Review
##LeonCupraR--none##
Priced from £15,000, cars equipped with the 128bhp engine are set to bolster each range in a move aimed at making a substantial gain on the company's target of 40,000 annual registrations by the end of 2005. Likely total sales of 35,000 this year mean SEAT is ahead of its plan and on course to achieve its objective in 2004.
SEAT UK director Kevin James said: 'With new models like these coming on stream, I see no reason why we can't go to the 50,000 mark to secure a 2% to 3% share of the market. That's as far as we want to go because our intention is to remain a niche player.
'We want our cars to be seen as sporty but also recognised as providing economical motoring and to that end, this power unit gives us extra credibility. It will also be added to the Alhambra MPV by the end of this year and the next move will be to add even more performance by making 148bhp versions of the TDI engine available early next year.'
Speaking at the launch of the new derivatives in Spain, James said research had highlighted a significant downsizing shift among company car drivers to lower-medium cars from upper-medium vehicles.
He added: 'As the size of lower-medium cars increases, a greater number of drivers are finding it possible to move down a class without compromise, as long as this doesn't entail loss of performance.
'The new TDI engine meets this demand and also provides the driveability of a petrol engine. We're confident it will give us extra business.'
National business sales manager Dominic Elms claimed SEAT would be offering three-month demonstrator loans to the top 50 contract hire and leasing companies. He said: 'Leasing accounts for 70% of vehicles in large fleets and as diesel-powered cars now make up 38% of fleet sales, we see a big potential.
'We think we can do better with fleets. We've taken on two new account managers, set up a support centre at Milton Keynes and appointed a communications manager to make sure companies receive our product information.
'In addition, we've also put someone in charge of developing a 25-strong network of dealers into business centres by the end of next year.'
Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the 128bhp unit takes the Leon to a top speed of 139mph and the car cruises in a quiet, relaxed manner at motorway speeds.
However, its combined economy is surprisingly high at 52.3 mpg, and a CO2 emissions figure of 140 g/km puts it in the lowest company car tax band for non-Euro IV-compliant diesel engines.
As the 128bhp models will come in the top SE trim level when they reach showrooms from next month, the current 110bhp Leon SE is replaced by an SX variant. Priced at £13,750, it is £1,500 cheaper than the 130 SE but still offers Climatronic air conditioning, electric windows, 15-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps as standard.
SEAT Leon 1.9 TDI 130
Engine (cc): 1,896
Max power (bhp/rpm): 130/4,000
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 228/1,900
Max speed (mph): 139
0-62mph (secs): 9.8
Fuel consumption (mpg): 52.3
CO2 emissions (g/km): 140
On sale: August
Price (OTR): £15,250
Even hotter Cupra R helps SEAT raise its sporting profile
SUPPLIES of a hotter version of the Leon Cupra R could be sold out before they reach showrooms in the autumn, according to SEAT.
Even though the firm's Sport division increased production of the current 210bhp car, it was unable to keep pace with demand. Now it is confident buyers will be just as eager to snap up the latest version when it goes on sale here in October.
The model has been tuned to develop 225bhp, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of more than 150mph.
SEAT UK director Kevin James said: 'Stocks of the 210bhp car have already gone, so there will be a gap before we get the new model. I'm certain the 250 examples we have for the remainder of the year will soon be sold. The Cupra has proved to be the 'halo effect' vehicle we needed.'
With annual sales of about 1,300 units, Britain is one of the major markets for the Cupra R, a modified and hand-finished version of the Leon since it was launched 15 months ago. Featuring big air intakes and standing on 18-inch alloys, the R has Brembo brakes as standard.
Though the price of the new model has yet to be fixed, it will be more expensive than the outgoing car but still likely to cost less than £18,000.
Despite being quicker off the mark, the 225bhp model is only fractionally quicker than its predecessor to 62mph but the extra 15bhp improves mid-range acceleration while the lack of torque steer is particularly impressive.
Ride comfort scores highly, but doesn't compromise agility that allows the grippy, ultra-low profile Pirelli tyres to cope with high speed cornering without protest.
SEAT Leon Cupra R
Engine (cc): 1,781 turbo
Max power (bhp/rpm): 225/5,900
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 206/2,200
Max speed (mph): 150
0-62mph (secs): 6.9
Fuel consumption (mpg): 31.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 213
On sale: October
Price (OTR): £17,775 (est)
