Journalists representing some of Britain’s most influential motoring magazines and websites have returned an enthusiastic verdict on the new Leon Cupra R after the UK press launch in Leicestershire.
After completing a road route, the assembled press pack – including writers from Autocar, Auto Express, What Car?, Auto Trader and the popular Pistonheads website – took to Rockingham racetrack near Corby, where they were able to put SEAT’s most powerful production car through its paces.
The journalists applauded the Cupra R’s shattering acceleration, sharp handling and value for money, concluding that SEAT’s hottest ever hatchback successfully combined outstanding performance with the practical appeal of a family-friendly five-door.
What they said…
Autocar 
“Really excellent… the Leon Cupra R drives like a very well-sorted fast hatch. It’s stable even under extreme braking and copes well with rapid mid-bend steering adjustments, remaining unflustered and benefiting from ample grip.
“… there are very few direct competitors that offer the same five-door practicality and performance at this price… even with such an array of similar-ish hot hatches around it makes more sense than most. It’s good value, well equipped and focused enough to satisfy enthusiasts looking for an engaging family car that’s worth taking to a track day occasionally.”
Honest John
“It really is as blisteringly quick as it looks, with amazing acceleration across the rev range. But what is most impressive is the way the Leon Cupra R manages to put all that power down on the road without scrabbling for grip or feeling twitchy at the front …it’s a standard front wheel drive set-up. But you’d rarely know it. “It feels incredibly surefooted, even under hard acceleration. But the Leon Cupra R is more than just outright pace. It’s sharp and agile in corners, plus has an impressively forgiving ride for a performance hatch. “When you compare it to other hot hatches with this much power, the Cupra R looks good value. It’s also easy to drive at low speeds with decent fuel economy of 34.9mpg, making it a great all-rounder that’s as refined as it is quick.”
Auto Express
“In-gear response is strong with lots of low-down urge and sustained pull right to the red line. Thanks to uprated brakes, sports suspension and the same XDS electronic differential as you get on a Golf GTI, it handles well, too. Body roll is virtually eliminated and there’s plenty of grip…”
Autoblog
“Predictably, the power of the car was the first thing that made itself apparent – the Leon still had more in reserve when we reached the limit of our ability around the circuit.
“The Cupra is certainly quick… It is also one of the more frugal offerings – emissions are just 190g/km and the official mpg is 34.9. These are some of the better figures in the class, and a generous specification list as well as a hopefully competitive resale price means the Leon should be more of a sensible choice for those who want a plaything on something approaching a sensible budget.”
Auto Trader
“…don’t think this is an old-school hot hatch, spinning the power away in a heady cloud of tyre smoke. Torque steer is largely absent, and SEAT’s XDS electronic differential improves grip and traction through the bends. The chassis allows the Leon to make the most of its potent engine, offering confidence to corner hard and fast, and obliterate straights at an otherworldly pace.
“While there are many hot hatches on the market, there are few which offer this much power at such a low price. The Seat Leon Cupra R is a worthy champion for SEAT’s sporty cause. It’s priced well, looks fantastic and is fun, fast and comfortable.”
Verdict on cars
“The Leon is certainly exciting. It revs freely and offers a lot of ingratiating torque in low gears which is accompanied by a pleasing note from the upgraded exhaust system.
“The Cupra R should also cope admirably with the more practical challenges SEATcustomers are likely to throw at it. A relatively frugal nature, all the practicality of the normal five-door Leon and not too much in the way of a compromised ride means that this is a good offering in the hot hatch sector.”
