2004 Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8 turbo - petrol

Summary:

For those considering a performance car, pay serious attention to this machine

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

Having previously owned a chipped 1.8t Leon, i was amazed to discover just how ferociously fast the Cupra R is.

Even in standard 225Bhp form it is awesome, the Bhp figure just does not tell the whole story. Its the huge torque available in every gear at any revs which makes you grin like a loony.

Overtake six cars and a lorry? no problem. Leave that pesky Saxo/Nova/Astra/Impreza for dead? no problem.

The ride is firm but not as crashy as earlier models, even allowing for the low profile 18 inch tyres.

The brakes are real eye candy, being bright red four-piston Brembo items.

The feel and power of these brakes has to be experienced.

Whilst the build quality might be less than perfect compared to a BMW or an Audi, its still a thousand times better than anything French or Italian. Think VW with a few cost saving bits here and there and you are close.

Under the bonnet though you see where your money has gone. Carbon fibre detailing, huge turbo pipes and an Audi S3 engine with two intercoolers awaits your inspection.

Add to all this the fact that you can take a boot load of equipment and 5 adults to Scotland with ease and at 40Mpg on the motorway, as well as turning the head of every group of youths you pass and you have the car which does it all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2004

19th Sep 2004, 07:36

I know that they are fast and yes I want one, they won't leave an impreza.

5th Oct 2004, 07:38

Certainly no Imprezza beater, and I've never seen anyone stare at a SEAT in Envy sorry.

Still good quick cars for ££££, mind you so are RS Skodas!

10th Oct 2004, 13:46

... and I'm sorry, it just hasn't got the looks or style of, say, an Alfa 147 (Italian) (but granted,it is much quicker)