What's the news?

The new SEAT Leon range is about to receive its crowning glory in the form of the Leon Cupra, and the Spanish firm is aiming to steal some of the Golf GTI's thunder. So determined is SEAT that it is even aping the GTI's line-up by offering both three- and five-door body styles and two choices of engine power - 265- and 280hp.

Exterior

Few will disagree when we say that the Leon's styling is easily SEAT's finest work to date, especially with the choice of a three-door variant - a first for the Leon model - and the Cupra builds upon this. The three-door Leon SC is noticeable by its more slender and sloping C-pillar that lends itself to a sportier appearance. Helping the Leon Cupra to stand out further is an aggressively styled front design that is dominated by large air intakes and complemented by the standard fitment of full-LED headlights.

The 265hp version of the Leon Cupra will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, whereas the more powerful 280hp model will be fitted with larger 19-inch wheels to differentiate it. Lurking behind those alloy wheels, which have a titanium paint finish, are red brake callipers that allude to the Cupra's extra performance. At the rear are two exhaust outlets that brace a distinctive rear diffuser, while the rear and back side windows come lightly tinted from the factory.

Interior

The Leon Cupra offers a finish befitting of a halo model. Sports seats are covered in dark grey Alcantara with contrasting white stitching while the driver gets a uniquely designed sports steering wheel, which, if the DSG transmission is fitted, carries the gear-shift paddles. Buyers will also be able to specify a full-leather interior. In keeping with the performance theme the pedals and door sills are made from aluminium.

Mechanicals

Based on the same MQB platform as the Golf GTI, the Leon Cupra weighs in 55kg lighter than its predecessor and uses a variant of the turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine. In standard form this generates up to 265hp. Power is maximised by a dual injection system, which ensures that cylinder fill is always at its optimum, while a special coating on the lightweight aluminium pistons and bearings reduces friction.

Those seeking even more performance can choose the more powerful 280hp engine, which accelerates the Leon Cupra to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds from a standstill. If you decide to go for the DSG automatic transmission, the Leon Cupra shaves another tenth of a second off this time. With 350Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm the hot SEAT doesn't lack in pulling power. Helping to transfer all that power to the tarmac is an electronically controlled front differential, which in extreme cases can send all drive to one wheel. The system, which is hydraulically operated, is tuned to minimise torque steer without having any negative impacts on feel through the steering.

A Cupra Drive Profile affords the driver the choice of Comfort, Sport and Cupra modes, all of which deliver different driving characteristics. The latter will be of most interest to owners as it makes the throttle response particularly sensitive as well as placing the sound actuator into its most audible tone. For cars fitted with the DSG transmission, this mode also causes the gearbox to engage its sportiest shifting mode.

Anything else?

Prices start at £25,690 for the 265hp Leon SC Cupra. A premium of £1,250 buys the Cupra 280 model (which also features extra equipment). The latter, when equipped with the DSG automatic gearbox, costs £28,225. There doesn't appear to be a five-door 265hp option, so prices for that more practical car start at £27,240 for the Cupra 280, rising to £28,525 with the DSG transmission. Although the order books are open now, customers will have to wait until early March for the first cars.