SEAT Leon Cupra hatchback (2007 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Buyers looking for a classic three box family car should walk on past their local SEAT showroom – the Spanish manufacturer doesn’t do conventional. Rather than praising its practicality, it hides it to add to SEAT’s sporty image. The rear door handles, for example, are hidden in the door pillars for a smooth look, while the tapered side windows give no hint to the space in the cabin. The Leon’s sides are scalloped and the bonnet is awash with curves. Naturally, as this model is the Cupra model, there’s a host of go-faster trimmings, including bespoke front rear bumpers, a black grille surround and door mirror covers, single oval big-bore exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels and red painted brake calipers. Critics say the standard Cupra looks too much like the standard car to be a default choice for hot hatch buyers, so the Leon Cupra K1 model is available with an aggressive body kit and K1 badging.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

The flair continues in the cabin with plenty of curves to brighten up the otherwise bland dash and a chunky-looking – and feeling – steering wheel. The comfortable and supportive sports SEATs are unique to the Cupra. There’s the obligatory smattering of Cupra branding around the interior, including the dials, SEAT backs and steering wheel. The controls glow a piercing red when the lights are on, and can be tricky to read.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

The Leon’s sporty pretensions hide the fact it’s a practical five-door hatch, with hidden rear door handles which need pointing out to passengers getting in for the first time. The boot release is the rear SEAT badge, but once the tailgate is lifted, the Leon’s decent sized 341-litre boot is exposed. It’s not class-leading, but big enough for a couple of suitcases (fold the SEATs and space expands to 1,166 litres) .The narrow and high sill hampers access however. Taller drivers, or those who like to adjust the SEAT base to higher positions may find the sloping roofline and huge rear view mirror restricts forward visibility.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

SEAT has done an excellent job of taming the Cupra’s 240bhp, 2-litre engine; an amount which could easily have made the wheels squirm under hard acceleration. The steering is sharp and nicely weighted and there’s very little bodyroll through the bends, meaning the Cupra can corner hard and fast. The ride is firm, but not crashy, despite SEAT engineers taking the suspension from the Leon FR – the Cupra’s hot hatch brother – and lowering it.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

The SEAT Leon Cupra is a very fast hot hatch. It’ll cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 6.4 seconds, before reaching 153mph. That makes its performance more explosive than the Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type-R. And unlike the Civic, which packs all its performance right at the top of the rev range, the Cupra develops its peak pulling power of 221lb/ft from just 2,200rpm. On the road, acceleration feels ferocious and relentless all the way through the rev range. There’s no option of the Volkswagen Group’s excellent DSG semi-automatic gearbox (although the less powerful SEAT Leon FR can be specified with one).

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

At a little over £19,000, the Leon Cupra is around £1,000 cheaper than the equivalently-specced Golf GTi although insurance groups are the same at group 17E. SEAT says the Leon Cupra we tested should return an average of 34mpg. Emissions of 199g/km of CO2 place it in tax Band F, which currently costs £205 per year. Depreciation is likely to be the biggest concern, with SEATs traditionally shedding more than other brands within the Volkswagen Group.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

No real worries here. SEAT is part of the VW/Audi group, and is assembled with the same care and competence. The Reliability Index says SEAT perform better than most with respect to the frequency and costs of repairs.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Leon has scored four out of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test programme – less than the full five many of its rivals achieve. The Leon Cupra has driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard. It also features a plethora of other systems, including traction and stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS and brake assistance.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Audi doesn’t throw everything at its cars in terms of standard kit, but the Q5 is decently well-equipped. All models get climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a driver information system, electric windows and door mirrors which are electrically heated and adjustable. Move up to SE trim and the wheels become 18 inches in diameter, the stereo gets 10 speakers instead of six and the climate control becomes a three-zone system. There’s also a multi-function steering wheel, leather trim, rear parking sensors plus automatic lights and wipers. The range-topping S line comes with 19-inch alloys, sports SEATs, xenon lights and extra brushed alloy details.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The SEAT Leon is a genuine wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its searing pace betters virtually everything else in the sub-£20,000 hot hatch market. And the limited edition Cupra K1 adds something for those looking for extra bark to match the bite.

Our rating: 5