Search Car Reviews:



SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon Cupra

The Cupra gets an engine upgrade and suspension tweaks to make it the best Leon yet

SEAT Leon

Text: James Disdale / Photos: Dominic Fraser

February 2007

  • Rating:
Hold on to your hats - Seat has unleashed its fastest-ever road car. Not long ago, 200bhp was the benchmark power figure for the hottest hatches.
 
But what's really impressive is the way the Cupra puts this power down. Even if you are hard on the throttle in first and second gears, torque steer isn't an issue, while the car remains superbly composed over undulating roads...

But the thermostat has been turned up by the likes of the 222bhp Ford Focus ST and 237bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR. Now, the Spanish company has decided to enter the fray with its new range-topping Leon Cupra.

Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre engine that's in the new Golf GTI Edition 30, albeit with 237bhp to the VW's 227bhp. The Leon sprints from 0-62mph in only 6.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 153mph.

But what's really impressive is the way the Cupra puts this power down. Even if you are hard on the throttle in first and second gears, torque steer isn't an issue, while the car remains superbly composed over undulating roads; the damping seems to get better the faster you go. Grip levels are high, roll is kept well in check by the stiff chassis and the steering is direct, if a little lacking in feel.

Yet from looking at the SEAT, you would not expect such performance and agility. Only 18-inch alloy wheels, an oval exhaust and black wing mirror trim separate the Cupra from the Leon FR. Inside, there are high-backed, heavily bolstered sports seats, while the chunky three-spoke steering wheel and centrally located rev counter get Cupra badging. Other than that, it's standard Leon, which means decent comfort but some cheap plastics.

Still, at £19,595, the newcomer offers a lot of pace for the money. The chassis is excellent and there is a long list of standard equipment to sweeten the deal further. And while the Cupra can't match the depth of quality offered by the GTI Edition 30, it's much better than the crashy and sometimes unruly Leon FR.

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

More SEAT LEON articles

Social Bookmarks
  • facebook
  • digg
  • delicious
  • furl
  • stumbleupon

Pictures

SEAT Leon
SEAT Leon
SEAT Leon engine
SEAT Leon door mirror
SEAT Leon rear
- Advertisement -

FIRST OPINION

    This new Cupra proves power doesn't always have to corrupt. The blend of engine upgrades and suspension tweaks has created the best sporting Leon yet. It's nearly as involving as the top hot hatches, and faster than most of them, and even comes wrapped in a practical five-door body. If the idea of great pace and value appeals, visit your SEAT dealer.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Engine: 2.0 litre 4cyl, 237bhp
    0-62mph: 6.4 secs
    Top speed: 153mph
    Price: £19,595
    Standard kit: Bi-xenon headlamps, climate control, iPod connectivity, ESP stability control, 18-inch alloys
    On sale: March 2007
     
    - Advertisement -
    Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | Sitemap
    Our Other Websites: Computer Buyer | Computer Shopper | Custom PC | Den of Geek | Evo | Fortean Times | IT Pro | Know Your Mobile | London is Free
    MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | Mobile Computer | Octane | PC Pro | The First Post | iGizmo | iMotor | DigitalSLR photography | bit-tech | Dennis Comunications | Mac Channel | Channel Pro