2002 SEAT Leon Cupra R Photos, engines & full specs

The Spanish brand SEAT, owned by Volkswagen, focused on a sporty, young image, and besides the Cupra, it also made an even more powerful version, the Cupra R, for the Leon lineup.

Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf, the Leon was more of a mundane vehicle, although well-designed and very practical. Yet, the automaker asked for more, and customers enjoyed the sporty Cupra version, which was more of a Spanish version of the Golf GTI. But then, the carmaker started to create even more powerful versions, such as the Cupra 4 and the Cupra R.

While the overall shape of the car was similar to the rest of the Leon range, the Cupra R featured a different front spoiler. In the lower bumper, the automaker installed a wide grille in the middle, flanked by a pair of scoops that hosted the fog lamps. In addition, a lip spoiler adorned the lower edge of the bumper. From its profile, the five double-spoke 18” light-alloy wheels were unique for this sportiest version of the Leon. Finally, at the back, the car featured an oval-shaped tailpipe instead of a double one.

Inside, SEAT installed high-bolstered bucket seats at the front wrapped in a combination of leather and Alcantara. In addition, the driver was spoiled with a set of aluminum pedals that enhanced the car's sporty orientation. Another improvement was found inside the instrument cluster. There, the carmaker placed white dials with red needles. Last but not least, the three-spoke steering wheel sported an aluminum “R” badge.

Since it was based on the same platform as the first generation of the Audi TT, it carried over its 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine available in a choice of two power outputs. Unfortunately, none of them was available with an all-wheel drive system.