Cupra became a standalone brand in 2018, but the name has been around for hot hatch variants of the Seat Ibiza and Leon models since the early ’00s. One of those is the Seat Leon Cupra K1, which was produced in a limited number of 450 units for the UK market between 2008 and 2009. More than a decade later, Cupra remembers the K1, offering its owners an exclusive Authenticity Pack, including a certificate of authenticity and a numbered plaque.
Confirming the authenticity of a vehicle is not something new, although cases are usually limited to exotic hypercars or sought-after classics. This is not the case with the Seat Leon Cupra K1, which is just another special edition of a widely available hot hatch. Still, Cupra wants to make sure the public is protected from any modified second-gen Leons that might identify as K1s in order to increase their value in the used car market.
Also Read: Cupra To Share Fewer Models With Seat In The Future
As explained by Simon Bradley, Direct Sales Programme Manager at Cupra UK, the Seat Leon Cupra K1 was “never officially a limited edition vehicle” despite the fact that only 450 examples were sold. Now the company corrects this by identifying the vehicles and marking them with a numbered plaque according to the sequence in which they were sold.
The Leon Cupra K1 was unveiled in 2008 as a UK special hot hatch based on the second-gen Seat Leon. It was visually distinguished from the regular Seat Leon Cupra thanks to the redesigned bodykit, including bespoke front and rear bumpers, more prominent side sills, a larger rear spoiler, a central-mounted oval exhaust, and a K1 badge on the boot. Unlike other special editions, the K1 which was £1,000 more expensive than the standard Cupra didn’t feature any mechanical upgrades, using the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine with 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS).
The company made an open call to Cupra K1 owners and fans at the PistonHeads Sunday Service event on October 23, held at CUPRA UK’s headquarters in Blakelands, Milton Keynes. There, owners can receive their Authenticity Pack in person and display their K1 alongside other models from Cupra’s heritage fleet.
It is not clear how many of the 450 units of the hot hatch are still on the road, but the event has limited space for 350 vehicles which means that some K1s might be left out. For those who won’t make it to the event, Cupra will send Authenticity Packs via mail after verifying the VIN numbers.
