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.

Officially introduced in 2001, SEAT Leon Cupra 4 is a special yet more powerful version of Cupra launched during the same year.
Available in two engine configurations, 1.9 TDI and a 2.8 V6, the car could reach a maximum speed of 215 km/h with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration made in 8.9 seconds. More important, the Cupra 4 was equipped with a four-wheel drive system which improved its stability at high speeds. Because it was a sportier version of Leon, this model was also equipped with several sports features, including the Recaro seats, the alloy wheels and the slightly modified body kit.