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SEAT Leon Cupra 300

SEAT’s Leon Cupra hot hatch is getting a performance boost for 2017

The Spanish hatch is now as powerful as the current Volkswagen Golf R.

THE UPDATED SEAT Leon range for 2017 has already been revealed but now it is the turn of the Cupra performance models to gain some tweaks for the new year.

That means new headlights, interior updates and bumpers. But for performance fans, the bigger news is the performance updates. All Cupra models will see power increased by a further 10hp to 300hp, while the torque output rises to 380Nm.

That puts the Spanish hatch on a par with the current Volkswagen Golf R, although that is due to get similar updates for 2017.

Drivers will have the choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, and while the SC and five-door models will feature front-wheel drive and SEAT’s smart electronic front differential, the ST estate will feature all-wheel drive and a DSG automatic transmission as standard.

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The 2017 Leon Cupra won’t be short on technology either. Convenient features like keyless entry and start, as well as wireless phone charging inside and connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, will be available. SEAT has made a new, larger eight-inch touchscreen available for the dashboard which also helps lift the sense of quality inside.

Other tech will include adaptive cruise control, a traffic jam assist system that allows the car to take over the stop-start nature of driving in heavy traffic, while lane assist will alert you if you start to veer out of your lane when driving.

It is expected that the first of the updated SEAT Leon range will appear in the spring, while these high-performance Cupra models should be available soon after that.

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