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SEAT Leon Cupra R vs Rivals

First there was Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon. Then the World Cup.Now can Spain top off its success in the hot hatch class with SEAT’s new Leon Cupra R? We test it against Renault and Mazda rivals.

SEAT Leon Cupra R test

Photos: Pete Gibson July 2010

The hot hatch is well and truly back! For the past decade, these high-performance machines have been steadily regaining their reputation, after thousands of high-profile thefts and sky-rocketing insurance premiums threatened to run them off the road for good.

Now these fast, fun and practical cars are more popular than ever, with nearly every manufacturer having some sort of rapid hatchback on its books. And no firm is keener on the pocket rocket than SEAT.

The Spanish brand’s brochures are littered with go-faster models, with FR and Cupra versions of its Ibiza and Leon hatches. And to celebrate SEAT’s success in the World Touring Car Championship, bosses have pulled the wraps off the most powerful and focused model ever – the £25,205 Leon Cupra R.

We’ve lined up a pair of formidable opponents for the new Leon. The Renaultsport Mégane 250 Cup is a firm Auto Express favourite, and sets the standard for performance and driving thrills. It’s also great to look at and comes with an attractive £23,160 price tag.

If it’s value-for-money you’re after, look no further than the Mazda 3 MPS. With a storming 256bhp engine, practical five-door layout and uprated chassis, it could have been used as a template for the SEAT. However, it costs only £22,595 and is loaded with standard kit.

So, which one of our trio has the firepower to blast to the top spot?

For an alternative review of the latest Seat Leon visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

0-60 Times?

Are these 0-60 times correct? The standard Leon Cupra does around 6.4, I would expect the Cupra R to better this, not 7 secs. Likewise with the Megane, closer to 6 than 7 seconds.

By benjathome on 24 July, 2010, 9:01pm

How Much!!

Ouch £25k for a Seat thats totally insane.The Mazda looks like a bargain and it will be totally reliable but its not going to really compete with the Megane for fun.
The 0-60 times are probably correct and are what Auto Express achieved not the nonsense figures the Manufacturers issue.

By nickbsmooth on 27 July, 2010, 2:04pm

The Mazda needs to be cheap, lets face it it's going to de-value so fast it helps take the pain away.
As for the Renault, I'd rather have a SEAT being a German quality based car anyday, Plus the SEAT looks far better than both the others.

By brucem on 2 August, 2010, 9:55am

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Full Car Reviews

Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup

1st Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup

Renault's hot Megane has been our class favourite for a while now - but can it keep its crown when faced with more powerful rivals from Mazda and SEAT?
SEAT Leon Cupra R

2nd SEAT Leon Cupra R

The new Leon Cupra R is SEAT's most powerful car yet, but does it have the performance to justify its hefty price?
Mazda 3 MPS

3rd Mazda 3 MPS

Mazda also have a reputation for putting powerful engines in small cars - but can the MPS match the charisma of the Renault and the SEAT?
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Each of our contenders proves that family matters needn’t get in the way of driving thrills. If you’re looking for a car which combines strong performance and practicality, all three of these models fit the bill.

The MPS uses the versatile 3 hatchback as a template, so it’s practical, as well as fast and very well equipped. Adding to the appeal is the £22,595 price tag. But it finishes in third place here on account of its unruly chassis and lack of visual drama.

Limited kerbside appeal isn’t an issue for the distinctive Leon. Better still, it has electrifying pace, as well as an agile and engaging chassis. The Cupra R is expensive, though, at £25,205 – and we think this is difficult to ignore when the standard Cupra is just as good to drive, nearly as quick and costs £3,705 less!

That leaves the Renaultsport Mégane to take a well deserved victory. It can’t match its rivals in this test for practicality or kit, but its rakish looks, gutsy engine and sensational driving dynamics more than compensate. In fact, for us, the 250 Cup is one of the most entertaining new cars around, regardless of price.

 
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