Search: more on the Seat Leon Cupra R
Fancy a closer look? Check out our Seat Leon Cupra R gallery
Seat’s Leon has spawned some hot models in previous FR and Cupra versions, but the latest 261bhp Cupra R is the hottest yet. Aimed at ultra-hot hatch enthusiasts, is this the bargain Golf R rival it seems? We headed to Rockingham to find out.
Bespoke styling changes
Whilst it might look similar to Leon Cupra, there have been a number of bespoke changes to the exterior. The bodywork changes are most noticeable at the back, the biggest difference being the addition of twin centre exhausts with a custom rear diffuser and a discreetly extended rear spoiler. Other changes to the outside of this car are the subtle ‘R’ badging, the massive 19-inch ‘Potenza’ wheels, which are available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish and the use of gloss black highlights.
The inside story
Inside, the changes are more subtle, the most obvious change being the ebony black front seatbacks with their prominent ‘R’ logo. Other sporty interior features include the squared-off steering wheel with its silver trim and the aluminium pedals. Standard equipment for the well-built interior is impressive with rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic wipers and lights and dual-zone climate control included.
A practical hatch?
The Leon is practical for a hot hatch. There's room for four, but taller rear passengers will find headroom at a premium. Boot space is also impressive at 341 litres, which is expandable by releasing the split/folding rear seat. Closest possible Volkswagen rival in terms of price is the £28,505 Scirocco R, which is smaller and far less practical.
What's it like then?
The Leon Cupra R is powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo also found in VW’s Golf R and the Audi S3. It’s not the most charismatic sounding engine, although the turbo induction noise is quite addictive. It’s punchy too, with all 261bhp produced at 6,000 rpm and 350Nm and a 350Nm slab of torque available from just 2,500rpm. I got to try the Cupra R in both road and track conditions and found that the steering was nicely weighted with plenty of feel in corners. Other Cupra R plus points include the slick six-speed manual gearbox and the strong brakes.
Like the Ibiza and Golf GTi before it, the Cupra R is fitted with the trick XDS traction control system. It basically works by using the ABS brakes as a traction control system. On the track I found this system useful as it takes away the spin but doesn’t cut the power. The Cupra R has a tendency to understeer; however, for a hot hatch on 19-inch wheels the ride is very composed.
Summing up:
The Leon Cupra R is on sale now, priced at £25,205. It's an interesting addition to this sector of the market and over £5,000 cheaper than the mechanically similar Golf R and yet the Leon feels more agile because of its front-wheel drive chassis. Only the £23,160 Renaultsport Megane 250 Cup can compete price-wise and is dynamically superior. Where the Leon scores over the Megane however is with its five-door practicality. If you're after a new hot hatch the Leon Cupra R is well worth a look and a commendable range-topper.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our Seat Leon Cupra R gallery
