Autoblog

We brought you initial pics and details last week, and today, SEAT made it all official in London where factory Touring Car drivers James Thompson (WTCC) and Jason Plato (BTCC) pulled the checkered cover off the all-new Leon Cupra.

To refresh your memories, the Cupra is the latest tasty morsel from the Spanish automaker. The stylish hatch has VW's 2.0T FSI four-banger lurking underhood, tuned to produce 240 horsepower. So equipped, it makes the run from 0-62 in 6.4 seconds, topping out at an impressive 153 mph. Somehow through all this the Cupra (if you resist the urge to drop the hammer all the time) can average over 30mpg in fuel consumption along the way.

Distinguishable by its curvy body, tough aero kit, and 18" wheels, the Cupra also creates an inviting driving environment for it's pilot and passengers, with sport seats, contrast stitching, and a slick variation on the already-excellent VW-sourced dash and instrument cluster.

We wish we could get it here!

(Additional info and photos after the jump)

[Source: SEAT]

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)]