Seat Leon Cupra R 1.8 20V Biturbo Review

Overall Rating

-real fun to drive -suspension is not as stiff as you might think -direct steering response -looks great!!

-exhaust growl can become tiring -the air-quantity sensor is a weak point -a low-minded re-sale value

First of all, the Cupra R is NOT a coupe, it's a hatch, let me rephrase; it's a HOT-hatch. Second, it's NOT a Biturbo, it's exactly the same engine as in the Audi TT which has just ONE turbo. Only the engine-management is different. And I can asure you that the both of them are doing fine with it. I drive a LEON Cupra R daily, it's my companycar for my work as SEAT-salesman. Because of it's great road-holding qualities and direct steering respose, the LEON is real fun to drive on secondary roads. When driving in 6th gear on freeways the LEON shows of his Torque capabilities. The only thing bothering me on freeways is the exhaust growl, exhausting!? There is only one thing left to say: SEAT succeeded!!!

Members' Comments onSeatHolland.'s Review

• Debby. on 4th Feb 2003

  As a Seat Sales Rep, what can you tell us about the quality problems with the Leon? I will sum up a couple: ignition coils, paint flaking, door leaks, rear lock, front lights leak, rear lights leak, rear brake light leak, poor fittings, brake failures in winter conditions, remote central locking failure, front and rear whipers don't fit, turbo problems, ecu braking down, poor service by dealers, poor service by Seat UK. These are just a couple of things I found on the Internet, what leon owners experienced on a regular basis.

• Stevo. on 23rd Jun 2003

  First of all the Leon Cupra R is not Bi-turbo, it has a single turbo. However, one of the main difference's over the standard Cupra model is that it's twin-intercooled.
  
  I have only had my '03 Cupra R a short while but previously owned a Cupra, havong sold a Golf GTi turbo in-between because the Golf was smaller, slower, didn't handle as well and was no better built.
  
  I bought an Imported Cupra R for £15,995 and at this money it simply has no competition (Honda type-R's + air con are more money and only three door).
  
  If it had a VW badge on the back they would have sold 7500 to date not the 750 (official Uk cars) that are on the roads. Don't know if the optional recaro seats are worth the money though???

• Kitcar. on 22nd Jul 2003

  I can't comment on the Cupra R but the standard Cupra is a steaming dog poop. As the poster above points out nearly every bit on it breaks. If VW put a their badge on it no-one would know as it would probably fall off about 10 feet out of the dealers.
  
  A truly awful car. Even Fords are better built, and that is saying something.

• stpete on 16th Nov 2003

  errr bits break not on mine they don't!!! Poor build quality, not on mine its not!!!! And worse than a Ford errr Thats a big NO never, dagenham dustbin that every boy wants and every dad has no thanks!! Give me 210 BHP and Audi parts AND VW build every time!!! Not a little jealous of the one that just went past you are you?!?!