Click either image for hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Linea R

Volkswagen makes some pretty enticing hot hatches, but as we discovered when driving the Leon Cupra, sister-brand SEAT is where it's at. The Spanish subsidiary's hot hatches typically offer more power for less money in a more exciting package than their German counterparts. Now SEAT has widened the gap - on that last category, at least - with a new package for the Golf-based Leon.

Click image to enlarge

The SEAT Leon Supercopa series that visits tracks in seven European countries is, according to SEAT, "the most powerful single-brand competition in Europe." In celebration of the series, Seat is making a special edition SEAT Leon Copa Edition that arguably looks even hotter than the race car.

Click above for more high-res shots of the SEAT Leon Cupra

While it sister company Audi continues to forge ahead in Le Mans-class racing under diesel power, the SEAT division is likewise launching an assault on the British Touring Car Championship with an oil-burning Leon TDI. The Spanish automaker is also launching a special edition Leon for the road to coincide with its competition counterpart's race debut.

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the SEAT Leon Cupra K¹

Every so often, we wish that Volkswagen's SEAT brand was available here in the US. Sure, the Spanish automaker's vehicles are badge-engineering exercises that raid the corporate partsbin for powertrains, switchgear, and the like, but their styling is unique and some of the packages have definite appeal.