New £21K Seat is most powerful ever

Seat has unveiled its new 261bhp Leon Cupra R at the Frankfurt motor show. The new range-topping Leon is fitted with the same engine that will appear in the Scirocco R, a modified version of the EA113 2.0-litre direct injection from the previous Golf GTI.

However the Cupra R is expected to undercut the top Scirocco by at least £5000, retailing at around £21,000 in the UK.

See the Leon Cupra R picture gallery

This makes the Cupra R not only the most potent production Seat ever but also as powerful as the title-winning SEAT Leon TDI World Touring Car.

The front-wheel-drive Leon is now capable of hitting 62mph in 6.1sec and a top speed of 155mph. Combined fuel consumption is just under 35mpg.

Filling the arches are 19in double-spoke alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres.

Inside, the Cupra logo features on the leather steering wheel and competition-style bucket seats, while the ‘R’ appears on the LED-lit dials.

The Cupra R is highly likely to make it to the UK market but this has yet to be confirmed.

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