SEAT Leon Cupra Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Before it was changed into a different brand, the Cupra was a version of some of the Spanish Seat brand. It defined the most performance models such as Leon.

The compact-class vehicle built on the same MQB platform as the Golf shares a lot of components with its German cousin. But the Cupra has different styling and interior. It comes in two body styles: as a three-door or as a five-door vehicle. It is fitted as standard with full LED headlights, a different bumper, and 19" light-alloy wheels. A roof spoiler and dual oval exhausts are completing the hot-hatch look.

From the technical point of view, it is a VW Golf GTI, but with a different look. Some like the Leon Cupra more than the GTI and some like the Golf more. It worth knowing that the Leon Cupra comes as standard with a limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension, features that are available on the Golf only as an extra option.

For fast cornering, the Leon Cupra features sport bucket-seats with good lateral support and the Cupra logo on the seatbacks. The infotainment unit is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Of course, when cruising on the "comfort" suspension setting, it will be a nice addition. But when is on the "race" setting, the music will come from the inline-four, turbocharged engine from the front.

SEAT introduced the second generation of the Cupra in 2005, and in the following year, the Spanish carmaker unveiled the most powerful version of its compact hatchback.

SEAT pitted it against the best hot-hatches, such as the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Focus RS, or Renault Megane RS. It was a bold move since the carmaker already built the Cupra FR with 200 hp, but it paid off.

The Cupra was the most streamlined vehicle among its siblings, the Golf and the Audi A3 Sportback. It also shared its platform with the Audi TT and the Skoda Octavia, but its body shape differed. Compared with other Leon on the market, the Cupra version featured a different front bumper with a broad, trapezoidal-shaped grille on the lower side. From its side, the unique 18" light alloy wheels enhanced the car's sporty look. At the back, the carmaker placed the wide lettering CUPRA on the liftgate. Later on, the version became a separate brand for the Spanish carmaker.

Inside, the Cupra featured sport bucket seats with integrated headrests embroiled with the Cupra lettering in contrast color. The red stitches were also part of the package. The tachometer took center stage in the instrument cluster while the speedometer was wider and pushed on the right side. SEAT installed the third dial with an LCD for the onboard computer and the fuel and coolant temperature gauges on the left side.

Under the hood, SEAT carried over the same powerplant as the Golf GTI that provided 240 hp and sent them to the front wheels via a six-speed manual. Two years later, the carmaker improved the lineup and introduced the Cupra R.

The Spanish brand SEAT introduced two Cupra versions for the successful first generation of the Leon model in 2001, unveiling the carmaker's ambitions to create sporty vehicles.

SEAT introduced the first generation of the Leon in 1999 based on the same PQ34 platform as the Volkswagen Golf IV, Audi TT, and Skoda Octavia. While most versions were available with a front-wheel drive setup, the carmaker knew that it could install different powertrains carried over from its parent company, Volkswagen Group. So when it introduced the sportiest version of the Leon in 2001, the Cupra, it dared to ask for it and received it. Thus, the Leon became a proper hot-hatch threatening even some more expensive vehicles within the group, such as the Audi A3.

While Giorgetto Giugiaro was mostly known for the wedged shapes created for many vehicles, the Leon was exactly the opposite: it sported curved lines and soft edges. But the Cupra version received additional visual upgrades to differentiate it from its lesser-powered siblings. First of all, it featured a different front apron on the lower side of the bumper sporting a broad lower grille flanked split in three with a narrow center air intake flanked by wider scoops that also hosted the foglights. At the back, to complete the car's sporty appearance, the carmaker added a roof spoiler at the top of the tailgate.

Inside, the Leon Cupra received a pair of Recaro sport seats at the front upholstered in Alcantara. The curved dashboard design was similar to the rest of the Leon range, but the dials featured white background and red needles.

Under the hood, SEAT offered the Cupra with a choice of two engines: a 2.8-liter V6 or a 1.9-liter turbo-diesel unit pushed to a staggering, for those times, 150 PS (148 hp). Both versions were paired to a six-speed manual gearbox that sent the power in all corners.