SEAT Leon Cupra: Review
Is the third generation Leon Cupra the car to restore SEAT's auto emocion?
Three-door Cupra offered for the first time
Because of some rather wild palette options on the colour charts, it's easy to forget that previous Cupras haven't been that outlandish to look at. With no yellow or green or orange yet available, the Cupra is simply a nicely proportioned, modern and attractive hatch. A Cupra 265, bereft of the 19s, black mirrors and spoiler of the 280, actually looks fairly innocuous. Whether subtlety should be SEAT's job when Skoda apparently fills that niche in the VW Group is another matter entirely.
Lack of emocion?
The inside is broadly similar; remove the different dials, the great new wheel and a couple of badges and it's a standard Leon cabin. Not bad, quite pleasant in fact, but not exactly inspiring.
Function over form continues inside
Out on the roads around Barcelona though and it's the engine that dominates first impressions. The torque figure may be identical to the 220hp Golf at 258lb ft, but that extra 60hp is particularly noticeable at higher revs. It pulls with real enthusiasm and a desire for revs right round to the limiter. But because the delivery is so linear, the Cupra lacks a crescendo to its performance. It's pulling with the same ferocity, potent though it certainly is, at 4,000rpm and 6,000rpm. There's no doubting the Leon's power or effectiveness, but there's no great emotional involvement. Regardless of the Driver Profile selected the noise remains fairly bland also.
No surprises
Switching Driver Profile also adjusts the DCC dampers through their three modes of firmness. Unsurprisingly (there it is again), impressions were similar to those of Chris's in a DCC-equipped GTI; there were incremental, discernable gains in body control without a ridiculous increase in harshness through each setting. Even Cupra mode isn't entirely unrealistic on the road, although Sport is probably the best compromise.
Cupra's quick on track but not great fun
That's until the diff starts to do its thing. It elicits a few tugs and a much better sense of connection with the front axle as the torque is redistributed and the Cupra launches itself away from another bend.
But much like the Golf (again), the diff's behaviour can be quite unnerving on both road and track. Hydraulically actuated but electronically controlled, it's that fraction of a second that the electronics take to react that can undermine confidence as the understeer continues but instinct says to keep your foot in. It's that split second where the RCZ R and Megane 265 feel so devastating as the diff hooks up and eliminates understeer. In the Cupra the push comes first and then the diff responds; it's effective eventually but a little unsettling, and makes establishing a rhythm difficult.
19s, black mirrors and spoiler mark out 280
In it to win it
There can be no complaints about either gearbox choice though. The DSG is faultless, as we've come to expect. But unless circumstances force an auto, the manual is definitely the best transmission. It's not the shortest shift, but it's light, accurate and quick. Much like the Golf in fact. The pedals are well positioned too, making heel and toe downchanges brilliant fun with that revvy engine.
And on spec issues, the 265 is probably the one to have. On the Castelloli track in a field of 280s, the 265 easily held its own, unsurprising given the insignificant deficit. And there's fun to be had, albeit in a rather formal manner; you admire the speed and the grip without every feeling involved with, or truly taken by, the experience.
Fast and great value; this Cupra is like any other
SEAT LEON CUPRA SC 280
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual (6-speed DSG optional), front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 280@ 5,700-6,200rpm (265@5,350-6,600rpm)
Torque (lb ft): 258@1,750-5,600rpm (258@1,750-5,300rpm)
0-62mph: 5.8 (5.9)
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,395kg
MPG: 44.1 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 149g/km
Price: £26,940 (£25,690)
(Figures for the 265, where different, in brackets. DSG only available on the 280 - 0-62mph reduced by a tenth and MPG to 42.2 as well as adding 20kg, 6g/km and £1,285).
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I loved my Mk2 Leon, really struggling to like this one and I really wanted to. I think out of the model range of the new Leon the Estate excites me the most. Bring on the ST Cupra.
From drive the deal, you can have a 3dr 280 manual for £23280. A brand new, waranted, 280bhp car, with active dampers and fancy diff, loads and loads of kit, for 23k. Its a bargain.
To Add: I don't have one on order, nor do I intend to - I just want to add some balance here!
Can't wait till these drop a few grand in the next few years, definitely my replacement for the 130
As you can see (Leon is the one on the left if you need help)
And that doesn't just go for the Leon. Even Renaults and Peugeots look dull these days, with so little attitude, and Ford have lost the plot on styling, if not talent. Currently, the Astra is actually the only hot hatch that remotely fills the brief, but I'd, personally, wait for the Civic Type R. While every other hot hatch has become apologetic about it's performance, that car looks to carrying a sledgehammer and megaphone.
As you can see (Leon is the one on the left if you need help)
And yes, I did need help for a minute!
From drive the deal, you can have a 3dr 280 manual for £23280. A brand new, waranted, 280bhp car, with active dampers and fancy diff, loads and loads of kit, for 23k. Its a bargain.
To Add: I don't have one on order, nor do I intend to - I just want to add some balance here!
I really like the styling of the Mk3 Leon. As a good looking but discrete 5-door everyday hot hatch I'm struggling to think of anything better. The Audi, despite being similar in shape, is very ugly IMO; the Mk7 no better to look at than the Mk6.
Shame it's no Megane 265 to drive.
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