THE quickest and most powerful series production car SEAT has ever made hits the streets this spring.

It comes in the shape of the Leon Cupra 280, which will headline a five-strong family of turbocharged 2.0-litre Cupra models that starts with the 265PS Leon SC Cupra and tops out with the five-door Cupra 280 DSG.

And the promise is efficient performance across the board with every Leon Cupra capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in less than six seconds and all manual versions able to return average fuel consumption of 44.1mpg.  

Sharp dynamics are assured courtesy of a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system that sharpens the turn-in for improved agility as standard.

There's also DCC dynamic chassis control to alter the suspension settings between sportier or more comfort-oriented performance, plus two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control - including the scope to turn it off entirely.

That's on top of fundamental changes compared to the previous Leon Cupra, as the newcomer is built on a new chassis with a wider front track and fully independent suspension front and rear.

The Cupra 280, with optional DSG twin clutch transmission, can blast from 0-62mph in a fleeting 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 with the six-speed manual gearbox equipped, and every Cupra model has a limited top speed of 155mph.

Average fuel consumption for both power variants is 44.1 mpg with a manual gearbox equipped and 42.2 mpg with DSG, equating to CO2 figures of 149 and 155g/km, compared to the second generation Leon Cupra R with 265PS and 190g/km.

Like all Leon variants, the Cupra efficiency package also includes Start/Stop and energy recovery systems.

The cars look the part too, with a new front end with large air intakes and LED headlamps while the rear skirt has a pair of oval tailpipes and the alloy wheels boast red brake callipers.

Inside, the sports steering wheel has its own Cupra design complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission while the sports seats come in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching.

The Cupra 280 version also has unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint finish, plus the Aerodynamic Pack comprising a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings.

Standard kit for the Leon Cupra over and above the FR model includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, DAB digital radio, SEAT Media System Plus, aluminium front door sill trims with Cupra logo, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

Prices start at £25,690 for the Cupra SC three-door rising to £28,525 for the Cupra 280 DSG five-door model.