something extra special and ensure the car becomes the first SEAT model to use 19-inch wheels on this platform.

Inside Cupra R is very sporty and in the same time comfortable. It includes black front seatbacks with prominent ‘R' logo incorporated on them.

The pricing is a bit high, but Cupra R worths every penny –  £25 205. The production is limited to around 500 in a full year, and the first customer cars are due to be delivered within weeks.