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Seat Leon Cupra 280 out for VW Golf GTI blood

Seat unveils new Leon Cupra and Cupra 280.

Seat has just pulled back the curtain on not one but two new models. Say hello to the fastest and most powerful production car Seat has ever built, the Leon Cupra 280, and its slightly slower, less powerful sibling, the new Leon Cupra.

Five versions of the new Leon Cupra make up the range: the three-door SC Cupra, SC Cupra 280 and the SC Cupra 280 DSG and the five-door Cupra 280 and Cupra 280 DSG.

Both cars are equipped with a new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine. The Leon Cupra develops 265PS (261bhp) and the Cupra 280 develops 280PS (276bhp) as the name suggests ─ substantially more than the 227bhp VW Golf GTI Performance Pack, 15bhp more than the Cupra R and on par with the Vauxhall Astra VXR.

The Cupra can manage an impressive 0 to 62mph time of 5.9 using the six-speed manual, while the Cupra 280 can do it in 5.7 seconds respectively if equipped with the optional DSG transmission. Both cars top out at an electronically limited 155mph and boast a hefty 350Nm of torque at peak.

Drive conservatively and the new Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 can manage 44.1mpg regardless of the number of doors, while the DSG model offers slightly less miles for your money at 42.2mpg. Expect CO2 emissions of at least 149g/km rising to 155g/km. Much less than the Cupra R’s 190g/km, then.

Those impressive figures are largely down to Seat’s Energy Recovery systems, Start/Stop technology and weight saving of 55kg compared with its predecessor.

Other noteworthy aspects of the new Leon include a sound actuator to make the car roar louder inside the cabin, full-LED headlights, sporty aesthetics with plenty of razor-sharp lines, 18-inch alloys and twin oval exhausts. Standard equipment includes rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The 280 model stands out from the pack with the Aerodynamic Pack, which comprises a rear spoiler, Cupra lettering on the red brake calipers, black mirrors and bespoke glossy black interior trim. 19-inch alloys painted in a titanium finish complete the unique look.

Prices start from £25,690 for the three-door SC Cupra and rise to £28,225 for the three-door Cupra 280 DSG. Opt for five doors and the Cupra 280 and Cupra 280 DSG starts from £27,240 and £28,525, respectively.

Orders open on January 8th 2014. Deliveries are expected to start from early March.

Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 pictures

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