Seat set to reveal Focus ST rival

Seat is poised to reveal the Leon Cupra hot hatch, taking the fight to the Ford Focus ST and VW Golf GTi.

The Cupra R goes on sale in spring 2014 and will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Seat insiders claim that there will be two power outputs available, either 265bhp or 280bhp. Substantial tweaks have also been made to the standard car’s mechanicals, including a beefed-up chassis and brakes.

Seat’s leading engineers are being bullish about the car’s performance, even compared with hardcore rivals such as the Renaultsport Megane.

The looks of the Cupra, though, are expected to be more restrained and ‘elegant’ than the last version.

There’s no word on UK pricing yet but it’s likely to start at around £27,000. Unlike the last model, you’ll also get the choice of three bodystyles. Sales will start with the five-door and three-door SC hatch, while the etate ST version will go on sale later in the year.