Test drive. I'll buy it. (Seat Leon 1.8 20VT Cupra 5dr)

Member Name: zero

Product:	Seat Leon 1.8 20VT Cupra 5dr
Date:	15/05/01 (3184 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast, fast.... , Value for money, Civilised

Disadvantages: Expensive extras. , Poor stereo ergonomics, Questionable centre rear seat.

PREFACE: This opinion was written when I was thinking of buying. Since then I have bought one. IT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. I am very pleased with my purchase, and will update the opinion to provide more detail later.

This opinion is on the basis of lots of research and a single test drive. I don’t drive a Cupra regularly, but the test drive was so impressive that I feel moved to write an opinion. You should also know that I am not a motoring “hack” – if you are looking for writing that explains how understeer can, if provoked, turn to mildly understated oversteer in mid-doubdle-declutching when decelerating, you wont find it here – I am just a keen motorist with no special training or aptitude (I made that up, its not true). But I do like cars and driving, and I thought these first impressions might be useful.

As you should know if you are reading this, the Cupra is Seat’s fastest Leon. 180bhp (thanks to a turbo) and a claimed 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds. It is based on the same “platform” as the VW Golf, Audi A3 (both of which are more expensive), Skoda Octavia (cheaper) and a couple of other VW Group cars. Essentially, the Cupra’s main claim to fame is that it is f-a-s-t. But it is also practical.

I was looking forward to revving the engine and hearing the turbo whine as it winds up. But it didn’t. I was not conscious of the turbo at all – the engine felt and sounded much like any other modern small car. If I tried, I could just about register the turbo lag, but it felt minimal.

The acceleration didn’t disappoint. Once on a clear straight road, I tentatively put my right foot down a bit harder, and the car leapt ahead so fast it nearly left me behind. I was impressed. And when I was a bit less tentative, the acceleration was unbelievable! It even felt faster than the TVR Tasmin 280 we used to own, though that may be just a feeling.

For
me, the average driver, handling was fine. Unremarkable. Comfortable. The steering wheel is the right size, the car handled satisfactorily at a variety of speeds around bends and roundabouts, and the suspension was not harsh. I’ll be happy to use one routinely. I found that the six-speed gearbox will take some getting used to, as it is not so easy to tell which gear you are in by looking at the gear stick, for example, and you feel like changing gear at points where you might not in a five speed. I suspect I’ll adjust soon enough.

With so much acceleration, you need good brakes. At first I was worried – when stationary, the brakes felt very soft. But when moving, they stopped the car more effectively than any other I can remember. Exemplary.

The sensation of driving and controlling the power was wonderful. My wife also drove, and commented that she loved it, even though she was not expecting to. In her words, “I think there will be competition between us to drive this” (if we buy it, which I think we will).

The interior is a bit bland. I personally don’t much like the grey patterned upholstery (there is no choice); the only alternative is the expensive black-only leather. The dashboard is plain unremitting black (shades of Douglas Adams here…) with no wood trim or clever details to relieve it. The dials are visible enough for me. actually, they are probably visible for anyone, if you specify the electrically-powered seats which remember three different settings, allowing you to put the seats (though not the adjustable steering wheel or electric mirrors) at the push of just one button. The door-mounted rear-view mirrors also can fold in when the car is parked or parking (manually, not automatically) – why don’t all car manufacturers fit this feature? (answer: because they love the income they get from us poor drivers replacing smashed mirrors… but I digress).
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The minor controls are fine too, though I felt some of the displays were “bitty”. For example, I know this is minor, but putting a small digital clock display in the speedometer means passengers cannot see it. I am a bit concerned that the stereo is not very ergonomic either, with lots of small, similar, labelled buttons and a small LCD – but it does match the dash well, and its eight speakers (yes, eight speakers) sounded great. The car I drove also had a CD autochanger, which is fine so long as you don’t actually want to use the glove box which it fills.

The accommodation matters a lot to me. I found the front Recaro seats very comfortable and supportive. The two rear seats were likewise very comfy, and the rear headroom is most impressive for a car of this size and performance. My only reservation is that the “fifth” seat – in the centre at the back – is less comfortable. It is raised up a bit, and despite having a proper headrest plus lap-and-diagonal belt, feels a bit squashed in between the other two. It also has less headroom. Definitely check this out of you are looking for the full five-seater advertised by Seat. There is a cup holder (why only one?) and a couple of other handy storage cubbies. Finally, the boot is large (well, for this size of car), with a high sill.

I like the looks, which are especially improved by the standard alloys wheels. It is understated, not “loud” (unless you choose the yellow paint option!) But that is personal preference.

One more detail: there are minor differences between the 2000 and 2001 model year cars. The naming is confusing and different, so I won’t try to repeat that here. The differences include absence of automatic dipping mirror and automatic wipers on the 2001 models, and replacing ESP with traction control – maybe other things. Oh, and they slashed the price by over £2,000 too… As I wr
ite this in May 2001, there are still some 2000 cars around (e.g. demonstrators); so if you are buying, do check which you are getting - presumably the 2000 model will be worth slightly less in future resale value.

The base price – £14,995 – is superb value. No wonder it won a car of the year award. I think the options such as leather, metallic paint and sunroof add too much though. A quick look at importers on the web suggests they can supply one for a saving of about £2,500, which in turn suggests you might negotiate a better deal with a UK dealer. The delivery time is around 8-12 weeks for a custom order either at a UK dealer or an importer. Of course, purchase cost isn’t everything: a package this fast comes at a price. Do look at the petrol consumption (worse than other Leons, Golfs etc) – not too bad on paper, but I suspect most drivers will burn much more petrol than necessary, just to enjoy the acceleration! And of course the Group 18 insurance will be heavy for some drivers.

I am enthused by this car. I think I’ll buy one. If you are looking for a fast, practical, car, you most likely won’t be disappointed

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