2018/19 Seat Leon Cupra 290/300
Discussion
I'm on my second. Here's my thoughts/ramblings:
my '66 290 black edition manual:
Great performance, interior not too bad; little bit of a step down from my OH's Tiguan. Tyres lasted about 9k with a lot of spirited driving in there. Was never that blown away with the exhaust sound, even though it would pop and crackle like a mad-man; they sounded quite tinny. All that car you'd need, would do a B road blast and also works as a family car. My clutch began to munch itself after 15k which I wasn't impressed with. Road noise was quite an issue too.
my '68 290 copper-badge DSG:
Far superior in every way to my previous car. The new cars come with a lot more sound deadening so feels a little more premium, the interior is a definite jump up; now on a par with my OH's Tiguan, if not better. DSG is fantastic. Seats are just as comfortable as the previous car which had buckets. Infotainment has gotten better/more responsive on start-up. Although my experience seems to go against the grain, my exhaust sound is far louder than the previous 290 (my car has the new GPF). It's a lot more grumbly and the pop/crackles are a much deeper thuddy noise.
All in all, I'd really recommend the car. My old car really struggled with traction on greasy roads; which you need to expect. However, my new one hasn't axle-tramped once since I've had it; they might have installed a tighter engine-mount from the factory on these new cars as that was the aftermarket fix for this issue. If you can, I'd go for the newer (face-lift) cars as these just feel like a step up refinement-wise.
my '66 290 black edition manual:
Great performance, interior not too bad; little bit of a step down from my OH's Tiguan. Tyres lasted about 9k with a lot of spirited driving in there. Was never that blown away with the exhaust sound, even though it would pop and crackle like a mad-man; they sounded quite tinny. All that car you'd need, would do a B road blast and also works as a family car. My clutch began to munch itself after 15k which I wasn't impressed with. Road noise was quite an issue too.
my '68 290 copper-badge DSG:
Far superior in every way to my previous car. The new cars come with a lot more sound deadening so feels a little more premium, the interior is a definite jump up; now on a par with my OH's Tiguan, if not better. DSG is fantastic. Seats are just as comfortable as the previous car which had buckets. Infotainment has gotten better/more responsive on start-up. Although my experience seems to go against the grain, my exhaust sound is far louder than the previous 290 (my car has the new GPF). It's a lot more grumbly and the pop/crackles are a much deeper thuddy noise.
All in all, I'd really recommend the car. My old car really struggled with traction on greasy roads; which you need to expect. However, my new one hasn't axle-tramped once since I've had it; they might have installed a tighter engine-mount from the factory on these new cars as that was the aftermarket fix for this issue. If you can, I'd go for the newer (face-lift) cars as these just feel like a step up refinement-wise.
chrisNW said:
Hi all
Just a general enquiry regarding the Seat mentioned above. Mainly after interior thoughts, exhaust sound, MPG, tyre longevity and performance. Watched loads of YouTube videos regarding these cars but just wanted to know from true owners/previous owners.
Thanks in advance
I have the latest "Copra" model in ST guise (so 300PS 4wd).Just a general enquiry regarding the Seat mentioned above. Mainly after interior thoughts, exhaust sound, MPG, tyre longevity and performance. Watched loads of YouTube videos regarding these cars but just wanted to know from true owners/previous owners.
Thanks in advance
Interior is quite nice. Feels solid and looks OK. Seats are lovely in alcantara.
Exhaust sound - There isn't any. It's ridiculously quiet. By far the quietest exhaust of any car I've ever owned. I would prefer a bit more but I'm not going to change it.
MPG is long term average of 30 for me. Have seen high 30s on motorway runs but I do mostly short journeys.
Tyre wear don't know yet, but I am expecting around 10k for a set of 4. I think this is roughly what I got from my previous TTS (very similar drivetrain) but it's hard to say as I swapped between winters and summers on that.
Performance. It's a very quick car. Great for a daily drive, effortless overtaking etc.
blank said:
I have the latest "Copra" model in ST guise (so 300PS 4wd).
Exhaust sound - There isn't any. It's ridiculously quiet. By far the quietest exhaust of any car I've ever owned. I would prefer a bit more but I'm not going to change it.
This is a good point.Exhaust sound - There isn't any. It's ridiculously quiet. By far the quietest exhaust of any car I've ever owned. I would prefer a bit more but I'm not going to change it.
If you want an exhaust note and are looking at an estate, I'd look elsewhere. The estate and hatch have different exhaust systems; the estate is far quieter.
Chris,
The interior has a decent layout, alcantara on the seats and doors is a nice touch, standard seats are comfortable but not the most supportive - I would recommend the buckets if possible.
MPG wise I average around 25-27 with around 60-70% around town which equates to around 260ish miles per fill.
Servicing is cheap although I wouldn't recommend entertaining long life if you want to really look after it.
Expect tyres to last around 8-10k, standard Pirelli's aren't the best and don't last too long. Michelins are meant to be the best but I find Dunlops or Goodyears to be a solid runner up.
Exhaust noise on the standard hatch is decent, plenty of pops and bangs on gearchange with the manual gearbox (don't think this is available anymore), the DSG would be more predictable on the noise front. I'm not a fan of loud exhausts on 4 pots but it sound good on a blast with the rear seats folded, there's a bit of a woosh sound at high revs. Absolutely no turbo noise really which is a shame.
If you have any more questions, ask away.
The interior has a decent layout, alcantara on the seats and doors is a nice touch, standard seats are comfortable but not the most supportive - I would recommend the buckets if possible.
MPG wise I average around 25-27 with around 60-70% around town which equates to around 260ish miles per fill.
Servicing is cheap although I wouldn't recommend entertaining long life if you want to really look after it.
Expect tyres to last around 8-10k, standard Pirelli's aren't the best and don't last too long. Michelins are meant to be the best but I find Dunlops or Goodyears to be a solid runner up.
Exhaust noise on the standard hatch is decent, plenty of pops and bangs on gearchange with the manual gearbox (don't think this is available anymore), the DSG would be more predictable on the noise front. I'm not a fan of loud exhausts on 4 pots but it sound good on a blast with the rear seats folded, there's a bit of a woosh sound at high revs. Absolutely no turbo noise really which is a shame.
If you have any more questions, ask away.
Thank you all, your replies are much appreciated!!
In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
chrisNW said:
Thank you all, your replies are much appreciated!!
In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
The servicing is fixed price, it's available on SEAT's website.In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
Not really. The golf will win the traffic light grand prix, the cupra will win on a rolling start. There's very very little difference now interior wise and the cupra comes with more as standard. The mk2 Leon's were horrendous inside. The mk3 pre-facelift wasn't too far off its VW equivalent but there was still a gap, on the post-facelift cars, it's pretty much on par. Plus, it's a little rarer if that's your thing.
Joey Deacon said:
One thing to bare in mind is that the Leon Mk3 /Golf MK 8 platform has been around since 2012 which means it is definitely due to be replaced with the MK8 Golf platform imminently.
Do you really want to be driving your less than 12 month old car and then see the new model?
Except the new golf/Leon/Octavia are still using the same MQB platform so it will just be tech and styling that are the fundamental differences (and mild hybrid stuff if that floats your boat)Do you really want to be driving your less than 12 month old car and then see the new model?
Joey Deacon said:
One thing to bare in mind is that the Leon Mk3 /Golf MK 8 platform has been around since 2012 which means it is definitely due to be replaced with the MK8 Golf platform imminently.
Do you really want to be driving your less than 12 month old car and then see the new model?
I get what you mean in regards to having the old model in comparison to the new.Do you really want to be driving your less than 12 month old car and then see the new model?
I expect that the new Leon interior will be similar to that of the Cupra Formentor concept and I'm not keen on the big bulky screen with a lot of black surround around the screen.
chrisNW said:
Thank you all, your replies are much appreciated!!
In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
I've just had a major service done (24 months) and it was £240 and only includes oil, filter and cabin filter. £36 in materials and the remainder is excessive labour charges.In regards to servicing, how much is a minor/major service? I'm sure it won't be a problem as I'll just pick up a service plan but I'm just curious.
Also, this point's quite important - do you ever get stick for driving a SEAT? I'm a bit of a brand snob, but not enough to not appreciate that SEAT do make some excellent cars! Like have any of your friends ever said 'why did you get a SEAT and not an Audi/BMW/VW etc? Or do you ever regret not buying a 'posher' car?
Haven't had any stick at all from anyone apart from my colleague who rides a ZZR1400 with a mere 1.4 engine
I've got a 2016 290 and I love it.
Previous car was a BMW 335i so completely different worlds but the Cupra has something the BMW never had (it's way more fun and probably faster)
Fuel wise I commute in mine through town 15mi per day and average anywhere between 24 and 32mpg depending on weather, traffic or my mood.
On a long run it does nearly 40mpg.
The adaptive driving modes are great, comfort is actually prettty comfortable and Cupra is very hard but definitely improves handling.
Build quality on the earlier ones isn't amazing, but it's certainly not too bad. I hear that they've improved it on the new ones.
I got laughed at when I said I wanted one to replace the BMW, but I'm happy so I don't care what others thought.
Previous car was a BMW 335i so completely different worlds but the Cupra has something the BMW never had (it's way more fun and probably faster)
Fuel wise I commute in mine through town 15mi per day and average anywhere between 24 and 32mpg depending on weather, traffic or my mood.
On a long run it does nearly 40mpg.
The adaptive driving modes are great, comfort is actually prettty comfortable and Cupra is very hard but definitely improves handling.
Build quality on the earlier ones isn't amazing, but it's certainly not too bad. I hear that they've improved it on the new ones.
I got laughed at when I said I wanted one to replace the BMW, but I'm happy so I don't care what others thought.
Darren93 said:
I wouldn't recommend entertaining long life if you want to really look after it.
Just on the basis that it's generally good practice to change oil annually, rather than anything specific with the Cupra engine? I'm about to pull the trigger on a 10k mile 1-yr old Cupra and the dealer says it doesn't need servicing for another year (personally I do mine every year on other cars).
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