They may have pulled out of SA, but overseas SEAT are turning up the heat with the León Línea R.

There are two petrol and one diesel engine options responsible for powering the new León version. The 127kW 2.0 TDI diesel is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the power on the petrol front is provided by the 118kW 1.8 TSI and 149kW 2.0 TSI units. The latter is coupled to either a manual or DSG twin clutch automatic gearbox.

The SEAT León Línea R adds an extensive list of standard equipment, including ABS and TCS, ESP, low tyre pressure warning, double front airbag, side front airbags and headbags, foglights, dual zone climate control, cruise control, CD MP3 radio and aux-in, and eight speakers, among others.

But what's most obvious on first sight is the tweaked exterior, including the new bumpers, the oversized honeycomb design air intake, stylised side vents, and exclusive central grille featuring a honeycomb arrangement and chrome surround.

The side view reveals exclusive, five double-spoke 18 inch "Supercopa" wheels with their visible enormous disc brakes. The wheels are shod with 225 /40 R18 tyres.

The rear end also distinctly sets the SEAT León Línea R apart. A spoiler at the top of the rear hatch strengthens its sporty looks and at the same time enhances its dynamo performance. The rear bumper plays an important part by increasing the car's beefy looks. It is wider than on the rest of the versions thanks to the addition of distinct side ventilation slats and a twin tailpipe at either end which has been personalised by SEAT Sport. The polished steel twin tailpipe not only provides a whole new look to the car, but it produces an unmistakeable sound.

Inside there's a new leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, a round leather gearknob embossed with the "SEAT Sport" logo, a chrome surround joining it to the console and a cross-stitched gaiter in SEAT red.

The 1.8 TSI engine delivers 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 4200rpm, top speed is clocked at 213km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 8 seconds and 0 to 1000 metre acceleration in 29.1 seconds; while the combined fuel consumption figure is 7.4 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions are registered at 176 g/km.

Mated to the DSG gearbox, the 2.0-litre petrol León reaches a top speed of 229km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 in 7.2 seconds, and covers a standing kilometre in 27.5 seconds, (both figures a tenth of a second faster than the manual). The León delivers in-gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 7.8 seconds and 9.7 seconds in sixth, with a moderate fuel consumption rate for such sporty performance — an average of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

And the 2.0 TDI diesel engine produces 350Nm from 1800 to 2500 rpm, propels the car to a top speed of 214km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in only 8.2 seconds, from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 8.2 seconds and 10.5 seconds in sixth gear. The combined fuel consumption figure is 6 litres for every 100 km of driving, and at 159 g/km, this engine complies with the strict Euro IV emissions norms.