SEAT Leon SC Cupra 280 DSG - pictures

This is the Cupra version of our 2013 Car of the Year - the SEAT Leon.

Available with either 261bhp or 276bhp the Cupra gives plenty of bang for your buck.

The interior is quite low-key for a hot hatchback.

Thanks to the lightweight MQB architecture the Leon handles well.

The Leon costs slightly more than the Golf GTI, but comes with far more equipment.

The car comes as standard with a limited slip differential and three-stage adaptive dampers.

Available as a three-door, pictured here, the SEAT Leon Cupra is also available as a more practical five-door or even an ST Estate model.

SEAT has managed to maintain 380 litres of boot space for both the three and five-door models.

It's clear that the Leon has been designed not just to look good, but to be used as a family car.

There's even space in the rear seats for adults.

The 261bhp model offers almost identical performance to the 276bhp model - but it misses out on styling features like the red brake calipers and larger 19-inch wheels.