Focus ST3 or Leon Cupra 280/290
Discussion
S now my 335i is up for sale, I'm starting to actually have a look at replacements.
I had decided to look for a Focus ST but just wondering if I've overlooked anything.
A guy at work has the Leon Cupra which has always caught my eye so I'm looking at those too (Bigger inside, more comfortable and DSG)
I've previously discounted them due to VAG, but I'm trying to get over my badge snobbyness (I still won't buy VW or Audi though).
I love the look of the Focus but the Leon looks attractive as an overall package, especially because it comes with DSG (I'd rather auto over a manual now)
Which one would you go for?
I had decided to look for a Focus ST but just wondering if I've overlooked anything.
A guy at work has the Leon Cupra which has always caught my eye so I'm looking at those too (Bigger inside, more comfortable and DSG)
I've previously discounted them due to VAG, but I'm trying to get over my badge snobbyness (I still won't buy VW or Audi though).
I love the look of the Focus but the Leon looks attractive as an overall package, especially because it comes with DSG (I'd rather auto over a manual now)
Which one would you go for?
I have never driven either of these cars but I would personally go for the Cupra due to looks, my impressions of the two cars and of course DSG.
I'm not sure if it's of any interest to you but they are on a good lease deal recently, although the leads times are quite lengthy and it sounds like you want something soon.
I'm not sure if it's of any interest to you but they are on a good lease deal recently, although the leads times are quite lengthy and it sounds like you want something soon.
nunpuncher said:
I'm actually just about to return my Cupra 290 BE DSG lease after 24 trouble free months. I've not been especially enamoured by the car (it's just a bit appliance like) but I still think it does everything better than the Mk3 Focus ST. It was a bit of a low point for Ford.
That's good to know. What were the running costs like?From the reviews I've read that seems to be a common point. They are a great but a bit dull.
Dan, I'm running a Cupra 300 currently and as stated above it's good but not necessarily the most engaging.
Mine is manual and I'm getting around 27MPG with about 80% around town driving. The car is pretty ballistic once you get moving but can really struggle for traction when the temperature drops - it's not too bad in the wet however. It's fun when you're hammering it to an extent but doesn't have the Ford magic.
Prior to my Cupra I had a Fiesta ST and an FN2 Type R before that which were both more fun and exploitable on the road as well as being more driver focussed imo. I'm tempted to look at the Focus ST as a replacement next year, it's a car which seems to have been forgotten about as it's not leading the power arms race, or a mk8 Fiesta ST.
Mine is manual and I'm getting around 27MPG with about 80% around town driving. The car is pretty ballistic once you get moving but can really struggle for traction when the temperature drops - it's not too bad in the wet however. It's fun when you're hammering it to an extent but doesn't have the Ford magic.
Prior to my Cupra I had a Fiesta ST and an FN2 Type R before that which were both more fun and exploitable on the road as well as being more driver focussed imo. I'm tempted to look at the Focus ST as a replacement next year, it's a car which seems to have been forgotten about as it's not leading the power arms race, or a mk8 Fiesta ST.
No idea on tax as VWFS pay that. Insurance is relatively cheap for me at about £240 a year although my Golf R was cheaper at £170 due to having the collision avoidance thingy.
The first service was about £160, I think the more involved second service is about £250 and like I say, nothing has broken or fallen off so build quality seems really good. In terms of fuel I only do about 5k miles a year mostly around town so I'm averaging around 30mpg. If you boot it everywhere it'll drop like a stone and if you nurse it on the motorway you'll get high 30s. 19" wheels so tyres will cost (I think the car would be better with 18"), No idea what other parts such as brakes cost as I never needed them.
TBH it's really not a bad car and I think the competent but dull label can be levelled at just about everything produced these days.
The first service was about £160, I think the more involved second service is about £250 and like I say, nothing has broken or fallen off so build quality seems really good. In terms of fuel I only do about 5k miles a year mostly around town so I'm averaging around 30mpg. If you boot it everywhere it'll drop like a stone and if you nurse it on the motorway you'll get high 30s. 19" wheels so tyres will cost (I think the car would be better with 18"), No idea what other parts such as brakes cost as I never needed them.
TBH it's really not a bad car and I think the competent but dull label can be levelled at just about everything produced these days.
Darren93 said:
Dan, I'm running a Cupra 300 currently and as stated above it's good but not necessarily the most engaging.
Mine is manual and I'm getting around 27MPG with about 80% around town driving. The car is pretty ballistic once you get moving but can really struggle for traction when the temperature drops - it's not too bad in the wet however. It's fun when you're hammering it to an extent but doesn't have the Ford magic.
Prior to my Cupra I had a Fiesta ST and an FN2 Type R before that which were both more fun and exploitable on the road as well as being more driver focussed imo. I'm tempted to look at the Focus ST as a replacement next year, it's a car which seems to have been forgotten about as it's not leading the power arms race, or a mk8 Fiesta ST.
That's interesting as I'll be mostly doing town driving. Mid to high 20s is pretty much all I want.Mine is manual and I'm getting around 27MPG with about 80% around town driving. The car is pretty ballistic once you get moving but can really struggle for traction when the temperature drops - it's not too bad in the wet however. It's fun when you're hammering it to an extent but doesn't have the Ford magic.
Prior to my Cupra I had a Fiesta ST and an FN2 Type R before that which were both more fun and exploitable on the road as well as being more driver focussed imo. I'm tempted to look at the Focus ST as a replacement next year, it's a car which seems to have been forgotten about as it's not leading the power arms race, or a mk8 Fiesta ST.
I really like the focus, it looks amazing and I was happy with how it drove etc.
nunpuncher said:
No idea on tax as VWFS pay that. Insurance is relatively cheap for me at about £240 a year although my Golf R was cheaper at £170 due to having the collision avoidance thingy.
The first service was about £160, I think the more involved second service is about £250 and like I say, nothing has broken or fallen off so build quality seems really good. In terms of fuel I only do about 5k miles a year mostly around town so I'm averaging around 30mpg. If you boot it everywhere it'll drop like a stone and if you nurse it on the motorway you'll get high 30s. 19" wheels so tyres will cost (I think the car would be better with 18"), No idea what other parts such as brakes cost as I never needed them.
TBH it's really not a bad car and I think the competent but dull label can be levelled at just about everything produced these days.
I think for me it will be around £400. As long as it's not too much more than my 335i, I'll be happy.The first service was about £160, I think the more involved second service is about £250 and like I say, nothing has broken or fallen off so build quality seems really good. In terms of fuel I only do about 5k miles a year mostly around town so I'm averaging around 30mpg. If you boot it everywhere it'll drop like a stone and if you nurse it on the motorway you'll get high 30s. 19" wheels so tyres will cost (I think the car would be better with 18"), No idea what other parts such as brakes cost as I never needed them.
TBH it's really not a bad car and I think the competent but dull label can be levelled at just about everything produced these days.
Again fuel wise that sounds pretty good
duckson said:
Mrs has a Cupra 290 BE on lease atm, its a good car but the M135i (auto) I had at the same time was a better package, quicker, sounded much better and more engaging drive.
Depending on budget maybe a M140i would be a possibility.
135i, 140i is out of the question. Depending on budget maybe a M140i would be a possibility.
I'm looking at saving some money on fuel over my current 335i and the 135i will be just as bad, plus it's a bit samey. I fancy something that's different to what I currently drive.
Dannbodge said:
135i, 140i is out of the question.
I'm looking at saving some money on fuel over my current 335i and the 135i will be just as bad, plus it's a bit samey. I fancy something that's different to what I currently drive.
I'd imagine the M140i will probably be the best on fuel out of the 3 actually. Our old 340i saw mid 40's on the motorway, M3 see's high 30's. My mate has an M140i, he leathers it and still gets better fuel economy than my old LCR. I'm looking at saving some money on fuel over my current 335i and the 135i will be just as bad, plus it's a bit samey. I fancy something that's different to what I currently drive.
I previously had an M135i, and now have a Cupra 300. I can confirm that there is no difference whatsoever in terms of real world mpg. Infact, at a steady 70mph cruise, I’d say the BMW just edged it.
So if an M135i is no good for you because of fuel consumption, I’d rule out the Cupra too.
So if an M135i is no good for you because of fuel consumption, I’d rule out the Cupra too.
If fuel economy is a big factor in your purchase then I'd be tempted just to go for a 330d or a 335d (you can get the 330d RWD). You'd get brilliant fuel economy, and they'll be more than quick enough, especially the 335d, although taking the xDrive into account and the SE suspension, it'd be the 330d for me.
M135i/M140 will be low 20s round town, which is where most of my driving is done.
ST will be mid to high 20s and according to people above, the Leon will be similar (A colleague does the same trips as me in his Focus RS and averages 28mpg)
Not too worried about the long range economy as it doesn't happen too often.
Diesel is a definite no-go. I'll kill the DPF in no time (Town driving for 7.5 miles to work) plus I hate diesels, I like having an engine note.
Not really wanting a BMW again. If i'm changing car I want to feel like I've changed car. A 135i/140i 3er will drive exactly the same as my E90.
ST will be mid to high 20s and according to people above, the Leon will be similar (A colleague does the same trips as me in his Focus RS and averages 28mpg)
Not too worried about the long range economy as it doesn't happen too often.
Diesel is a definite no-go. I'll kill the DPF in no time (Town driving for 7.5 miles to work) plus I hate diesels, I like having an engine note.
Not really wanting a BMW again. If i'm changing car I want to feel like I've changed car. A 135i/140i 3er will drive exactly the same as my E90.
Dannbodge said:
M135i/M140 will be low 20s round town, which is where most of my driving is done.
ST will be mid to high 20s and according to people above, the Leon will be similar (A colleague does the same trips as me in his Focus RS and averages 28mpg)
Not too worried about the long range economy as it doesn't happen too often.
Diesel is a definite no-go. I'll kill the DPF in no time (Town driving for 7.5 miles to work) plus I hate diesels, I like having an engine note.
Not really wanting a BMW again. If i'm changing car I want to feel like I've changed car. A 135i/140i 3er will drive exactly the same as my E90.
The ‘around town’ economy of the M135i is exactly the same as the Cupra 300 (23-26mpg) - like I said, I’ve owned both for many thousands of miles ST will be mid to high 20s and according to people above, the Leon will be similar (A colleague does the same trips as me in his Focus RS and averages 28mpg)
Not too worried about the long range economy as it doesn't happen too often.
Diesel is a definite no-go. I'll kill the DPF in no time (Town driving for 7.5 miles to work) plus I hate diesels, I like having an engine note.
Not really wanting a BMW again. If i'm changing car I want to feel like I've changed car. A 135i/140i 3er will drive exactly the same as my E90.
No idea about the (less powerful) Focus ST.
Edited by The Voice on Wednesday 7th November 14:07
The 340i saw high 20's in town, I'd imagine it'd be the same for the 140. But I agree with you about the new car having to be absolutely new. What about the new Megane? Personally, I think the Leon is horrid inside, just a wave of black plastic, I actually prefer the Focus inside. If it was me, I'd have the Focus. You'd probably get a good deal on one too with the new Focus being out.
The Voice said:
The ‘around town’ economy of the M135i is exactly the same as the Cupra 300 (23-26mpg) - like I said, I’ve owned both for many thousands of miles
No idea about the (less powerful) Focus ST.
Luckily I'm looking at the 280/290 then No idea about the (less powerful) Focus ST.
Edited by The Voice on Wednesday 7th November 14:07
The ST should be high 20s (based on a colleagues RS @ 28mpg avg)
aaron_2000 said:
The 340i saw high 20's in town, I'd imagine it'd be the same for the 140. But I agree with you about the new car having to be absolutely new. What about the new Megane? Personally, I think the Leon is horrid inside, just a wave of black plastic, I actually prefer the Focus inside. If it was me, I'd have the Focus. You'd probably get a good deal on one too with the new Focus being out.
The older Megane isn't 5 door (Which is a requirement with a baby) and the new one is too expensive.I prefer the Focus inside too but the DSG is a big plus point for the Leon, plus the better spec without needing a ST3 focus (I don't really want full leather again). Both have their good and bad points.
Plus isn't it a bit weird having two focus's in one family (My wife has one).
The Voice said:
The ‘around town’ economy of the M135i is exactly the same as the Cupra 300 (23-26mpg) - like I said, I’ve owned both for many thousands of miles
No idea about the (less powerful) Focus ST.
I'll second this comment, although I achieved higher mpg in both. I had an M135i a few cars before I had the Cupra 290 and the fuel economy is exactly the same around town. It doesn't make sense if you look at the difference in displacement but the simple fact is you need near enough the same amount of fuel and air to make similar power.No idea about the (less powerful) Focus ST.
Edited by The Voice on Wednesday 7th November 14:07
Where I disagree with one of the other posters is on the BMW being more engaging. I found the steering and suspension utterly sh!te in mine. Despite my criticism of the Cupra it's a far better car on a twisty B road than the BMW.
If reducing fuel cost is your goal OP then it's probably worth looking for a mk7 GTi (preferably with PP). They seem to achieve very good MPG.
I'd go for the ST & it's a better steer, also if you can find one with the Mountune upgrade then you're at 275 with the warranty still intact.
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