Seat Leon Cupra races off the start line and into UK showrooms

Seat Dealers across the UK are getting ready this weekend to welcome the brand’s most powerful production car to date, as the exciting new Leon Cupra goes on sale from Friday 2nd March.

With a substantial 240 PS of smoothly delivered power, the 2.0-litre T FSI Leon Cupra can sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 153 mph (where permitted). Enhancements over the already-hot Leon FR models include 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, bi-xenon headlights, racing-style front bucket seats, a lowered ride height and aluminium front suspension components. In keeping with Cupra tradition, elements such as the pillars, door mirrors, lower front spoiler and interior trim are finished in black.

Boosted by the success of the SEAT Cupra Championship and SEAT’s participation in the British and World Touring Car Championships (BTCC and WTCC), the previous FR and Cupra models were the best-selling models in the Leon range. The situation is being repeated with the new generation Leon, as the hot FR duo (petrol and diesel) take the lion’s share of sales, and the new flagship Cupra is set to find more buyers in the UK than in any other country in the world.

Exercising all the senses, drivers can hear as well as feel the power of the Cupra, thanks to the new ‘SEAT SOUND’ exhaust system. From a low and threatening rumble at low speeds to a raspy, pressing tone at high speeds, the sound system enhances the driving experience only when desired, fading to a refined level when cruising.

At £19,595 RRP on the road, the Leon Cupra is an attractive package with plenty of kit as standard. In addition to the bi-xenon headlights and 18” alloy wheels, the list also includes twin-zone climate control, four electric windows, steering-wheel mounted radio controls, trip computer with cruise control, and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).

Last year, Leon UK sales surged by 42% to 12,477 (compared with 2005) and with the arrival of the flagship Cupra this week, the huge success of SEAT’s sporty mid-sized hatch looks set to continue throughout 2007.