SEAT announces 365bhp Leon Cupra R ST

SEAT has unveiled the limited edition Leon Cupra R ST, which is set to be the fastest model from the brand to date. Sales begin in April, with only 150 examples allocated for the UK market, each priced from £37,975.

In standard format, the Leon Cupra R ST’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 296bhp and 400Nm of torque. However, for an extra £500, SEAT will fit its optional Abt tuning pack, which boosts the power figure to 365bhp.

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The VW Group-sourced engine sends its power to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission. With the optional tuning pack fitted, the Leon Cupra R ST will sprint from 0–62mph in 4.5 seconds; a 0.4 second improvement over the standard car. Top speed remains the same, though, at an electronically-limited 155mph.

To cope with the extra grunt, SEAT has also improved the Leon Cupra R ST’s chassis, adding Brembo brakes on all four corners, redesigned suspension uprights with increased negative camber and lighter 19-inch alloy wheels.

Styling updates over the regular SEAT Leon include a reworked front bumper with copper-coloured intakes, a carbon fibre splitter, a panoramic sunroof, a carbon fibre diffuser with quad exhaust tips, new side skirts and a large rear wing. Abt-tuned versions also get unique badging on the rear hatch.

Inside, the Cupra R ST gets a pair of bucket seats, an Alcantara steering wheel, re-upholstered door cards, an eight-inch touchscreen display, a digital instrument binnacle, keyless entry and copper-coloured trim for the climate control vents and centre console.

Now read our review of the new Cupra Ateca. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…