Long-term test review: SEAT Leon Cupra - pictures

Our Leon Cupra is leaving us and, while it's not the most practical proposition, the availability of 5 door and estate versions means you don't have to compromise if you still want performance. With the cars side-by-side, it's clear th

We'll certainly miss our Leon's fantastic mix of performance and everyday usability. It's as at home on the Nurburgring as it is doing the weekly shop. 

Interior is fairly restrained for a performance hatch, but there are clues around the cabin that hint at the car's performance. Using the steering wheel paddles gives more satisfying manual control of the car's DSG transmission. 

The SC's lack of rear doors means there's limited rear access, especially when fitting a child seat. 

Dynamic Chassis Control system lets you transform the SEAT's character to suit your mood. Drivers can choose from Comfort, Sport and Cupra modes, plus an Individual setting you can tweak yourself. 

Subtle Cupra badges in the dials hint at the car's ability. 

More Cupra badges on the sills belie SEAT's everyday usability.

Big alloys are one of the few ways to tell the Cupra apart from standard Leon SC models. 

Our SEAT Leon Cupra comes in at £28,530. 

Night or day, Leon Cupra continues to wow us with sharp cornering and strong pace. 

Cabin has a high-quality feel, with leather seats and one or two features to mark it out as a Cupra. 

LED headlights cast an impressive beam, and the daytime running lights give the Leon a distinctive signature. 

Interior is enhanced by LED door lighting, which turns red in Cupra mode. 

Three-door body means access to the rear seats is awkward, particularly when Dean has to put his young son in a child seat. 

Comfort mode is perfect for motorway cruising; Cupra enhances limited-slip diff, adaptive dampers and throttle. 

Our new Leon has rocketed into our affections. 

"Leon Cupra is surprisingly docile considering its blistering performance, but slippery roads mean wheelspin can be an issue."

"The Leon Cupra's performance is truly impressive for a front-wheel drive car, and, on top of that, torque steer is well controlled." - James Disdale, road test editor. 

Cabin is spacious and generously equipped. 

Back seats are reasonably roomy for a hot hatch, but the Leon Cupra's three-door body means getting in and out is a little awkward, while the tinted windows make it feel dark. 

Driving modes let you tweak the car's settings, depending on what kind of driving you want to do. 

DSG gearbox is responsive in auto mode. 

Agility in Cupra mode is impressive, but even in Comfort setting the ride is firm - although it's still comfortable for a hot hatch. 

LED headlights are standard and provide great coverage at night, while the interior also gets LED lighting. 

Subtle bootlid badge is one of the few cues to let people know this model is a Cupra. 

19-inch alloys and red brake calipers are another giveaway as to the Leon Cupra's performance. 

The ride is firm, but it smooths out bumps pretty well and is far from uncomfortable.