Seat Leon Cupra/ Cupra R (2000-) Review

On the road

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Much of the interior is lifted out of the old Audi A3, so all controls are intelligently placed and positive in feel. Visibility is good for the most part, but restricted toward the rear because of a smallish back window. If the road is bumpy or wet, both Cupra and Cupra R can challenge the traction control, though the Cupra is worse in this respect; its suspension isn't as well resolved as the sporting R's. The standard 20VT Cupra simply isn't as much fun as the R. Nevertheless, the 180bhp model has plenty of grip and power. But its steering lacks feedback, its chassis is short of some rivals' agility and poise and the traction control is frequently troubled. It's a fast car, but not a hot one; so three stars really. The Cupra R is a different story. Its stiffer, firmer suspension gives it more nimbleness, its steering is better weighted, the brakes are mightier and it could grip for Spain on those big wheels and tyres, so it actually strains the traction control less, despite 45 extra horses. It, too, lacks the outright adjustability and, er, focus of a Ford Focus RS on the twistiest of roads, and its engine doesn't sing like a Honda Civic Type-R's, but it's a very good compromise given the high levels of comfort and five-door practicality. In fact, it's borderline five stars.

No quibbles here. The 20VT Cupra packs 180bhp thanks to its 1.8-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, much the same as that fitted to the Audi TT, VW Golf GTI and so on. Given the Leon's price, it's a huge amount of performance for your pound, and smoothly delivered through a six-speed gearbox. It doesn't sound that special when worked hard, but it certainly delivers - 140mph is on the cards and 0-62mph takes 7.7 seconds. The hard-charging Cupra R is among the most powerful hot hatchbacks you can buy. Initially it came with 210bhp, but that figure was upped to 225bhp in summer 2003. Only a few years ago its 150mph top speed and 6.9 second 0-62mph time would have earned it 'junior supercar' status. Even now, only a couple of hatchbacks - the Golf R32 and Alfa 147 GTA - are hotter.