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SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon Cupra R

Only a decade ago, any hot hatch with more than 150bhp would get enthusiasts frothing at the mouth. But now, it seems, you need to get near 200bhp to be taken seriously - just look at the Vauxhall Astra GSi and Honda Civic Type R, for example. SEAT has always been a front-runner in the performance hatch race, and it has upped the pace again with this new version of its Leon Cupra R.

By Piers Ward

September 2003

Only a decade ago, any hot hatch with more than 150bhp would get enthusiasts frothing at the mouth. But now, it seems, you need to get near 200bhp to be taken seriously - just look at the Vauxhall Astra GSi and Honda Civic Type R, for example. SEAT has always been a front-runner in the performance hatch race, and it has upped the pace again with this new version of its Leon Cupra R.

The revamped model gets an additional 15bhp by using the 225bhp turbocharged unit from the Audi TT and S3. It certainly gives the Leon extra mid-range punch, and the car pulls cleanly throughout the rev range. This makes it a quick proposition on B-roads, but also means the SEAT is responsive even idling along in sixth at 70mph.

The car is smooth and quiet at such pace as well. In fact, it is refined to the point of being too civilized, and lacks the raw edge of rivals such as Ford's Focus RS. This criticism can also be levelled at the chassis. It's very competent and the car can be hustled along quickly, but again it fails to excite. That said, the ride is fairly cosseting for such a fast machine, making it a fine compromise between comfort and pace.

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FIRST OPINION

    The 225bhp Leon is a genuinely quick car, and its £18,000 price makes it a very competitive rival for the Focus RS and Mini Cooper S Works. Just don't expect it to excite quite as much as either.
 

AT A GLANCE

    New 225bhp Cupra R out now
    Better spec and six-speed box
     
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