The SEAT Leon Cupra R, the company’s most powerful car to date, is available to order now priced at £34,995.

But buyers need to act quickly as a limited production run means just 799 models will be built for global sale in the first half of 2018, of which only 24 are initially destined for the UK.

The car is based on the Leon Cupra 300, but SEAT’s R&D team has made a series of enhancements to create the Cupra R. For example, on the technical side is a new steering system, modified camber angles on the front axle, four piston Brembo brake callipers and crucially, a retuned exhaust system with an even racier tone.

When it comes to performance, the Leon Cupra R is limited to 155mph and will soar to 62mph from a standing start in just 5.8 seconds. In the UK, the new front-wheel-drive SEAT Leon Cupra R, boasting 310bhp, will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Techno treats include keyless entry, heated front seats and headlight washers, rear view camera, a wireless phone charger, a safety pack with tiredness recognition system and rear seatbelt reminder.

And with younger buyers in mind it comes fitted with a 10-speaker Beats sound system, along with adaptive cruise control and a navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen.

The Leon Cupra looks have also been given greater impact in R form, thanks to carbon fibre details for the rear spoiler, lower lip spoiler, side skirts and rear diffuser. The newly extended wheel arches and the front also benefit from a more powerful design around the air intakes.

There are two metallic paint options called Monsoon Grey and Midnight Black, both of which are included in the car’s price.