SEAT Leon Cupra R hatchback (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The SEAT Leon might have been around since 2005, but the shape still looks contemporary. The Cupra R appears similar to the standard car, but there have been a number of bespoke changes. These include the 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 and 19-inch ‘Potenza’ wheels. Compared to the Renaultsport Megane 250 and Volkswagen Scirocco R, the Leon looks reasonably understated. There are no swollen arches or chunky side skirts. We think this makes the SEAT more desirable.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Inside, the changes are as subtle as the exterior with the most obvious being the high-backed sports seats with their ebony black backs and prominent R logo. Other sporty interior features include the squared-off steering wheel with its silver trim and the aluminium pedals. The dashboard design is attractive, but the quality of the interior plastics is not up to the car’s price tag. The dashboard in particular, is made of shiny plastic, which looks cheap even if build quality is good.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

The Leon is more practical than the Megane and Scirocco. The front sports seats are supportive, while the steering wheel and seats are multi-adjustable so all drivers will be able to get comfortable. There is room for two in the back, but rear passengers will moan at the lack of rear headroom because of the curvy shape. Boot space is also impressive at 341 litres, which is expandable to 1,305 litres by releasing the split/folding rear seat. We found that the SEAT Leon’s thick roof pillars made visibility at junctions difficult. Sadly, this is true of most modern cars.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

The Leon Cupra R is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, but the ride is reasonably refined. The lowered, stiffened suspension means there is virtually no body roll and the trick XDS electronic differential ensures there’s plenty of grip and none of the 261bhp is wheelspun away. Overall, it is not as sharp to drive as the harder-riding Megane, but is the equal of the more expensive and supple Scirocco.

Our rating 4

5. Performance

The Leon Cupra R is powered by the same 2-litre TSI four-cylinder turbo found in Volkswagen’s Golf R and the Audi S3. It’s not the most charismatic sounding engine, although the turbo induction noise is quite addictive. It is punchy too, with all 261bhp produced at 6,000rpm and a 258lb/ft slab of pulling power available from just 2,500rpm. It’s easier to go faster in the Leon than in the Megane, thanks to the low-down grunt of the engine. On the other hand, because of its shared engine the Scirocco feels remarkably similar.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

The Leon Cupra R is capable of 34.9mpg on the combined cycle.  While the Megane and Volkswagen average 33.2 and 34.9 mpg respectively. Servicing costs and the price of parts should also be lower when compared to the Volkswagen.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

SEAT has a good reliability record and the engine has also been proven in other performance Volkswagen and Audi models.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Leon is an average performer in Euro NCAP crash tests, with a four-star rating. All cars have six airbags, (two rear passenger side airbags are optional), a tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability programme (ESP), traction control and uprated brakes.

Our rating: 3

9. Equipment

The Leon Cupra R is well-equipped with all the kit you would expect of a car of this performance level. Cruise control, climate control, electric mirrors, electric windows and remote central locking are all standard.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The Leon Cupra R is an interesting addition to this sector of the market and considerably cheaper than the mechanically similar Scirocco R. Where the Leon scores over rivals is its five-door practicality.

Our rating: 4