Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 – anyone driven one?
Discussion
They seem to get good reviews in a lot of the magazines, but I do wonder how neutral these publications sometimes are. I don't know anyone that has driven one, and I've never seen one, but it's a genuine possibility for a next car for me I think, so just wondered if anyone had driven one and what it was like?
Never driven one, I'd dearly love to have a go though. The stats make it sound like the dark horse of the MQB lineup. Everyone faps over the Golf R's 0-60 time but then you have the lighter Cupra with almost as much power, the diff from the Golf GTI Performance Pack, and the optional big brake kit. I bet it would be a right hoot down a B road.
Saw one today at Listers Bham (albeit the coupe not the estate) and I liked the look of it. Had a nosey through the window as well. Wheels were a bit bling but not sure if they are standard or an option. Be a shame if they were standard.
So had a quick look on drivethedeal as you do, and it's 18% off list, with what (from a brief look) seems a reasonable spec as standard (nav, cruise, etc). Out of touch with brokers sites these days, so others may offer more I guess.
Food for thought for my next car.
So had a quick look on drivethedeal as you do, and it's 18% off list, with what (from a brief look) seems a reasonable spec as standard (nav, cruise, etc). Out of touch with brokers sites these days, so others may offer more I guess.
Food for thought for my next car.
I haven't driven the Cupra, but I did take a test drive of the FR (straight after a drive in the Golf GTI) - not strictly a like-for-like comparison but my observations on the Leon are:
Amazing standard spec, really good value for money, gorgeous looks (exterior), spartan interior (but vast improvement in terms of quality over the previous model). The door trim and in particular, the handles felt very flimsy but otherwise it was solid enough. As for driving, to me it felt a bit ordinary, almost utilitarian, after the Golf. The gear-change was slick, the clutch was nice and light, the steering was sharp (but lacked much in the way of feedback). It just did everything well without really exciting. I am pretty sure the Cupra adds a bit of excitement to the mix, though. I used to have an Ibiza Cupra and the handling and grip on that thing were amazing. If you can get over the badge/image these are cracking cars for the money.
Amazing standard spec, really good value for money, gorgeous looks (exterior), spartan interior (but vast improvement in terms of quality over the previous model). The door trim and in particular, the handles felt very flimsy but otherwise it was solid enough. As for driving, to me it felt a bit ordinary, almost utilitarian, after the Golf. The gear-change was slick, the clutch was nice and light, the steering was sharp (but lacked much in the way of feedback). It just did everything well without really exciting. I am pretty sure the Cupra adds a bit of excitement to the mix, though. I used to have an Ibiza Cupra and the handling and grip on that thing were amazing. If you can get over the badge/image these are cracking cars for the money.
Mutley75 said:
I haven't driven the Cupra, but I did take a test drive of the FR (straight after a drive in the Golf GTI) - not strictly a like-for-like comparison but my observations on the Leon are:
Amazing standard spec, really good value for money, gorgeous looks (exterior), spartan interior (but vast improvement in terms of quality over the previous model). The door trim and in particular, the handles felt very flimsy but otherwise it was solid enough. As for driving, to me it felt a bit ordinary, almost utilitarian, after the Golf. The gear-change was slick, the clutch was nice and light, the steering was sharp (but lacked much in the way of feedback). It just did everything well without really exciting. I am pretty sure the Cupra adds a bit of excitement to the mix, though. I used to have an Ibiza Cupra and the handling and grip on that thing were amazing. If you can get over the badge/image these are cracking cars for the money.
You cannot compare an FR to a Cupra 280 - it's like comparing a Golf Match to a Golf R. They are poles apart. Amazing standard spec, really good value for money, gorgeous looks (exterior), spartan interior (but vast improvement in terms of quality over the previous model). The door trim and in particular, the handles felt very flimsy but otherwise it was solid enough. As for driving, to me it felt a bit ordinary, almost utilitarian, after the Golf. The gear-change was slick, the clutch was nice and light, the steering was sharp (but lacked much in the way of feedback). It just did everything well without really exciting. I am pretty sure the Cupra adds a bit of excitement to the mix, though. I used to have an Ibiza Cupra and the handling and grip on that thing were amazing. If you can get over the badge/image these are cracking cars for the money.
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