SEAT UK has revealed that the new Leon FR will be priced from £16,995. Dealers are taking orders ahead of the model's arrival during July.

The model, which made its world debut last month at the Madrid Motor Show, follows in the footsteps of the previous Leon FR which was such a hit that it accounted for more than four out of ten of total Leon sales.

Unlike many of its rivals, the new Leon FR (short for Formula Racing') will be offered with a choice of petrol or diesel engines.

The Leon 2.0 T FSI FR develops 200 horsepower from its turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, while the 2.0 TDI FR, which comes in at £17,495 on the road, produces 170 horsepower.

With aesthetic highlights including exclusive bumpers front and rear, racy 17-inch alloy wheels (with 18-inch versions as an option), sports seats, white instrumentation, twin stainless steel exhaust pipes, FR-specific steering wheel and gearlever, plus a number of further stylish FR logos inside and out, the newcomer is bold without being brash.

Those eye-catching prices have not been achieved at the expense of generous standard equipment. Every Leon FR comes with a high level of specification, with dual-zone climate control, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance system), alarm with immobiliser, cruise control, four electric windows, remote-control central locking, electrically-adjustable and foldable door mirrors, trip computer, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and CD/radio with MP3-compatibility.