SEAT has taken the wraps off its most potent and sporting road car to date - the 210bhp Leon Cupra R. The Cupra R costs £16,995 on the road, and can be ordered now.

Developed jointly by SEAT and its competition arm, SEAT Sport, the Leon Cupra R could be said to rewrite the hot hatch rule book by combining outstanding performance and handling with good equipment levels, including active and passive safety measures, and stunning looks.

At the heart of the Cupra R's performance is the powerful 1.8-litre 20-valve turbocharged engine that develops a heady 210bhp and 270Nm of torque. This unit drives the front wheels through a close ratio six-speed gearbox to a top speed of 147mph and 0-62mph in just 7.2-seconds. All this power is matched by SEAT's Agile Chassis Concept (ACC), which delivers more sporty and responsive driving through revised suspension geometry, dynamic spring and damper settings, more direct steering and new suspension mounts.

The sporting package continues with 18-inch alloy wheels through which the standard competition developed Brembo brakes with bright red painted "four-pot" callipers can clearly be seen.

All this is backed up with state of the art active safety systems, such as ABS anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control with electronic differential (TCS).

The sporty performance is reflected in the Cupra R's looks, which instantly distinguish it from other Leons, both inside and out.

There is the lowered suspension (6mm), lower bumpers (45mm), deep side skirts and extended wheel arches giving it a dynamically low side profile.

All body mouldings, handles and mirrors are finished in the body colour - a choice of just three - yellow, ebony black or flash red.

The redesigned front bumper provides a visual and functional edge, with a broader grille, integral fog lamps and large honeycomb mesh air vents to maximise airflow to the twin-intercoolers and large brakes. At the back the Cupra R sports a fuller bumper with a deeper spoiler at the trailing edge of the roof.

Badging is unique to the Cupra R with the word LEON sitting wide across the centre of the tailgate below the "S" logo. A special Cupra R badge sits at the right of the hatchback and the red "R" logos are repeated on both front wings. There is also a chrome oval tailpipe.

Inside the Cupra R follows an all-black theme. Everything from the dashboard, through upholstery, carpeting and door panels, right up to the headlining and sun visors, is black. Contrasting red stitching on the upholstery and steering wheel and red "R" logos emblazoned on the front seat backs add to a sporty look.

Equipment levels are impressive with climate control, electric windows, twin front and side airbags, six-CD player and a multi-function computer all standard. Front sports seats and a rear three-person bench are standard, but front Recaros with a split rear seat can be ordered as an option. Whichever seat option is taken, the rear seat is fitted with two ISOFIX child seat mountings.

Satellite navigation is also available as an option.

The Cupra R price of £16,995 includes delivery to dealer, VAT, 12 months' road tax, first registration fee, three year/60,000 mile warranty (two years unlimited), 12 year anti-perforation warranty, and three years roadside assistance.

Updated: 10:05 Friday, July 26, 2002