2002 Seat Leon Cupra 20V T

Summary:

Despite my best efforts to find fault, it's actually a damn fine set of wheels

Faults:

Scratch on front bumper when the dealer manoeuvred out of the showroom - efficiently fixed by dealer.

Glove-box catch dropped off - seems to be glued in place.

General Comments:

I thought I'd be desperately disappointed with a family hatch after my TVR (you can't get 4 people and bits of furniture to the South of France in a two-seat roadster) but the Cupra has proved surprising in many respects.

It's as fast, comfortable, capacious, reliable and 'fit for purpose' as any car needs to be.

Low geared steering and too much compliance in the suspension makes it feel a bit soft and indirect in handling on minor roads, but makes motorway driving a lot easier than the 'white knuckle' experience of the TVR - I was amazed at how easy it was to make Paris-Calais in just over an hour and a half. 18 inch wheels with lower profile tyres and a tighter steering rack - as in the new 'R' - would probably sharpen it up nicely.

I'm not sure the six speed box is a great advantage - the ratios seems too closely stacked. A longer final drive would make sense, but then it wouldn't post such impressive 0-60 times.

Rear three quarter view - bad when reversing or parking - and visibility of minor instruments with the wheel in a comfortable position are other gripes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2002

2002 Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8 turbo petrol

Summary:

Seat Sport produce a stunner

Faults:

Car had a fault when bought. Couldn't turn the traction control off. Being sorted by the dealer.

General Comments:

Cupra R is a major step up from the original Cupra, which I like. It has the performance needed and the tweaks to the chassis make it a very enjoyable car, both on the motorway and round the lanes!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2002

2002 Seat Leon SE 1.8 20V

Summary:

Volkswagen Build quality for Ford Prices

Faults:

Up till now I have been very impressed with the quality of this car, however as with most new cars there always a few niggles, in my case one loose bit of trim on one side of the dashboard. A brief visit to dealer and it was promptly sorted out.

General Comments:

Car looks and handles superbly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th November, 2002

16th Nov 2002, 06:21

The Leon looked OK in the first year, but now after two years it already looks dated, especially the rear.

20th Nov 2002, 13:18

Saying that bear in mind its competitors, such as the Golf and Focus do not exactly look that inspiring either.

The Golf, A3 and Leon are all due for a major face lift in 2004.

24th Nov 2002, 11:04

True, except the market is flooded with Golf's at the moment which will probably mean the majority those owners will loose out financially with the arrival of the replacement Golf.

25th Nov 2002, 05:43

True, but what do you think what will happen with the price of a used Leon when the price of a used Golf drops?

Or do you think that people will pay more for a used Leon than for a used Golf? I don't think so!

So if used Golf prices drop because of the arrival of the Golf IV, your Leon will also drop because of this.

25th Nov 2002, 14:44

The only reasons for paying more for a Golf than a Leon would be because you are paying for the name. Personally I'd rather have a better spec car than a car with a 'VW' badge on it.

As long as the Golf remains over priced the Leon will always be the attractive alternative.

Admittedly though the Golf's do have the advantages of being fitted with the new PD Diesel engines which the Leon's currently do not, which is abit disappointing.

26th Nov 2002, 08:57

Actually, the UK is one of the few countries where you cannot get the Leon with the VW PD engines. On the continent, the Leon is available with both the 130bhp and 150bhp (badged Leon 4) TDi PD engines.

As far as looks go, it's all down to personal taste. In my opinion the Leon isn't the most cutting edge design around, but few cars are at present. It does however represent excellent value for money, unlike its overpriced and overrated brother, the Golf.

2nd Dec 2002, 09:54

The Leon still has a fat ass!