A real hot hatch favourite has returned. SEAT has reintroduced the Cupra R to the Leon range, and at the same time unleashed its most powerful car yet.

Poke comes courtesy of the Audi S3 and VW Scirocco R’s 2-litre turbo petrol engine, and matches that served up by the Leon TDI world touring car, with a pretty potent 261bhp and 258lb ft. That means nearly 40bhp more than the old Cupra R and 24bhp extra over the current Leon Cupra, enough to hustle the new R to 62mph in 6.1sec and onto 155mph.

It’s all still pushed through the front wheels, but the VW group’s diff-mimicking XDS electronics are present to help keep things in check. The brakes are uprated, too, with 345mm discs up front and 286mm items at the back. They’re shrouded by some rather funky new 19in alloys.

There’s a smattering of R badges inside and out (even on the engine cover, too) to remind you of how special your SEAT is, while the company’s usual neon palette of colours will be on offer. It’s predicted to cost around £21,000, though, making it cheaper than a 207bhp VW Golf GTI as well as a good few grand short of the Scirocco R. Not bad going at all…

Read our preview of the Frankfurt motor show, where the new Leon Cupra R gets its public debut

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