The original "León 20VT" (which later became known as the "Cupra" and then the "FR") had a 1.8-litre Turbo with 132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "León Cupra R" 154 kW (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp). It became first available in only three body paints (red, yellow, black), picked as an homage to the colors of both Spain's and Germany's national flags referring back to the roots of the joint project the model originally was.[7]

In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4"; equipped with a 2.8-litre VR6 delivering 150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp) and equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD), based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motion