Autoblog

Click either image for hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Linea R

Volkswagen makes some pretty enticing hot hatches, but as we discovered when driving the Leon Cupra, sister-brand SEAT is where it's at. The Spanish subsidiary's hot hatches typically offer more power for less money in a more exciting package than their German counterparts. Now SEAT has widened the gap – on that last category, at least – with a new package for the Golf-based Leon.

Called the Linea R, this newest variant draws inspiration from SEAT's championship-winning touring cars, and you can plainly see the association with the gaping air intakes cut into the body like an 80's slasher flick. The package also includes up-rated brakes, 225/40 R18 rubber and revised aero trim, plus a unique central grille, chrome mirror casings and the requisite boxful of badges. The interior is treated to some sporty touches as well, and the Linea R package is available with a range of powerful engines, including a 170hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel and 1.8-liter 160hp and 2.0-liter 200hp gas-burning turbo fours. The GTI's hot Spanish cousin just got that much hotter, evident in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

[Source: SEAT]

Click above for more high-res shots of the SEAT Leon Cupra

Draw up a list of the top hot-hatches in the world. The SEAT Leon Cupra may not be on it – although it might be – but the Volkswagen GTI will most definitely. At least it should, because the GTI is a performance icon, forged over decades of performance tempered with versatility and accessibility. And the current-generation GTI certainly lives up to the legend, burning rubber with the best Germany has to offer. But if this article is about the SEAT Leon Cupra, then why are we talking about the Volkswagen GTI? What do they have in common? Well, almost everything. Almost.

Click image for additional photos

SEAT and Shakira have teamed up to raise funds for the singer's charity, the Fundación Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet Foundation), which raises money for Colombian children in need. SEAT is the primary sponsor of the European tour in support of her Oral Fixation record, and the automaker worked with Shakira to produce a one-off edition of the Leon Cupra hatchback called the Leon Pies Descalzos. Throughout the tour, there will be a concerted effort in several European markets to get fans and supporters to donate to the charity via SMS messaging or with a credit card through a dedicated website. On May 15th, one of the donors will win the Leon Pies Descalzos, which is customized with a purple finish and interior trim, black chrome wheels, two tone seating, and Pies Descalzos badging. At the unveiling of the car in Berlin, SEAT presented Shakira with a check for the retail value of the car to kick off the campaign.

As you'll see in the attached photo gallery, Shakira was probably the most casually-dressed person at the presser, but we'll let it slide. The sheer Abbey Road t-shirt she sported didn't seem to have anyone at the event -- including SEAT prez Erich Schmitt -- complaining...

Press release after the jump.

[Source: SEAT]

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)]

On July 18 at the British International Motor Show, VW-owned Spanish automaker SEAT will unveil the new Leon Cupra for the very first time. The company's smartly-styled hatchbacks are always a visual treat, and this one should be no exception.

For now, we have to settle for a teaser photo that gives us a small peek at the car. While we have a couple of weeks to go before we get an official look, spy photos of an undisguised Cupra during cold-weather testing show that it's quite a head-turner. We look forward to the unveiling with great interest.

Similarly, the company is being secretive (for now) about the car's specs, but did offer up one nugget: Cupra will be powered by the VW Group's 2.0T FSI four-cylinder, which will produce over 225 horsepower. Hot hatch, indeed!

Joining the Cupra at the SEAT display will be the Leon FR, Altea FR, Ibiza, Toledo and the Alhambra minivan, as well as two of its race cars.

(Press release and photos of the other Seats mentioned after the jump.)

[Source: SEAT]

Autoblog Spanish has full coverage of the debut of SEAT's new competitor in the hot hatch wars, the Leon FR, courtesy of our man in Madrid, Alberto Ballestin. We're posting a few of his live shots here, the full set of pics is online here.

According to What Car? Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary is pricing its 197 hp FR at $31,910 USD, about $5,630 less than VW's GTI, which uses the same TFSI 2-liter engine.

SEAT announced that an even hotter 240 hp version of the Leon, the Cupra, will debut in July at the British Motor Show.

More photos after the jump!

[Sources: Autoblog Spanish, What Car?]