Seat Leon Cupra R or Skoda Octavia VRS (Petrol) Budget 6-7k

[techguyone]

Both these cars are fairly smiled upon it seems by PH, I know both come from the same mother manufacturer but which to consider?

My requirements for this decision included:

less than 10k/year mileage
5 door
petrol
reasonable running costs
practical space incl boot space

Perhaps some of you could offer up your opinions and the rationale behind them.

[kambites]

The Octavia has a much bigger boot. Otherwise, there's little difference in the basic car. Not sure how the engines differ.

[xreyuk]

Leon is better looking.

[kambites]

xreyuk said:

Leon is better looking.

Hmm, to my mind the Skoda looks like a dull family car and the Seat looks like an MPV. The previous version of the Leon was quite a nice looking car.

[Olivera]

I assume you are comparing Mk1 Leon Cupra R to Mk2 Octavia vRS?

Octavia vRS is obviously more practical, probably a little better inside, is more discrete, and will handle slightly better than the Mk4 Golf based Leon. The Cupra R has better front brakes (4-pot Brembo), a larger turbo (slightly more power standard, even more so if remapped) and (subjectively) looks better.

[kambites]

Wouldn't 2006 be the mk2 Leon?

[techguyone]

I'm still a little bit surprised I'm even having this topic as I'm old enough to remember when Skoda really were dire, funny how things change.

[cuprabob]

OP must be talking about Mk1 LCR as MK2 LCR has only been about for a couple of years and no where near £7k

[anonymous-user]

Just sold my lcr mk1 and I have to say it was probably the best all round car I've owned.
Decent economy (26-35 mph)
Big boot (fit 2 large suitcases in and various other bags)
Good build quality (plastics slightly cheaper than VW)
Handling great compared to mk4 golf on which its based.
Very quick when remapped.
Only downside is uninspiring engine note.

[cuprabob]

kambites said:

Wouldn't 2006 be the mk2 Leon?

Where does it say 2006 and the very last Mk1s were 55 plate

[kambites]

cuprabob said:

kambites said:

Wouldn't 2006 be the mk2 Leon?

Where does it say 2006 and the very last Mk1s were 55 plate

Oh, oops. I obviously imaged that bit.

[Adrian E]

The LCR is more powerful from the factory due to 2 intercoolers, bigger turbo and Brembo brakes. Had the 225 version and plenty quick enough. A nice late 225 is well in budget, or an early bread van fr which is nowhere near as practical for boot access and dash quality.

Skoda Octavia-wise you'll get the later 2.0T which can suffer from fsi related loss of power. You could do diesel but watch out as they're either pd (old/rattle/pretty effective) or cr (newer/quieter) so check which you're looking at

ETA - some of this already said as had to go do something else lol

Also worth noting the diesel vRS will map nicely and give fab economy to boot. More options spec-wise too, but watch out and avoid poverty spec cars without climate/leccie rear windows etc

Edited by Adrian E on Monday 6th August 20:38

[techguyone]

I'm sadly not going to do the long distance or qty of miles to justify a diesel

[Dangermouse58]

The golf r32 or v6 4motion are both in budget and with a few suspension/arb mods are very capable hot hatches. V6 soundtrack is much nicer than a 4 pot.

[rob.e]

Essentially the same car, but Cupra R has the k04 turbo I think where the skoda will be a smaller k03? Bigger gains to be had when re-mapping the R in that case but the skoda rides better and has LOTS more space in the boot.

Mine's a mk2 vrs but the "facelift" version which gets the later Tsi/ EA888 (mk 6 golf gti engine). Fantastic car - a few minor tweaks and its very effective! Leon would be too small for me - need the boot space for family duties..

[techguyone]

Don't fancy the V6 had those in the past, they're usually thirsty & really heavy

[SBN]

LCR more power as it has 225bhp vs the 200bhp in the VRS.

Apart from the Octavia having a bigger boot and a better interior than the one found in the LCR. The leon wins every day with brembo brakes, more power, better exterior looks and has a pretty good stereo if i remember right.

I went from a LCR to a mk5 golf gti and the power delivery in the leon was soooo much better. I wish i never got rid of my LCR the only downside to them is that low front bumper catching on everything and the rather dated interior.

Either way you will get a good one for that budget

[slimtater]

I would also say the LCR 225 just shades the Mk1 vRS on handling as well - just a bit sharper on the twistier bits.

[Kidders]

LCR has top and bottom braces, better brakes, quicker rack etc so will handle better than a Mk1 VRS, easy to upgrade though. K03s spools up very quickly and is great when mapped, not much difference really, all depends on looks, i love the outside of the Leon but the inside is too drab for me.