Most powerful production Seat sells out in the UK
All 24 examples of the low-volume production performance hatchback destined for British shores have been sold, with customer deliveries due to begin this month
If you were hoping to get your hands on one of Seat’s 306bhp Leon Cupra Rs, you’re now out of luck, as all of those coming to the UK have sold out.
Just 24 examples of the high-performance hot hatch, which went on sale in November 2017, are due to arrive on British shores — with production restricted to 799 examples globally.
Richard Harrison, director of Seat UK, said: “As soon as we saw the Leon Cupra R for the first time, we knew it would appeal strongly to British performance car enthusiasts, but, we’ve simply been blown away by the amount of interest shown its generated.
“I’m delighted, and not the least bit surprised, that the UK-bound cars all found homes in such a short space of time. I’m sure their lucky owners will enjoy many years of great driving in this exclusive series.”
Step inside the New #SEATleon #CUPRA_R. Be the voice, not the echo. https://t.co/eNiN2t34VX #FrankfurtTakeover #SEATfrankfurt #IAA2017 pic.twitter.com/Ak2CsVfWQd
— SEAT UK (@SEAT_cars_UK) September 22, 2017
Following the sell-out, Seat has not ruled out the possibility of bringing extra cars over to Britain should more become available. A spokesperson for the UK arm of the Spanish manufacturer said: “We’d obviously love more for our shores, but it’ll all depend on the wider international picture.”
Revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017, the Leon Cupra R is the most powerful production Seat to date — developing 306bhp from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. 0-60mph comes in 5.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.
The limited-edition hatchback costs from £34,995 and is based on the existing Seat Leon Cupra, with mechanical tweaks made alongside a 10bhp power increase for a greater performance gain. These include a new, more responsive steering system, modified camber angles on the front axle, a retuned exhaust and four-piston Brembo brake calipers.
Aesthetic tweaks to further distinguish the R from the base car include the addition of carbon-fibre detailing on the rear wing, front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser. The wheel arches have also been broadened in an effort to create a more aggressive appearance.