Q. What do you get when you put 240bhp under the bonnet of a Seat Leon?
A. Fun!
Volkswagen controlled Spanish firm Seat has some very nice cars but the Ford Focus sized Leon is now even more attractive. The Leon ‘Cupra’ is now the most powerful Seat in production. In the world of front-wheel drive hot hatchbacks only the mad Mazda 3 MPS has more bhp (260) but believe me 240bhp is enough as there is only so much you can ask the front wheels to do before they lose grip.
Sitting on tasty 18 inch alloys the Cupra is surprisingly subtle looking for a hot hatch. An oval tailpipe is the only styling clue at the rear apart from the Cupra name to let people know you have a serious perfomance car. A optional special body kit is available that mimics the BTC touring car version (although it is a diesel!) if you feel the need to be a little brasher.
Inside the Leon is dark and a little bleak. Sadly apart from the sporty seats and a badge or two the interior is disappointing. The Cupra should be a homage to all things racing and sadly the trim and fittings fail to excite. The dash reminds me of a Saab but with fewer buttons to press. The boot is large and with five doors the Cupra proves to be a versatile mode of transport.
Hot Hatchbacks are enjoying a bit of a revival as they continue to offer the thrills that made them the most exciting real world cars of the ‘70s and ’80s. The kids who drooled back then can now afford to treat themselves to the modern take on hatchback fun without giving the impression that they are having a mid-life crisis.
On the road the Cupra is easy to drive slowly and the suspension is on the softer side of firm so the Cupra is really usable day to day. Both Insurance premiums and fuel bills will be high however. Even when I drove like a saint the fuel consumption was on the thirsty side. When you do ‘press on’ the power delivery is beautifully smooth and progressive despite having a relatively large turbo charger fitted. 0-100km/h takes just over six seconds. The driving position is good and the steering feel is light but sadly a little numb.
The Cupra handles very well. Like most front-wheel drive cars the Cupra gives plenty of warning as to when it is scrabbling for grip and will always understeer a bit before things get serious.
Should you trade up from the sporty Leon ‘FR’ (200bhp), which makes do with a smaller turbo? Most definitely, as the extra poke is well worth it. The fabulous DSG (manual twin clutch automatic) gearbox is an option. With the Cupra Seat has a very stealthy motor its hands.
In other Seat news the excellent high-tech VW 1.4 litre TSi turbo petrol engine is set to replace the 1.6 litre. It delivers more power (125bhp vs. 102bhp) and better economy.
Seat Cupra is a fine effort that could do with an interior makeover to match it on road performance.
Michael Sheridan
