A LESS expensive alternative to the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been announced by SEAT.
A new high-performance FR version of the SEAT Leon has sporty engines courtesy of Volkswagen, its parent company.
The petrol unit is the Golf's two-litre turbo with 197bhp on tap for a 0-60mph acceleration time of seven seconds.
There is a diesel equivalent too with similar performance and 40mpg economy to offer the best of both worlds.
Both newcomers will be in showrooms by July, complete with flared wheel arches, large diameter alloys and a distinctive honeycomb grille.
As is always the case with sporty SEATs there is stiffer suspension, beefier brakes, sports seats, white dials and a leather-covered steering wheel with the FR logo set into it.
Equipment levels are high and include an MP3 player, climate control, adaptive xenon headlamps and electric operation of virtually everything that moves.
Expect to pay from about £17,000 for the Leon FR - around £3,000 less than you would expect to pay for a Golf of similar performance.
An even more powerful 240bhp Leon Cupra is due early next year. Prices for that model have still to be announced.