The new Seat Leon Cupra R is the most powerful car the company has ever built, packing a modified version of the turbocharged engine from the Audi S3.

The Leon Cupra R sits above the Cupra, and offers a tweaked version of its engine, packing a 265bhp punch, backed up by 258lb/ft of torque.

That means a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and an unlimited 155mph top speed.

But don’t think this is an old-school hot hatch, spinning the power away in a heady cloud of tyre smoke. Torque steer is largely absent, and Seat’s XDS electronic differential improves grip and traction through the bends. Aluminium suspension components reduce unsprung weight, improving performance further.

The lightweight suspension pays dividends when it comes to ride comfort. Its firm, but soaks up bumps without unsettling the car, or the occupants. Its certainly more comfortable than the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R.

Corners hard and fast

The chassis allows the Leon to make the most of its potent engine, offering confidence to corner hard and fast, and obliterate straights at an otherworldly pace.

At startup, the Cupra R sounds surprisingly docile, but as the revs increase, it offers aural character unusual from a four-cylinder engine. At the top end, the engine noise is beamed into the cabin using clever acoustics, for the full race car effect. This allows the exhaust to be quieter, staying well under drive-by noise limits. The effect is marked, but sounds a little unnatural.

Its steering has the dead feeling around the centre that affects all Leons, but once loaded up, offers plenty of feedback and the ESP cuts in gently, but did make its presence felt during hot laps around Rockingham circuit in Corby.

The big brakes, gripped by eye-catching red callipers do an excellent job of hauling in the speed, and along with the Pirelli P-Zero tyres, put up with a full days of track abuse without showing signs of a struggle.

Seat Leon Cupra R gallery:

Unique-to-UK styling

Seat listened to comments from British hot hatch buyers when the Leon Cupra R was first shown at motor shows around Europe, and took on feedback that it didn’t look different enough. UK buyers, therefore, are the only ones to get the large twin exhaust pipes – along the lines of those fitted to the Golf R – and a shiny black diffuser and large, black-edged rear wing.

Other bits to set the Cupra R apart from lesser models are black door mirrors, ’R’ badging and a set of 19-inch alloys which suit the Leon more than any other car/wheel combo from its rivals.

Finished in bright Crono Yellow, our Cupra R test car is one of the most handsome hot hatches around.

Good value

For the £25,000 asking price, a great deal of kit is included. Apart from the sporty addenda, supportive quilted black leather Cupra-logo’d seats with gloss seat backs, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic wipers and lights and dual-zone climate control come as standard.

While there are many hot hatches on the market, there are few which offer this much power at such a low price. It might not have the raw thrills of the Ford Focus RS; but it is £3,000 cheaper. Its also £3,500 less than the Audi S3 and the Volkswagen Scirocco R.

Only the Renault Megane Renaultsport offers a compelling alternative on price, and while it might have the dynamic edge, the Leon’s engine has more flair and the discreet five-door configuration widens the appeal.

The Seat Leon Cupra R is a worthy champion for Seat’s sporty cause. Its priced well, looks fantastic and is fun, fast and comfortable. And that is surely the essence of a great hot hatch.

Key facts:

Model tested: Seat Leon Cupra R 2.0 TSI 6sp manual
On the road price: £25,205
Price range: £14,060-£25,205
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Manufacturer footage: