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Fresh for the new '12' plate change SEAT is giving one of its most popular performance models, the hi-spec Leon FR+, the benefit of an even more sporty look courtesy of a dramatic special edition styling kit.

The impressive additions to the Leon's already lithe lines give the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol- or diesel-engined FR+ looks reminiscent of the brand's many recent motorsport successes. And that's no mere coincidence, as the exclusive new Supercopa is constructed by the very same expert engineers at SEAT Sport who have nurtured SEAT's WTCC title-winning race cars in years gone by.

The car even sports a track-inspired model name with 'Supercopa' being, of course, also the moniker of SEAT's successful global one-make race series.

Boasting bespoke 'Supercopa' badges the special edition car's comprehensive styling additions include extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler, bespoke BBS 18-inch alloy wheels and unique chrome-tipped, twin exhausts.

Naturally the extensive styling enhancements come in a range of eye-catching colours including Nevada White, Emoción Red and, appropriately enough, Speed Blue.

SEAT aficionados will recognise, of course, that the Leon FR+ which forms the basis of the special edition new Supercopa is a generously equipped offering that's a significant step up from the 'standard' FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment.

Equipped with SEAT's powerful 2.0 TSI 211 PS petrol or 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS turbodiesel engines the Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2 which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and rear parking sensors.

Representing truly exceptional value, the new Supercopa editions feature £3,000-worth of SEAT Sport body kit for just £750 more than standard versions of the Leon FR+. Prices therefore start from just £22,530 RRP on-the-road for the 2.0 TDI 170 PS six-speed manual model.

The SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa additions arrive as SEAT celebrates continued strong growth in what remains a challenging UK new car market. To the end of February SEAT's UK sales were up almost two per cent on the same period in 2011 which was, itself, an all-time record year for the brand here.

And the new car immediately grabs the spotlight as, from today, it becomes the star of SEAT UK's marketing activity around the SEAT-sponsored UEFA Europa League. The brand's television adverts around the remaining ties in this season's Europa League will consistently feature the new Supercopa.

Welcoming the arrival of the head-turning new SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa special editions, SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Chris Stevens, said: 'This stunning car represents many of the very best elements of SEAT. Gorgeous styling, superb levels of standard equipment and unrivalled value for money are the hallmarks of our cars, and they come together to exceptional effect in the SEAT Leon FR+ Supercopa. I'm sure this special edition model will, quite rightly, quickly become one of our most highly sought-after vehicles.'