Leon Cupra R 225
Discussion
After starting a new job I wanted something a little faster than my first car, a 1.4 Corsa.
I do quite a few motorway journeys, so I wanted my next car to be refined (ish) on the motorway, as well as being capable around corners - a 'decent all-rounder. I know there are better alternatives than a petrol hatchback for motorway miles, but I wanted to experience owning a ;hot hatch', and I don't have the space for/want 2 cars. I looked at EP3 Type Rs, Audi S3s, Astra VXRs, and Focus ST-2s. In the end, I decided on a LCR 225. Not the last word in handling, and it's old tech compared to the VXR/ST-2, but it was almost half the price of these two.
I picked it up last week from someone in Shrewsbury. Loved the drive back at 11pm - empty NSL roads with plenty of bends meant I could 'get to know the car'
I do quite a few motorway journeys, so I wanted my next car to be refined (ish) on the motorway, as well as being capable around corners - a 'decent all-rounder. I know there are better alternatives than a petrol hatchback for motorway miles, but I wanted to experience owning a ;hot hatch', and I don't have the space for/want 2 cars. I looked at EP3 Type Rs, Audi S3s, Astra VXRs, and Focus ST-2s. In the end, I decided on a LCR 225. Not the last word in handling, and it's old tech compared to the VXR/ST-2, but it was almost half the price of these two.
I picked it up last week from someone in Shrewsbury. Loved the drive back at 11pm - empty NSL roads with plenty of bends meant I could 'get to know the car'
The only car i've owned for over 3 years was one of these purely because it did everything very well - except for speed humps! Do you have any plans for it? I would definitely recommend Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres to reduce the tendency for wheel spin and Ferodo DS2500 pads if your looking for a bit of extra bite at the front.
On a mobile so I won't reply to everyone individually.
I'm having the cambelt replaced this week as 4 years have passed since it was last fitted, as well as a new thermostat because the temp drops from it's usual position at high speeds. Seemed fine on the test drive. Can occasionally smell exhaust gases/egg smell in the cabin, so the cat/exhaust needs looking at. Going to replace the head unit/CD changer, and have the calipers painted as they're starting to turn pink. Might remap it in a few months, it's beginning to feel slow already
I was going to change the front tyres (Barum Bravaris 2s) as I've never heard of them and wrongly assumed they'd be crap, but they grip pretty well!
I'll keep the suggestions in mind when I come to change the tyres/brakes
I'm regretting buying another black car, such hard work to keep clean.
I'm having the cambelt replaced this week as 4 years have passed since it was last fitted, as well as a new thermostat because the temp drops from it's usual position at high speeds. Seemed fine on the test drive. Can occasionally smell exhaust gases/egg smell in the cabin, so the cat/exhaust needs looking at. Going to replace the head unit/CD changer, and have the calipers painted as they're starting to turn pink. Might remap it in a few months, it's beginning to feel slow already
I was going to change the front tyres (Barum Bravaris 2s) as I've never heard of them and wrongly assumed they'd be crap, but they grip pretty well!
I'll keep the suggestions in mind when I come to change the tyres/brakes
I'm regretting buying another black car, such hard work to keep clean.
Edited by MinuteMan on Monday 11th November 00:01
I've just had the thermostat replaced on my 225 TT which I assume is the same engine? Google 49C trick which hopefully will work on your climate too. Pressing a combination of buttons on your climate controls shows the water temp along with other info, and will help diagnose whether the issue is thermostat, sensor or gauge related.
When these came out i was in year 10 , my mates mom had one in black aswel .They just looked so brutish at the time , they still kind of do now but time hasnt aged them well at all.
Anyway i always wanted one up until 3 weeks ,when i found out just how far behind the MPS it was when one had a go at me .
Nice car though , remap it
Anyway i always wanted one up until 3 weeks ,when i found out just how far behind the MPS it was when one had a go at me .
Nice car though , remap it
Re. the brakes, you might find you just need to clean them, scrub them with a bit of wet n dry then re-lacquer them - there's a guide on seatcupra.net forums under the mk1 Leon section, search for "DIY Brembo Refurb".
As for discs and pads, I've got EBC plain discs and Ferodo DS2500 pads, they work well once warm but lack a little bite from cold, just bear that in mind. Get some decent fluid, Motul RBF600 or 660 if you're planning any track days or really give your brakes a hard time.
Tyres, I'm on my second set of Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's and can't fault them, I'll be putting those on my Jag next summer. They're awesome in wet and dry and performed very well on track.
As above, get it mapped
Regarding handling, I changed the front anti-roll bar for a mk4 Golf R32 one, it's a straight swap and the 23mm R32 one is a good bit stiffer than the stock LCR 19mm item. I also fitted a 24mm Whiteline rear anti-roll bar on the stiffest setting. Between that and the Weitec shocks and springs the handling becomes a lot better. I'd also recommend fitting an uprated lower engine mount (aka "dogbone" mount) or changing the bushes in your standard one for poly ones, this will reduce wheel hop and improve perceived throttle response as the engine will be held more firmly to the chassis.
As for keeping it clean, if it's metallic black then a good sealant like Auto Finesse Tough Coat helps keep it looking nice for longer after a wash. If it's a solid paint then Autoglym HD Wax is great when it's warm enough to use, in winter I use Werkstatt Carnauba Jett instead, it comes as a spray so is easier to use.
As for discs and pads, I've got EBC plain discs and Ferodo DS2500 pads, they work well once warm but lack a little bite from cold, just bear that in mind. Get some decent fluid, Motul RBF600 or 660 if you're planning any track days or really give your brakes a hard time.
Tyres, I'm on my second set of Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's and can't fault them, I'll be putting those on my Jag next summer. They're awesome in wet and dry and performed very well on track.
As above, get it mapped
Regarding handling, I changed the front anti-roll bar for a mk4 Golf R32 one, it's a straight swap and the 23mm R32 one is a good bit stiffer than the stock LCR 19mm item. I also fitted a 24mm Whiteline rear anti-roll bar on the stiffest setting. Between that and the Weitec shocks and springs the handling becomes a lot better. I'd also recommend fitting an uprated lower engine mount (aka "dogbone" mount) or changing the bushes in your standard one for poly ones, this will reduce wheel hop and improve perceived throttle response as the engine will be held more firmly to the chassis.As for keeping it clean, if it's metallic black then a good sealant like Auto Finesse Tough Coat helps keep it looking nice for longer after a wash. If it's a solid paint then Autoglym HD Wax is great when it's warm enough to use, in winter I use Werkstatt Carnauba Jett instead, it comes as a spray so is easier to use.
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