2002 Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8 20 Valve turbo

Summary:

0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds - say no more

Faults:

Minor paint damage on delivery - corrected by the dealer.

Minor scuffs on the alloys on delivery - being replaced by the dealer.

General Comments:

Gobbles up other cars on the road. The Cupra R's performance and handling are awesome.

Amazing road presence. Prepare to get snotty looks from jealous Golf and Audi drivers. This car is a monster.

Standard seats are excellent. Don't waste your money on the Recaro option.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2002

9th Oct 2002, 11:12

What modifications have you done to it?? Because the standard Cupra R takes 7.1 to get to 60.

2nd Nov 2002, 08:25

Although the official figures are 0-60 in 7.1, a Cupra R was recently tested by "Top Gear" magazine in the UK and they recorded a time of 6.9, the same as a Civic Type R, so 6.5 isn't an outrageous claim. I want one!

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2002 Seat Leon 20VT Cupra 1.8 turbo

Summary:

Swift, Solid, Superb

Faults:

A small piece of trim fell off. Easily fixed.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic car. The performance is amazing, it just keeps going. Not sure it needs 6 speeds though, 3/4/5 are very similar. The traction control is a little harsh.

Reliability has been excellent. I'm surprised to hear about the quality problems some others have reported, I have no such problems so far.

There are some things that annoy slightly, such as the permanently lit instrument panel (makes me think the lights are on) and the climate control (bit fiddly). The car does tend to mist up for no apparent reason too, but this can be quickly cleared by using a button on the console.

My major concern is the height of the brake pedal relative to the throttle. It is just too much of an effort to transfer from one to the other. This can make long journeys tiring, but it doesn't spoil the car too much.

Overall it gives the impression of a very solid car. Underneath it is 99% Audi. Close your eyes and you're in an A3 T Sport, but faster.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th October, 2002

12th Oct 2002, 09:05

"The car does tend to mist up for no apparent reason too"

This is the first indicator that your doors are leaking, check your carpet!

5th Nov 2002, 17:11

No sign of water ingress around the doors (or anywhere else for that matter). I just think it's a car which mists up for no good reason. A mate who had a Toledo with climate control said the same thing. I will keep an eye out, however, any sign of moisture and it's straight back to the dealer...

2nd Mar 2003, 16:54

Update - had the coil problem occur a few miles ago, but fixed promptly by the dealer. Otherwise no problems. No water, no squeaks, no hesitation, no cold starting problems, in fact just a reliable quick car.

5th Dec 2004, 14:22

Watch out for the instrument panel on the drivers door panel collapsing for no apparent reason!!!

2002 Seat Leon TDI S 19 turbo diesel

Summary:

A poor quality product made worse by an inept Dealership

Faults:

Difficulty in engaging reverse gear upon delivery. Corrected by Dealer after 2 weeks.

Rear passenger door poorly painted. Dealer attempted to re-spray and failed so badly that the front passenger door, rear passenger door and rear wing had different colours, overspray and orange peel effect. Rear Door rubber seal torn off in process.

General Comments:

A potentially good car has been spoilt by a poor factory bodywork finish.

The Seat Dealer did not carry out a full pre-delivery inspection.

The dealer made matters far worse when attempting to correct the problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th August, 2002

9th Sep 2002, 04:53

When you wash your car next time, feel the bodywork with your hands, you will probably find sand in the paint job around the wheel arches, lower front doors and on the rear.

This is also a known problem with the Leon and if you are persistent, you can get a respray under warranty, but they won't easily admit it.

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