The first Leon to wear the Cupra (Cup Racing) and FR (Formula Racing) badges was available from late 1999 as a hatchback. Originally SEAT’s top-spec model was badged 20VT and packed a 1,781cc 180hp four-cylinder turbo motor from the Mk4 Golf. But the badging was soon changed to Cupra, with a 210hp Cupra R model subsequently following in 2002.
With traction control, 16-inch multi-spoke alloys, a CD auto-changer and twin chromed exhausts, the plush Cupra also came with a six-speed manual gearbox, rain sensing wipers, electric seats and plenty of Cupra badging – yet claimed a lowly £17,815 price tag.
The Cupra R followed, initially boasting 210hp, but gaining the engine from the Audi S3 in a 2003 facelift and power rose again to 225hp, with a meaty 207lb ft of torque available from just 2,200rpm. This enabled the Leon to hit 62mph in just 6.7 seconds on the way to a 150mph top speed. Factory production of the Mk1 SEAT Leon ended in May 2006, by which time UK sales for the 20VT, Cupra and Cupra R models totalled an impressive 11,637 units.
Along with punchy in-gear performance all three versions of the Mk1 showed impressive body control, with steering that was a tad quicker than the contemporary Golf GTI - making for a more enjoyable drive. At low speeds however the ride could be harsh, but this became less of a problem at higher speeds. With most of the torque available at low revs, spirited driving led the traction control system to work overtime, but the Cupra also possessed an accomplished quality feel at speed. And if you can find a cherished example it's well worth the outlay. “The Mk1 Cupra was a great buy - 180hp and a six-speed ‘box made it an attractive option over the Mk4 Golf GTI 1.8T," says Jody Lees at Midland VW "And it still is. A decent chassis paired with good performance make it great value for money.”
Jody reckons the Mk1 Cupra R will be a future classic, and Paul Farenden, International Sales Manager at tuning experts Revotechnik agrees. “The 20VT engine is now very long in the tooth – and riddled with small issues – with good ones hard to find," he admits. "But the Mk1 Cupra R is a great car to buy, fitted with the S3 engine the stock set up is excellent - and it’s easy to tune.” It’s cheap too – with decent examples changing hands for as little as £2,000.
Steve Jackson, Chief Car Editor at Glass’s backs this up. “That first generation Leon has attracted a new audience who are spending money on the bodywork, wheels and exhaust systems to drive something a little different," he says. "When these come to market in good condition - with service history - they sell quickly.”
Buy if: You fancy a future classic (2003-on Leon Cupra R only)
Don’t buy if: You value the very latest in tech, or maximum performance
We found:2005 Leon Cupra R, 46,000 miles, one owner, recent cambelt change, £5,795
Price Guide
Poor: Under £1,400
Good: £1,400 to £3,300
A1: £3,300+
Special editions: Mint, low-mileage Leon Cupra R £4,500+