SEAT's alternative to the
has proved a popular choice with UK hot hatch buyers. And in the process has played a major part in elevating the brand's image. Backed up by a contemporary motorsport pedigree the Leon - in potent Cupra form - provided the VW Golf GTI with perhaps its stiffest opposition, and with lower pricing has sold in large numbers.
As a result there are plenty of well-maintained examples out there, from the very first Mk1 model, originally badged the 20VT, right through to the latest Mk3 Cupra 280. In all, SEAT has sold 14,898 Leon Cupras in the UK.
And with SEAT's latest Leon Cupra 290 announced we couldn't resist looking back at all three generations to discover which you should consider buying, which Cupras have the potential to become future classics and which versions make the best base for future tuning.
[Many thanks to Revotechnik, Midland VW, SEATCupra.net and Glass's Guide for their help with this feature]