SEAT Leon FR550

On the eve of the new HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season, which kicks off at Brands Hatch on Sunday 30th March, SEAT is giving style-conscious car buyers the chance to stand out from the pit lane crowd with the launch of a new, race-bred Leon special edition.

The unveiling of the exciting new Leon FR550 coincides with SEAT Sport UK’s determined assault on the 2008 BTCC crown. The Northants-based team once again promises to be at the business end of the grid as drivers Jason Plato and Darren Turner bid for glory in their radical, diesel-powered, Leon TDI racers.

Using cutting-edge diesel technology lifted direct from the race-winning SEAT Sport World Touring Car Championship contenders, the Latin-flavoured BTCC cars promise to bring an exciting new dimension to the traditionally thrilling British race series.

And to celebrate SEAT’s latest BTCC campaign, the firm is offering hardcore fans the chance to get behind the wheel of their very own BTCC-inspired Leon.

The special edition FR550 – ‘550’ representing the total number of these models being made available – is based on the popular Leon FR TDI, with a raft of unique styling and equipment additions ensuring it looks every inch the track star.

Building on the already racy FR’s base, the new model adds particularly grippy bucket-style seats with sporty integrated head restraints, arch-filling 18” ‘Draco’ alloy wheels, a USB connection (for ultimate iPod or MP3 connectivity) and, naturally, unique FR550 tailgate badging.

On top of this, the ‘550’ package gives buyers the chance to turn heads with a dramatic paint job. Available hues include high fashion Candy White and Black Magic along with two shades of grey, SEAT-trademark Emocion Red and the striking, lime green, Citrus.

Under the bonnet, and continuing the diesel theme, the ‘550’ shares the same 170 PS, turbo charged 2.0-litre TDI that powers the Leon FR TDI. Performance, therefore, is distinctly spirited.

This 135 mph car blasts from rest to 62 mph in a mere 8.2 seconds, yet is also capable of offering fully 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle, and as much as 56.5 mpg out of town. All this, and CO2 emissions of just 161 g/km, add up to a tempting ‘hot hatch with a conscience’.

Credits: Jarvis