Limited-edition Leon Cupra R ST becomes fastest-ever Seat

The limited-run Leon Cupra R ST has officially become Seat's fastest production car yet, with an optional, factory-approved Abt tuning package increasing the hot estate's power output from 296bhp to 365bhp.

The Cupra R ST is based on the recent range-topping Leon Cupra R hatch and uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and seven-speed DSG gearbox. It has a top speed of 155mph and achieves a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The Abt tuning package, which adds £500 to the car's £37,945 list price, brings that sprint time down to 4.5 seconds. Abt detailing on the rear badge separates it from the standard car. A total of 150 cars will be coming to the UK.

Where the Cupra R hatchback was front-wheel drive only, the ST estate uses a four-wheel-drive system, with subtle tweaks to the wheel camber on both axles aimed at improving ride quality and cornering speed.

As with the hatch version, the R ST is marked out from the rest of the Seat Leon range by copper exterior trim and use of carbonfibre on the front splitter, mirrors, side skirts and rear diffuser. Brembo performance brakes sit behind 19in alloy wheels, while the four exhaust tips hint at the model’s performance potential.

Inside, the door panels are finished in a carbonfibre-style pattern, while the vent surrounds, steering wheel badge and stitching are finished in the same copper colour as the exterior trim.