SEAT Leon Hatchback (2013 - 2020) Cupra Lux 2.0 TSI 290PS DSG auto (07/2018 on) 5d Owner Review

There’s never been as much choice from the hot hatch category as there is nowadays. The Cupra for me was the most sensible choice, balancing affordability, performance, included spec and styling. Massively undercutting it’s similarly powered rivals (Golf R, S3) and even the lower powered GTI, it also includes a spec (as standard) that pushes them cars close, or over, the 40K price barrier. The styling isn’t the most fresh, but it has aged very well, and can be helped with various aftermarket parts out there. Day to day, it’s as easy to drive as a standard Leon thanks to standard adaptive dampers, and normal driving will see between 32-38 mpg. Motorway and careful driving will see 40mpg. When wanting to have fun, it definitely feels more engaging and lively than the Golf R and S3 due to being FWD but be sure to remember that on wet, greasy country roads. Having taken mine on track, engine performance is great, but brakes will start to fade halfway through a session. Chassis balance is good, with the rear feeling more lively under heavy braking than maybe some would like. Aside from the brake fade, the only other complaint driving close to the limit is the lack of feedback through the wheel, but that’s something that plagues most cars nowadays. This is car is not the last word in trackday performance, but as an all round daily driver with fun road driving and the occasional trackday in mind, you’ll struggle to find a more complete package at this price point.