Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 break cover.

Deliveries start in March

Seat has unveiled today two Cupra versions for the Leon coupe and hatchback.

The Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 make use of a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 265 HP (195 kW) in the Cupra and 280 HP (206 kW) in the Cupra 280, with both of them providing a maximum torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

The Cupra 280 is Seat's most powerful road-going model ever and will cover the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in 5.7 seconds when fitted with the DSG while with the 6-speed manual gearbox it will be 0.1 seconds slower. The regular Leon Cupra does 5.8s with DSG and 5.9s with the manual transmission and all versions have an electronically-capped top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Seat mentions a 44.1 mpg UK (36.7 mpg US or 6.4 liters / 100 km) combined fuel economy for the manual Leons and a 42.2 mpg UK (35.1 mpg US or 6.7 liters / 100 km) figure for those working with the optional DSG.

These front-wheel drive hot Seats feature a mechanical locking differential and an electronic stability control which can be deactivated. The cars have been equipped with a DCC chassis control system featuring a Cupra mode which if activated will firm up the vehicle's suspension.

The new Cupra is 55 kg (121 lbs) lighter than its predecessor and comes with an aggressive body kit with beefy air intakes, rear diffuser, twin exhaust and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The Cupra 280 rides on 19-inch rims and can be distinguished by an aero kit with a rear spoiler, together with a black exterior and interior trim.

Available on order starting today, prices kick off at 25,690 GBP for the SC Cupra and go all the way up to 28,525 GBP for the Cupra 280 DSG. The Spanish marque says deliveries will commence in March.

Seat is also planning a Cupra version of the ST model which will likely be introduced later this year.

Source: Seat