Seat, Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary has revealed a facelift for its Leon Cupra hot hatch. While styling changes are nominal, Seat has bumped up the compact’s power and torque output significantly. The 2.0-litre turbo engine has been uprated to churn out 300bhp and 380Nm of torque, which is 10 horses and 30Nm more than the previous model. The increased twist is now available across a wider band from 1,800 rpm to 5,500rpm.  This makes the new Leon Cupra Seat’s most powerful road car yet.

The Leon Cupra 300 will also get all-wheel drive on the ST version, which will also feature a double-clutch automatic gearbox. To complement the added power the hot hatch also comes equipped with dynamic chassis control, a progressive steering system and electronic self-locking differential as standard, and four drive modes to choose from - Comfort, Sport, Individual and a ‘Cupra’ mode, which promises to take the driving experience “to another level.”

Available in three bodystyles; SC, five-door and ST, the new Cupra comes loaded with features such as Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist, adaptive cruise control and Pedestrian Protection, plus, electric parking brake and keyless entry and start. Connectivity is take care of by an infotainment system with an 8.0in interface and a Connectivity Hub that includes a smartphone wireless charger and a GSM antenna amplifier for areas with low signal coverage.

The new model is set to hit showrooms worldwide in the first quarter of next year, and prices will be announced closer to the sales launch. It could prove a cheaper yet capable alternative to the VW Golf R.