Cupra is to SEAT what 'R' models are to VW or 'RS' machines are to Ford. So Cupra is all about performance, and with the family-friendly Leon there is a serious wolf in the range with the very powerful '280'.
Leon Cupra 280 doesn't scream its presence on the road and is very subtle-looking for such a capable car. Inside, apart from a few bits of Cupra bling, it is quite bland and functionally Germanic. For many the lack of flair, particularly with the interior styling, is Leon's only failing but as we've seen many times before with design, often simplicity equals longevity.
Cupra has all the ingredients necessary for a very hot hatch. The front-wheel drive hatch has an adaptive chassis - so you can set the suspension to whatever style of driving your mood takes, e.g. 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Cupra' (everything turned up to 11) and 'Individual' (this allows you set the car up the way you want to).
Normally, in a car this size, with 280hp fighting to get traction onto the tarmac, you would be asking too much of a front-wheel drive machine. But the potential for excessive wheel-spin has been managed very well, thanks to an electronic differential being fitted as standard.
Just like the 'Diff' used in the stunning 'Performance Pack'-equipped VW GTI, it allows Cupra to lay down its superior power - especially when accelerating hard out of corners. The meaty 2.0 TSI engine features dual injection and variable camshaft timing that allows the four-cylinder petrol unit produce 350nm of torque. That's plenty of pulling power in a relatively light car. Despite claims of reasonable fuel consumption at 6.6l/100km and engine stop/start being standard, we found the Cupra to be a thirsty beast in everyday driving.
On the road Cupra 280 is a hoot. The variable ratio steering is sharp and precise. Cupra corners brilliantly while encouraging you to take the twisty way home. Going 0-100kph takes 5.7 seconds and the in-gear performance when overtaking is excellent. We are big fans of DSG (automated manual gearbox) and in our DSG-equipped test car we felt very connected behind the wheel. The extra power over a performance pack-equipped VW GTI is noticeable. On the track the Cupra can blitz most machines and is simply great fun to drive!
The five-door Leon Cupra 280 starts at €35,765; if you want a DSG gearbox it starts at €37,860. Good news, too, if you're after practicality: there is an ST Cupra (estate) on the way in the Spring that can hold up to 1,470 litres of cargo. The ST Cupra is only slightly slower from 0-100kph at six seconds. The ultimate Cupra 'R', with four-wheel drive, is on the way too!
SEAT Ireland, as part of Volkswagen Group Ireland, had a great year in 2014 (selling 2,419 cars) and in 2015 is certainly one to watch as it basically sells VWs for less than... VWs!
With SEAT Leon Cupra 280 you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Michael Sheridan
