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HOT hatches are a great way of generating kudos for your brand but rarely do they have the same impact on manufacturers' balance sheets ... unless you are Seat.
Almost a third of the Spanish car maker's sales are of sporty hatchbacks like the FR and Cupra versions of the Ibiza and Leon.
So when the firm launch their fastest and most powerful model, it's a big deal - not just in terms of image but sales as well.
The Ibiza Cupra R is the most extreme vehicle to wear that Seat badge and anyone expecting superhuman feats won't be disappointed as pound-forpound this is one of the best hot hatches around.
Priced at a shade over pounds 25,000, the Cupra combines the two-litre turbocharged engine of a VW Golf GTI with smart looks, brilliant driving dynamics and bags of youthful appeal.
The Cupra R is...