Seat announces Golf GTI beater

Seat has released details of its fastest ever hatchback, the Leon Cupra.

The 2-litre turbocharged 16-valve engine produces 235bhp, launching the Leon to a top speed of 153mph and accelerating from 0-62mph (100kph) in 6.4 seconds – almost a second quicker than the similarly priced Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Standard features include six airbags, electronic stability control, dual zone climate control and an MP3-compatible CD player.

While offering high performance, the Cupra will also return a respectable 34mpg.

It sits on lowered and stiffened suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. Other sporty features include a black chin spoiler and a specially tuned exhaust system.

Seat – which won the 2006 British Touring Car Championship Manufacturers’ trophy with its Leon - predict its performance models, the FR and Cupra, will account for more than 40 per cent of Leon sales in the UK next year.

The Seat Cupra will be on sale from March 2007 at a cost of £19,595.