Category: Hot Hatchbacks 
Price Range: £12,990 to £20,485
Excellent performance, good quality, great value
Cupra R's slightly harsh ride, a couple of expensive options, 20VT Cupra not really exciting
One of the fastest, best-value hot hatch ranges around
Seat's 20VT Cupra and Cupra R models sit atop the surprisingly stylish (if not especially popular) Leon range, which - like Seat's Toledo saloon - is based on VW's ubiquitous Mk 4 Golf platform. The 20VT Cupra is a 180bhp car; the top-dog Cupra R has 225bhp and is available from late summer 2003 (earlier models have 210bhp).
Both models offer good value and impressive performance. The 20VT Cupra is a fast family car rather than an out-and-out hot hatchback, the Cupra R is far more focussed and one of the most powerful hot hatchbacks around. Its suspension is lowered, it has bigger wheels, beefier brakes and undergoes some hand-finishing at Seat's factory near Barcelona.
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