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SEAT Leon Cupra R (2002-2005) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 32 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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It may be built like a Golf but it won’t hold its value quite as well. Insurance is fairly steep although fuel economy is not bad considering its performance potential.

Leon is quite a polluting model. With an average of 211 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a sports hatchback. It’s worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not very frugal, averaging 32 mpg.

Should be very reliable with the exception of a known coil pack fault that seems to trouble many owners. However, it is an issue that VAG are sympathetic to.