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The SEAT Leon Cupra
Get that Clean, Sporty Look
By Don Booker MBE
 Style in the motoring world, is one of sameness, with computers being fed with the same statistics and then producing cars that look very much the same.
Whoever works in the design studio of SEAT have their own thoughts about looks, for SEAT are now offering some of the best-looking cars in the market place. That clean, sporty look attracts one’s attention. Part of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT is its youthful, sporty partner, offering hot hatch qualities to the masses at a good price. Now we have the new Leon Cupra at £19,595, which is the most powerful SEAT we have had on our roads, delivering 237bhp. If your interest is consumption, combined it offers 34mpg. Although we are facing more speed cameras and traps, the few joys of motoring can still be appreciated within the limits we face. There is nothing better than a good revving engine, and the Barcelona-based engine builders have got more excitement from the 2-litre FSI engine than Audi and Volkswagen have done, who use the same unit in their high performance models. It sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 153mph. That proves what an exciting car this is with the SEAT sound to go with it.
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Sporty cars should always sound good, and this model has a low and threatening rumble at low speeds rising to a raspy, pressing tone at higher speeds, just like an Alfa Romeo. It fades to a refined level when cruising on the motorway.
They may have designed the body and mechanicals, but they have also designed the exhaust system to make the young at heart happy. For those whose sporty instincts go down to the wheels, there are 18-inch alloys through which can be seen big red brake callipers. They were very powerful operators, and it took time to adjust to the keenness of the brakes.
The Cupra is based on the same platform as the VW Golf, so it rides well and in a not-too firm fashion. The fully independent rear suspension rode the potholes and speed humps very well and the electric power steering added to the driving enjoyment.
The Cupra sits low and is 14mm down on some other Leons. It has an athletic stance and the hidden rear door handles give it the look of a more stylish three-door. Five-door cars lose their style and looks. In keeping with Cupra tradition, the door pillars, mirrors, lower front spoiler and interior trim are in black.
Inside the build quality and trim are good and the centre console offers everything within easy reach. The instruments within the steering wheel spokes are just right, too.
The seats are big and body hugging and the package includes twin-zone climate control, electric windows, steering wheel mounted radio controls, cruise control and electronic stabilisation system.
The SEAT Leon Cupra is a sports car all the family can enjoy – a family supermini.
Published Autumn 2007. All information correct at time of print
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