There can be little doubt as to the driving force behind a vehicle boasting such exceptional qualities. In this case, the task falls to the exceptional 240 hp 2.0 TFSI unit. This engine, which is exclusive to SEAT, unites two separate technologies to attain such high levels of power: direct injection and turbocharging. The turbocharger features an enlarged turbine and compressor, while the pistons and connecting rods have been strengthened and larger injectors incorporated along with a new cylinder head. As a result of these modifications, the 2.0 TFSI delivers performance that is truly worthy of a WTCC car: a top speed of 247 km/h and 0 - 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. What's more, it covers 1000 metres from a standing start in just 26.4 seconds. The in-gear acceleration figures make impressive reading too, with the León CUPRA taking 6.4 seconds to speed up from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in fifth gear and 8.2 seconds in sixth.

Despite its thoroughbred sporting credentials, the León CUPRA demonstrates impressive restraint when it comes to fuel consumption, burning an average of just 8.3 litres for every 100 kilometres. Not only can drivers feel the power of the new 2.0 TFSI unit in their right foot when accelerating, it makes its presence felt acoustically too. The engine sound is just one of the aspects which has undergone careful engineering in the León CUPRA. This has led to the development of new SEAT SOUND exhaust systems which succeed in amplifying the engine's sound and feeling of tremendous power at low rev speeds. The sensation can be experienced both inside and outside the car.

The Agile Chassis evolves one step further

Power without control is useless. And this time, SEAT engineers have managed to make the exceptional even better: the Agile Chassis of the León. In order to adapt it to the requirements of the new CUPRA, the suspension has been retuned and the overall chassis weight has been reduced by using aluminium instead of sheet metal for a number of elements. Modifications have also been made to the parameters for the power-assisted steering to give it an even sportier feel. This all results in greater steering precision and allows drivers to make the very most of the model's sporting prowess.

The brakes on the León CUPRA have also been reworked to ensure they are capable of handling the immense power on tap. At the front wheels can be found ventilated discs which are larger than those fitted to other models in the range, measuring 17" and 345x30 mm. The 18-inch wheels afford a clear view of the red brake callipers behind to underline the CUPRA's sporty temperament.

CUPRA genes

Although sporty performance and feel still top the typical CUPRA customer's list of priorities, the characteristic styling which sets CUPRA models apart deserves a mention too. The air of sportiness which accompanies the entire León range becomes all the more intense in the CUPRA, courtesy of various design elements which are now considered hallmark features of this model version. The logo on the hatch is the CUPRA's calling card, but the polished steel oval tailpipe and the door mirrors in their ébano Black finish are just as unmistakable.

Sportiness, but not a trace of garishness. This is the message given off by the exclusive front bumper with its oversized air intakes for increasing the flow of cooling air. The bumper at the rear sporting a black diffusor at the bottom is somewhat reminiscent of the SEAT León WTCC models. The 7.5J x 18" wheels fitted on the León CUPRA as standard are just as stunning. The interior, whilst not compromising on comfort in any way, pulses with a racing cockpit atmosphere that can be felt the instant you get in. The first feature to catch the eye inside the León CUPRA are the bucket-style racing seats, featuring a wrap-around design with integral head restraints.

The second element which distinguishes the new model from any other León is the interior finish. The roof pillars and headliner are trimmed in black instead of the customary crema Grey. The result is an ambience of simple elegance which focuses the driver's attention on the road as well as highlighting the many details which can be found inside the CUPRA: its striking steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather with a red-coloured backing, the gearshift knob, the white background of the instrument cluster, and the sporty metal pedals: each and every one bearing the distinctive CUPRA insignia.

A whole array of exterior details stand out. The enormous air intakes with honeycomb grilles incorporated into the imposing front bumper are certainly not just for show. They are actually of tremendous practical value as the greater quantity of air that is able to pass through them is needed to cool down the engine and front brake discs. Meanwhile, the licence plate carrier and the lower centre section of the bumper with their black finish resemble a mouth that relishes eating up kilometre after kilometre of road, further underlining the feeling of vigour that ripples through the CUPRA

At the rear of the car, the most striking detail is the black-coloured moulding at the base of the bumper that is somewhat reminiscent of the diffusors fitted on the SEAT León WTCC. Although it fulfils a purely aesthetic function in the CUPRA, it nevertheless serves as a reminder that this is a vehicle derived from the SEAT León World Touring Car. Looking at the León CUPRA in profile, it is immediately obvious that it sits lower than the basic León model. The difference is as much as 14 millimetres, reinforcing both its race car looks and sense of sportiness by giving the impression of being glued to the road. The first things that leap to your attention when admiring this sleek profile are the stunning 18" Orión wheels shod with 225/40 tyres, which are included as standard. The five sets of twin spokes give a clear view of the imposing brake discs behind as well as the brake callipers which are coloured red for an extra touch of sportiness.

All of these elements are joined by other features inherent to the CUPRA range which the León variant would not be complete without: the door mirrors with their ébano Black housings and the characteristic oval tailpipe in polished steel. And instead of bearing the model name in the centre of its hatch like the rest of the variants in the León line-up, the letters at the rear of the new range-topping model spell out the word CUPRA.

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