THREE years ago, the world seemed to be witnessing the strange death of the hot hatchback. The genre had been battered by a combination of joyriders, insurance brokers and fashion. Those that could still afford to drive a GTi were put off by its image — no one wanted to drive a car that looked like the shellsuit’s last stand.

In the past year, though, the sector has enjoyed a resurrection. The latest security devices have made them harder to pinch and this has led to falling insurance premiums, while the concept of fast, versatile all-rounder is back in favour. Scarcely a week goes by without the launch of a new model and the latest is the Seat Leon Cupra R, which boasts a mighty 210bhp but costs just £16,995.

Seat spotters will note that an 180bhp Leon Cupra has been available for a couple of years, but the “R” has much more, having been extensively re-engineered with input from Seat Sport, the division responsible for Seat’s rally efforts in the late 1990s.

The understated lines of the standard Cupra have been butchered by a body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers, deep side skirts and extended wheel arches. These additions are complemented by a lowered ride height and a quartet of 18in alloy wheels. It is a bold, homogeneous package that is deliberately overstated and, to emphasise the point, the Cupra R will be available only in red, yellow or black.

The theme continues inside, where a preponderance of black plastic is offset by white-faced instruments and red piping on the steering wheel, seats and gearstick. The standard sports seats can be swapped (at a cost of £1,950) for some body-hugging Recaros. They look terrific but the heavily sculptured rear bench deprives occupants of leg room.

Despite the 1980s ambience, the equipment list is in keeping with contemporary trends. Climate control, electric windows and a CD autochanger are all standard, and are accompanied by twin front and side airbags.

The mechanical specification is no less impressive. A slick-shifting six-speed gearbox helps its cause and, with 199lb/ft of torque available from 2,100-5,000rpm, the Leon is usefully flexible. Of the competition, only the Honda Civic Type R and the Vauxhall Astra Turbo SRi can keep pace.

The Leon lacks the sharp responses and driver feedback that mark out the Mini Cooper S, but it is still an entertaining drive. There is plenty of grip, the ride is firm but never harsh and when the limits of adhesion are reached, the Seat responds in a predictable, controllable manner.

It is hard not to be seduced by this car, which goes on sale in August. Although the insurance and running costs are likely to be high, the £16,995 list price represents outstanding value for money. The aesthetics are far from subtle and the handling lacks finesse, but the Cupra R fulfils the two prerequisites of hot-hatch ownership — it feels special and it is fun to drive. What price a shellsuit revival?