31st Jan 2004, 05:48
The Leon Cupra R. Is quite simply the best performance hatch that £18000 can buy. Why? Nothing for the money comes close on performance, looks, handling, refinement and equipment level.
It will scare the pants off BMW drivers even M3 owners seeing a SEAT in the rear view mirror. And one that won't be shaken off very easily at that.
3rd Mar 2004, 08:55
Whilst I wouldn't go as far as saying it would compete with an M3, like Mr. 31st Jan did... it really is a great car.
I moved from a 106 GTi, which was voted one of the finest handling cars in the business... so the Leon CR seemed like a good choice! I'm not disappointed either...
The power is just incredible, even in standard form. It not only has more power than the Civic Type-R, but it has more torque too! In order to get anything decent from the CTR, you have to rev the hell out of it! The Leon CR doesn't get as flustered. Just gently prod the throttle and a split second later, *thud*... you're already approaching the redline! 1st goes so quickly, you'll wonder why it's there. :)
There are plenty of mods out there, for people willing to push the already raced-tuned engine a little further... but for around £500-£600, you can run it (safely) at 290BHP and 310lbs of torque... and that's enough to see off the likes of the 147 GTA and STi too! I'm running mine at 302BHP with 100NOS, making a total of 402BHP! This amount of power through 2 front wheels is not advisable unless you fit some seriously nice extras. Adding a limited slip diff is an absolute must! Get a nice 'Quaife' one, and whilst it's still a little skittish when you floor it, it goes round corners like the 111S (damn quick).
Personally, I think all the bad comments listed are immature and unjustified, and as the founder of SeatCupra.net said... just badge snobbery. You people don't hate the Seat, you're just jealous of it! It's a monster! :D.
Once you've seen the interior to this machine, you'll realise just how tacky the CTR's interior is compared to this! Bright red racing-seats look like something from a child's drawing... and that stereo is simply awful. This (again) is another area where the Leon excels.
Don't get me wrong, the LCR and the CTR are both excellent motors for the money, but I prefer a little more class and a few more features when I'm spending that sort of money. ;)
1st Jun 2004, 15:45
I've owned my LCR for 14 months and thoroughly enjoyed every one of the 20k miles I driven. I test drove a number of sub £20k comparable performance cars and concluded that the LCR gave great value for money. Air-con, CD multi-changer, 5 doors, good fuel economy, relatively low insurance group, low down (usable) torque, etc. make it a vastly superior option for me over anything else on the market at this price. I also liked the VW feel/build I was so used to after my Passat 1.8T Sport which, for me, trounced anything else in its class. The LCR will survive - the proof is in the pudding!!!
14th Dec 2004, 10:04
Oh dear.
If you are willing to take a car back for a "squeak" in the interior then you are going to find endless faults - get over it.
I have owned an Audi S3 (chipped) then a Honda S2000 with HKS pipes and KN filter (bloody expensive filter - made hardly any difference except sound amazing), then a Civic Type R (tiresome engine), then a Ford Focus RS (amazing motor, bad interior - not as in squeaks, but a little un-inspiring) and now I have a Cupra R. I have had the privilege of driving a 03, M3 Convertible and a 04 reg BMW 645 convertible - this is a 65k motor car.
For me the Cupra has it hands down. OVERALL.
And that's what matters, overall.
BUT, that's just me, and I do have a little experience to draw on.
15th Dec 2004, 08:32
Mr 14 December.
I honestly think you have not experienced your first driving- lesson yet!
23rd Dec 2004, 17:36
My leon r now leaks in at tail lights. still waiting for dealer to ring when parts in one month later.that's customer care.
26th Jan 2005, 16:11
I am still waiting! had to contact customer services. no reason why!have to try dealer now 25 miles away! but won't pick car up!
18th May 2003, 08:11
Sounds like a Seat commercial to me!
Thanks for making my point!