Seat Leon Cupra R (2009) CAR review

The new Seat Leon Cupra R is the Spanish manufacturer’s most powerful production model ever, packing 261bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.

And just how has Seat squeezed 261bhp into the Leon Cupra R?

The R has the same turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine found in the 237bhp Leon Cupra, but over and above it the R gets a revised ECU, a boost in turbo pressure, a new high-pressure fuel pump, a different intercooler and a tweaked exhaust system. The changes lift power to 261bhp, and the torque output climbs from 221lb ft to 258lb ft. The extra grunt means the six-speed manual gearbox – the only transmission available – has also been strengthened to cope.

And what about other tweaks to make this Leon Cupra R stand out from the Leon Cupra?

Ah. Well, the R gets 19-inch wheels – which are available in white and are the largest ever fitted to a production Seat – as well as a smattering of R badges, but externally you’d be hard pushed to spot the differences. The front bumper is big and gaping, but without chunky side sills, huge rear wing or some faux rear diffuser it doesn’t look very different from a regular Cupra, or have the aggressive coolness of a Focus RS. It’s up to you what you prefer, though the hidden rear door handles and windscreen wipers that conceal themselves in the A-pillars are cool.

Anything else I should take note of?

Yes. There’s also a big brake kit (345mm discs at the front, 286mm rear) with red callipers, acting between the front wheels is an electronic differential, and inside there are bucket seats and white LED lighting for the instruments.
 
The seats initially feel a little over-stuffed, but you soon settle into them and they’re extremely comfortable with lots of support. Inevitably they’re set a little too high, and inevitably a plastic flat-bottomed section spoils the otherwise good steering wheel, but the odd-looking gearstick is actually great to hold.
 
Look around the rest of the cabin and you’ll see bits and pieces stolen from the Golf, like the controls on the steering wheel, but you can also tell VW HQ has made sure the plastics aren’t allowed to match Wolfsburg’s best. 
 

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