The new SEAT Leon Cupra has broken cover, and it's a looker. Powered by a 2.0T FSI making in excess of 240 horsepower, the new Cupra makes the run to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds. Visually, it's enough to make you wish SEAT was available here in the States -- something that will never happen because the brand would cannibalize VW and Audi sales in a big way.
An aggressive front apron with honeycomb grill inserts and integrated foglights communicate the Cupra's sporting nature. A downward-sloping character line accents the side view, and around back, the stylish taillights are complemented by an integrated roof spoiler and a black rear bumper insert. A polished oval exhaust tip pokes through on the left side. Stylish 18" wheels fill the wells nicely.
Bucket seats emblazoned with "Cupra" in red and a handsome instrument cluster and wheel set the tone inside. Overall, the SEAT has a more swoopy and organic look to it than the usual VW/Audi fare. It's definitely a hot item.
We'll know more about the car next week when it makes its official world debut in London at the British Motor Show.
(More photos after the jump)
[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Blake Currall @ Jul 15th 2006 2:54PM
Nice addition to the Leon lineup, just a shame the rear end isnt as sporting as some spy shots suggested, I guess theres always the Cupra 'R' to wait for
Lucas @ Jul 15th 2006 3:13PM
Far too tasteful for the US. Is there a R model in the works?
Pharmer @ Jul 15th 2006 3:19PM
Sweet car...makes me wish that the rumored(?) 4-door GTI would come here with the 240 hp 2.0T FSI.
ernie @ Jul 15th 2006 3:21PM
Thats a nice little car. I love the A3/golf dash ... its probably the same dash, but re-ordered. The info display is on the left, and the tach is in the center. But the tach itself is smaller, a little odd, it should be bigger, like the speedo, but maybe its a parts bin thing?
Alex Nunez @ Jul 15th 2006 3:28PM
I'm guessing that this one is the R, guys:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6060123.002/country/vw/seat/the-new-seat-leon-cupra
If it is, that's a baaad little mofo.
Tiago do Vale @ Jul 15th 2006 3:34PM
Alex:
That's just a body kit, available for any Leon.
Tiago do Vale @ Jul 15th 2006 3:38PM
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060120.003/country/gcf/seat/the-new-seat-leon-cupra
Alex Nunez @ Jul 15th 2006 3:40PM
Ahh. Thanks, Tiago. That's a GREAT-looking kit. You European guys get some of the coolest toys...
ik @ Jul 15th 2006 4:17PM
cupra..
almost sounds like a popular Toyota vehicle.
milu @ Jul 15th 2006 4:20PM
It looks so cool and with 240hp it is one of the powerful car from its class.
Amit @ Jul 15th 2006 4:48PM
Oh man! wish I hadn't seen this, the VW GTI looks so ordinary now.
Carlos @ Jul 15th 2006 4:51PM
As a Spaniard I wish I could get one.
FYI, cupra = cobra. It's probably a ripoff of the Mustang Cobra... both names are stupid for using two animal names.
dakota @ Jul 15th 2006 4:52PM
Looks like a Buick Lucerne from the front.
DKB_SATX @ Jul 15th 2006 5:10PM
Carlos: According to SEAT, Cupra stands for "Cup Racing." I don't know if you think that's more or less stupid than naming it after a snake, but it's not named after a snake.
swe @ Jul 15th 2006 5:31PM
looks like a pokemon to me
Howard Kerr @ Jul 15th 2006 7:58PM
".....because the brand (SEAT)would cannibalize VW and Audi sales in a big way."
That idea is almost laughable. You mean there really isn't any model "overlap" between VW and Audi, already...it just looks that way when you compare prices? And VW's ATTEMPT to move upmarket in no way jeopardizes Audi sales?
Jimbo @ Jul 16th 2006 12:35AM
front end is ugly.
back is much nicer.
friko @ Jul 16th 2006 12:58AM
We get the VWTrio here in Mexico (VW, Audi, Seat) and their lineup is different enough to think of cannibalizing.
JGN @ Jul 16th 2006 2:54AM
The way a car looks is all fine and dandy. Is it worth me spending money on?
Galley @ Jul 16th 2006 8:03AM
Is it just me, or does it appear that it has horrible visibility all-around?