While Cupra has begun to branch out on its own with the Ateca, this Leon still holds a Seat badge, for now at least.

But that’s really not important because what we have here is a beautifully understated hot hatch with some real fire in its belly.

Our hatch version had the 2.0 TSI engine, boosted to a mighty 290ps.

That means it’s good for 62mph in a mere six seconds and a limited top end of 155mph.

It’s every inch the driving experience you want from a car like this, rapid, tight, firm and sharp in every way.

It loves a B road blast and that’s where it’s most fun, of course.

That power is delivered through the super smooth auto box and, as much as I love a manual, no human could change gear as seamlessly as the excellent DSG gearbox.

It’s so smooth that you barely notice the shifts.

In Cupra mode it’s really quite angry, throaty, even sharper and thoroughly addictive.

You will never tire of that instant, brutal, satisfying power.

If you want even more, the sexy estate gets 300ps and reaches 62mph in just 4.9 seconds.

We got reasonable mpg on the cruise, in the mid 30s, which pretty much bang on matched the claimed on-paper figures.

While the outside features sharp design that gives only subtle, understated, nods to the performance that lies within, inside is very nice indeed, with lots of sporty alcantara complementing the under-the-radar low slung outside profile.

There are Cupra touches all around, such as on the front seats and the door sills.

And it’s still pretty practical, of course, with decent rear space and a good size boot – and even more if you go for the estate.

There’s a good amount of tech on board, including smartphone integration via the group’s excellent touch screen system, which has all of the usual bells and buttons.

For those who want a real driver’s car without shouting about it, this really does fits the bill.

Prices start at just under £30,000.