Faults:

No major problems with the car, rear window demister did not work and the car was delivered with a couple of scratches. All sorted out with out any fuss, Major headache was the price drop 2 weeks after I bought it.

General Comments:

The main I enjoy about this car is the amount of torque it delivers at such low R.P.M, the turbo cuts in at 1800 R.P.M and this almost eliminates all turbo lag and combined with the traction control it makes for a get away from the lights that will leave most cars at the line.

Still this cars is about the all round package, not only is it fast you can push it hard through almost any corner and you will come out the other side with a grin on your face, especially when you look in the mirror and that V.W Golf that was right on your bumper is now nowhere to be seen.

If you get a chance take a Ibiza Cupra for a drive I found it to be even more fun, but not that practical.

I cannot wait for the four motion version to come out, I think I will be on the list to buy one.

I am also very interested in getting a body kit fitted on my car, does anybody know a UK source for these parts?

Faults:

When received from the dealer the car was:

1. Very dirty.

2. Leather seat damaged.

3. One rear head rest fabric on a full leather car.

4. Plastic cover missing.

5. Plastic trim very badly marked.

General Comments:

The dealership did replace everything on my car when returned for one day.

The car is fantastic.

Seriously fast.

Everybody looks at it.

Faults:

Tailgate lock modified under warranty.

General Comments:

Previous cars have been sporty Mercs, but Blair's tax planning has forced me to down-size.

Due to our happiness with my wife's Seat Ibiza 8v Cupra Sport, decided to investigate a Leon 20vt for myself.

More toys and comfort than the Merc, just as quick, very family friendly for my 3 kids in the back.

Torquey turbo performance makes it better to drive than the Honda Accord type R I test drove as well.

I haven't missed my Mercs at all despite having driven them for the last 12 years.

Only downsides - poor rear 3/4 visibility and suspension set up too soft to cope properly with the weight transfer when switching from accelerating to braking.

Chassis is grippy though and capabilities are high.

Not as much car park kudos as my previous Mercs, but then again people actually let me pull out of side streets in this car (they never did in the Merc).

Despite no auto box I haven't had any problem with stop start traffic due to the controls and steering being so light and easy to use.