Currently reading: Seat Leon Cupra 290 revealed

Range-topping Leon Cupra gets 286bhp and will go on sale in the UK following its debut at the Frankfurt motor show

The Seat Leon Cupra has been given even more power. The newly named Seat Leon Cupra 290 will go on sale in the UK towards the end of this year, and will be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

Read our review of the Seat Leon Cupra 290

Power from the Leon’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine has been pushed to 286bhp, taking it close to Volkswagen’s own Golf R and clear of the Ford Focus ST-2.

The power boost also makes the Cupra 290 more powerful than the recently revealed Renault Mégane RS 275, which has 271bhp.

When equipped with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, Seat says the Leon Cupra 290 can reach 62mph in 5.7sec, with a top speed of 155mph. The car is capable of returning 42.8mpg combined in DSG form, dropping to 41.1mpg when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. That equates to CO2 emissions of as low as 149g/km.

Seat’s Sub8 performance pack is available as an option, adding larger brakes, new tyres and a bespoke wheel design.

As with its predecessor, this updated Leon Cupra gets a mechanical locking differential on the front axle.

Standard equipment for the Leon Cupra 290 includes sports seats, a 6.5in touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, and new ambient lighting.

Seat has yet to reveal official pricing, but it’s expected to rise marginally from the £28,785 of the current Cupra 280.

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DS240 7 September 2015

Just the thing for driving

Just the thing for driving around the derelict farmyard/warehouse.

What a weird launch photo setting for a hot hatch.

Adrian987 8 September 2015

Good ground clearance

Oddly sporting-crossover looks (suits barn setting) with those massive wheels. When will this diamond cut go-large alloys craze die?
xxxx 7 September 2015

interesting price

If it comes in at £29,500 it'll be just £1,500 less than the 4 wheel drive more powerful Audi S3. You pays your money and takes your choice, mine would be the one pulling away from the wheel spinning car at the lights in the rain.