These are actually faster than the Golf R/ S3 once rolling. Same engine, but less weight and less drivetrain losses due to not having Haldex. Plus they all have DCC 😊
Great video as usual Gary and couldn’t agree more about the Cupra over the GTI, R and S3. I too love my Fords and a manual gearbox (like my Fiesta ST180) and I’ve owned several VAG cars but I’m still open minded. I’ve driven all of them and the Cupra is a great all rounder but also very entertaining and the DSG box is the best of it’s type. If it puts a smile on your face even on a short drive that’s the essence of what makes a great hot hatch. Keep up the good work mate. 👍🏻
Bought my cupra 300 sc 2 weeks ago. Absolute love it. Rarer than a golf r and a s3. Not as fast off the line but who cares. It sounds better too and looks very subtle so it blends in nicely
i completely understand what your saying about being more engaging. I went from an Audi S1 and although the "4wd" is great for traction and the manual was entertaining at times, my current 290 Cupra is so much more fun and scary. In the wet, it spins all the way to 4th gear and that fear is amazing. It's actually a car that you can come home from a spirited drive shaking from adrenaline and it's amazing. Also surprising with the 7 speed DSG it returns on average 42.4mpg on my motorway commute so actually decent on fuel.
Summed it up nicely mate. FWD deffo makes the cars feel way more exciting to drive! The only way AWD cars deliver similar kinds of thrills is with the likes of the setup found in the Mk3 Focus RS. Unfortunately I only have the 6 speed DSG but high 30’s I’ve seen on longer runs so far. Glad you’re enjoying yours though, they really are great cars. Intrigued to have a go in the Cupra ST to see what they’re like now…
@@simontaylor3211 yes mine was the same. Sometimes I do miss it as it was so underestimated but maintaince got way to expensive and tbh I think the engine was on the way as there was oil on the spark plugs.
@@lewisjones9338 yeah, it wasn't the cheapest car to run. It was the gearbox that was starting to go on mine so I got shot before it required a 2nd mortgage 🤦
that guy who commented to you need's to give his head a wobble lol, how the heck is it an "old mans car" crazy!!! anyway amazing video, love this car so much very lucky id love to have one
Same thought i would say a Golf was an old mans car without the GTi or R badge of course but a Leon only needs an FR badge to appeal to younger drivers.
@@2595220 Totally agree btw my son just traded his M135i for a Cupra 290 its an amazing car thats why i watched the video. He got the M135i after driving mine 5 years ago when he was thinking of a Golf R.
The key thing is value, cupra comes as you said with DCC where it is optioned on the golf.. I wonder whether there is a difference in characteristic with the ediff setup on the Cupra vs GTI.. also I think these cars will appreciate.. Vag have in someway diluted the cupra brand by separating it off as its own entity, you have smaller engines.. wider audience.. it should of been kept as a marquee for performance Seat cars only.
Problem is a Golf R is around the same price.... and you get nicer interior, 4 wheel drive and more tuning potential. Seats are not much cheaper than VW anymore. The Gti is just overpriced but the R can be found for the same as Gti.
I enjoy the Focus RS videos, but I’m here for the Cupra. One of the most underrated cars around. And whoever said they’re an old man’s car needs to give his head a wobble.
Great production as usual Gaz 👏 And I hear ya....as I've a Cupra 290 ! Out of my previous cars over the past few years.....Fiesta ST MP215....Audi TTS....FK8 Civic Type R.....BMW M140i....and Toyota GR Yaris.....the Cupra is the best of the bunch for me !! It does everything.....and is as fun if not more fun than any of the above ! I bloody love it 😍 !! Loving DSG life and the ease of the day to day it brings! Tech is great.....and so much car for the money !! 💰 So underrated in my opinion ....its amazing 😉
My 69 plate 290 lease ended last month and I am now driving a 22 plate Leon 150bhp FR. I am longing for that Cupra all the time - what a car! The only thing that really worried me was the risk to my licence as it was just too tempting to use that firecracker of an engine. Sad times for me but I suppose we all have to grow up as some stage.
For any one interested in the noise. GPF models do get louder the more miles they get on them. My 2019 Cupra 290 is as loud as this and ive done nothing to it except do over double the milage in a year from 12.8k to 28k. I dont feel it needs the res delete and with the 7 dpeed DSG is does better as a daily than the 300. Also the powers near enough the same, your not going to notice 10hp less or more and thats even if it actually returns less. They share the same engine, front diff and ECU, I bet the tunes near enough the same. Edit: I agree about DSG manual! I find it engaging and you can also have the auto shifting mapped out.
@@neilooo1998 same 380NM torque figures in both cars according to what I can find, evwn if there is that marginal difference, the 7 speed helps with different ratios and can be just as easily mapped back in. Not much changed between the 280, the 300 and the 290 other than slight ECU adjustments to meet regs and then the switch from the 6 speed to the 7 speed DSG between the 300 and 290. All share the same engine and ECU. Some ECUs have been found to be Golf R ones and even mapped higher as stated in the comment above mine. Volkswizard RUclips Channel also documents his Cupra 280 dyno'd at 305Hp and had a golf R ECU. Edit: spelling errors, I'm terrible at typing on my phone.
I have the ST version with the performance pack- Brembo, sideskirts and nice 19" rims. Those brakes are just amazing. It's nice with the extra space too. I did a res delete and now it sounds like it should do.
We have a Polo R-line with auto gearbox and I would love to compare it with the Ibiza FR just to see if it feels more fun to drive we chose the Polo because it seems it will hold its value better. I would definitely prefer this Leon to a Golf though I think I prefered the previous Leon though.
I just bought the cupra 300 4drive estate and it’s running 370bhp it’s very very quick, only thing is there is no noise which is a good thing in my opinion as it’s a proper sleeper
@@CarFocused that’s what I thought but I have been told from seat that mine does not have the GPF and they did not come into place till march 2019 on the cupra ST so am 🫤
somebody put out a video last month of the cupra 290 30-70 Vs golf r Mk7 30-70 and the cupra is noticeably quicker, however the golf does it off the line being awd, the only issue with the video is it doesn't actually put the cars together it just shows the sleedo increasing from their previous tests, they concluded the cupra is a more fun and 'faster' feeling car too
Had a cupra 300 myself, ended up getting rid as the seats caused me severe sciatic pain after a couple of hours driving and others I had in the car with me complained the seats gave them bad backs too, don’t know why so many modern cars have seat cushions that are so damn firm! Also found the seats to be very underwhelming in terms of support, had a previous generation cupra R and the full leather bucket seats in that were waaaaay better both in terms of being softer/more comfortable and more supportive. Also my car had terrible rattles in both front doors that the dealer wouldn’t/couldn’t fix which drive me crazy but I ended up stripping the door cards off myself and soon sorted the problem completely! I personally didn’t think the fuel economy was that good ( mine had the 6 speed dsg), seem to think the later cars were 7 speed dsg and this helped eek out slightly better mpg figures. Also think the car needs the side skirts fitting as it looks wrong without them ( looks like something is missing), did love the adaptive dampers, radar cruise and I thought that the build quality ( door rattles aside) was generally pretty good and the car was pretty damned rapid too, did find the interior tyre noise rather excessive though I must say ( even the fez is way better in that regard) Ended up swapping it for a mk8 fiesta st3 and whilst the fez is better in certain regards, I must admit I do find myself severely missing the superior build quality of the Leon and the much nicer ride (when the dampers were in comfort mode) as well as the dsg box - oh and the brakes cos the fiestas brakes are utter shite in comparison to the Leon’s! Would really like to swap the fez for an S3 but current prices mean it’s a non starter!
Just read your comment and do agree that the seats could be better. If I bought the car new I probably would have specced the optional bucket seats. But I haven’t found them uncomfortable, they’re just not massively supportive. As for rattles, I’ve got a really annoying one around the virtual cockpit - the plastic binnacle that runs around the warning lights needs some foam placing underneath it as it rattles over bumps and does my head in 😂 Other than that I’m loving it 👌🏻
@@CarFocused don’t think the bucket seats would be any better to be honest, when I was active on the forums I did put up a thread about the seats and it was generally accepted that the buckets had the same base as the regular seats - just with a different back, and (for me atleast) it’s the foams used in the seats that are just way too firm/stiff! My old LCR that had the old style leather buckets - they must have used much more supple foams in them as they were way more comfortable!
I own one of these and it's an amazing car. Does everything and the autobox in them is so easy for day to day driving. If you have never driven one give it a go, you will be suprised!
Recently got myself a cupra 290. Absolutely brilliant car, loads of kit on it being a lux model. Equivalent age, spec and mileage golf r would have been over 5 grand more than my cupra. Absolutely no worth it. Quicker off the mark but Ince you're moving the cupra is faster than an R. Yeah the interior quality isn't as good and the badge isn't a nice as a VW badge. But doesn't bother me at all. If anything I think the leon interior is ageing better than golf due to the better screen positioning, virtual cockpit and more square shape
Great video I love my cupra 300 2018 mystery blue 367 bhp stage 1 it's plenty fast enough for the uk lol but just as good pottering to the shops and back
Hi its a performance engineering stage 1 engine a tcu tune and I couldn't believe the difference lol mine was 305bhp from factory 367 now with just the map .nate has a few videos on RUclips performance engineering Cardiff check them out 👍
The 300 is the best of the Cupra's, they are loud stock, res deletes help make it louder, but if you do a lot of motorway miles, not recommended, with the 6 speed dsg box it drones like crazy at motorway speeds. i went from res delete to full 3" cat non res( with valves), so i now its loud when i want or quietish at motorway speeds
Good review Gary. What tyres are you running? Any coolant leaks? I heard the thermostats can wrap. What's the insurance like? When is the DSG service due? Thanks
Funny you saying no one buys them these and golf r are everywhere by me, but I've always had a soft for the cupra brand. The ibiza 1.9tdi cupra is a bit of a torque monster
Great video and fully agree. I only ever test drove one but it was a lot of fun I owned a MK2 FR (before it became a trim level) and that was a lot of fun and felt more alive over the Golf GTI Hope you get many years out of the 300
I like it. Badge snobbery I am guessing is why people don't purchase these. The interior quality seems to be like that on a Ford really. I wish the Ford performance models came with a DSG option.
Big fan of the channel! I was wondering you've driven the newer Cupra 290 with the 7 speed dsg and have any advice on which model to go for between the 300 and newer 290?
Congrats on 15k 🎉 Are you sure you haven't got a snapped spring on that side, making it sit lower? I feel your pain as ive been informed today i need a new diff on our VW 😢 Oh the joys... 😂😂
Oh sorry to hear that, there’s always something that needs money spending on it 😂 I did have a quick look at the spring and couldn’t see anything obvious but might jack up the rear and have a better look.
Sorry but I don't like the sound it makes but it's the same for a lot of the modern hot hatches.Dont know enough about the Seat so I don't know how real the sound is
Two years ownership of a Leon Cupra ST 4drive. 👍: Good performance as stock, great performance with stage 1 (0-60mph 3,9s, 1/4 mile 12,2s), great gearbox, great looks, good reliability, decent fuel economy 👎: VERY creaky interior on cooler weather (really annoying), road noise, rust beginning to appear here and there even though the car is only 5 years old
@@CarFocused Really minor in the rear wheel arches and on the boot lid (above the logo). Went for the dealer about this, but they didn't want none of it, since the rust warranty is only for 3 years. I live in Finland so there's a lot of salt used on the roads during winter time. 🤷♂️
Hello, great video. Seriously considering one of these as an upgrade from a MK7 Fiesta ST. What’s the main differences between the 300 & newer 290 if anyone knows? All I can seem to find is 10hp less but the 290 has a 7 speed gearbox. Overall which would be better to look at? Cheers in advance for any help, have a nice day all!
Hi mate, the 290 has a GPF, an upgraded digi dash, chrome Cupra badging and the 10 bhp deficit. The 290 is quieter than the 300 due the GPF too. I test drove a 290 before buying my 300 and there wasn’t much in it in terms of on the road pace, but it didn’t have the loud DSG crackles like my 300.
Couple of notable things I've seen is that the 300 is the face lift model of the mk3 e.g. fog lamps and EPB and tax of £165; whereas the 290 has no fogs, a handbrake and higher tax ~£220. Although I've seen an early 300 in the higher tax bracket (pre April 2017 model I guess). The 300 have some nicer metallic colours too, in my opinion.
@@granthammond804 the 300 turned into the 290 again in 2019 when new emission laws came in mate. However they continued branding the ST (estate) as a 300 until the mk3 was superseded.
I’d like to have a go in a Mk7.5 TCR, that could sway me…Mk8 Clubsport 45 is very good too! But then you have the Cupra R ABT which would no doubt be pretty awesome…
If you want to save even more go for the Polo Aw gti. I know its ''Only'' 200hp but! with a simple stage 1 tune. (mine has 257hp / 442nm. Ive done plenty of races with Leon Cupra 300's and they cant keep up. Before you go on saying ''Oh how is that possible'' you have to remember 300 is peak hp. compared to dynographs with stock leon cupra 300 the polo with a stage 1. has got more hp and nm already from 3k rpm to 5krpm ive done 201m races (1/8th mile) and rolling starts from 80km/h to around 160km/h and both times the cupra stood no chance
Dont get me wrong its an amazing car the leon cupra 300. and i wish the polo had the same sound from stock, but taking in consideration that here in Denmark, the polo is around 13.000 euros cheaper than the cupra the polo is a no brainer
Polo for me is too small, plus the reviews I’ve watched usually put it behind the likes of the Fiesta ST in terms of fun and playfulness. But no doubt it’ll be quick, seeing as it has the same EA888 engine as my Cupra 👌🏻 Sounds like you’ve saved yourself a decent amount of cash though and if it fits in with your lifestyle then good for you 😃
Given that both cars are a similar weight, I think the cupra drivers took it easy on you. My cousin has a polo gti with stripped out back seats running about 260hp and a cupra 290 walks all over it.
Given that both cars are a similar weight, I think the cupra drivers took it easy on you. My cousin has a polo gti with stripped out back seats running about 260hp and a cupra 290 walks all over it.
@@pokest225 nope not at all. It does pops only occasionally and at certain revs, pretty much on demand when you want and can be calmed down to pretty much nothing with normal mode. Certainly not on every gearchange or every throttle lift and wheb you want it to it sounds like a pop/bang rather than a squelching fart noise.
@@tracktimevideos5164 well the cupra also does not fart in normal mode with gentle throttle 😉. So pretty much the same. I tested the rs, and it farted every time I lifted the throttle in spirited drive in sport mode.
@@CarFocused the missing 2 rear doors are abit of a pain but like you said golf's are boring! 😂 scirocco is deffo spicier and will have slightly better interior build quality than a seat cupra. Suppose its got its own place 👍
@@adam.677 yea it kind of sits on its own in a way doesn’t it. Shame they discontinued them but maybe people weren’t buying enough of them. All the more reason to get one I guess!
@@CarFocused i think they are quite rare, I'd like one not gunna lie 😂 you can also get a 2.0 tsi, sure its the same engine as a golf gti. They are a little 207bhp bargain 😂
Seat is a cheaper version that does not mean that the playfulness of the car is not there. I will not want anything else than the cupra because the Golf or RS3 is simply 1000 of euros more expensive than the cupra.
Hard to compare now as I think I’d need another drive in one. It’s been a good while since I drove a standard Mk4 ST. I think as an all rounder the Cupra would edge it for me though.
They’re not all that snug to be fair. This is probably one of the weaker points of the car - the seats just aren’t as gripping as they could be. They are quite soft too so if you’re a bigger person I don’t think you’d feel penned in.
@@CarFocused Well its all down to personal opinion end of day, I live in a national park, all wheel drive is a requirement in the winter, spinning around in a Cupra or the BMW, not for me :)
@@CarFocused the seats also look cheap and nasty when parked next to a golf R and the dull to drive thing is the most clichéd load of nonsense going, i find it bizarre
@@orbytl2799 I drove both in quick succession and the R was just all too easy / sensible. Very fast, but no drama. Have you driven both? The Cupra just feels lighter, more lively and exciting to drive. Yes, the Golf has better interior.
Oh and it's looks are a matter of taste as in boring, boring, boring, I was trying to think of anything interesting to say about it but I can't, it's a grey cloud on a rainy day.
I’m getting the impression you don’t like it 😂 Fair enough, if we all liked the same things life itself would be pretty boring! But luckily for you, it’s me that owns it and not you so you don’t have to worry about having to be seen in it 😂 I think it’s great though 👌🏻
I can confirm this. 😄 I did the same swap. From mk2 st to mk3 cupra. St does sound better and is a little bit more spacious. Other than that, you can feel the evolution in every single department.
I've always driven fast Fords but never saw VAG hothatches as lesser cars in any way shape or form. Most people who call VAG cars boring have never driven one is my impression. Just because a Golf R doesn't rattle all your teeth out going over some bumps when compared to, for example, an MK3 RS, doesn't make it a boring car.
how can it be abit shit when its the exact same engine and most of the parts are VW. If anything iv seen better components from seat than VW with alot of things. Maybe your just a badge snob because what you said isnt logical.
Not even from VAG only. Anyone that makes this statement has not driven an MK8 R, which is an entirely different beast because of the gear ratios, new more rear-biased drivetrain, new turbo, new tune that even has been shown to beat 400hp+ cars (as seen here on YT). That said, it is insanely expensive. Disclaimer: no horse in this fight, own a mk2 RS, but a mate has an 8R.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
These are actually faster than the Golf R/ S3 once rolling. Same engine, but less weight and less drivetrain losses due to not having Haldex. Plus they all have DCC 😊
Yep - DCC standard on these is a massive bonus 👌🏻
Quicker round a track than Golf R/S3 too. Even the 280 is.
Great video as usual Gary and couldn’t agree more about the Cupra over the GTI, R and S3.
I too love my Fords and a manual gearbox (like my Fiesta ST180) and I’ve owned several VAG cars but I’m still open minded.
I’ve driven all of them and the Cupra is a great all rounder but also very entertaining and the DSG box is the best of it’s type.
If it puts a smile on your face even on a short drive that’s the essence of what makes a great hot hatch.
Keep up the good work mate. 👍🏻
Thank you Mark, and exactly that 😊
Bought my cupra 300 sc 2 weeks ago. Absolute love it. Rarer than a golf r and a s3. Not as fast off the line but who cares. It sounds better too and looks very subtle so it blends in nicely
Nice one! Glad you’re enjoying yours too 👌🏻👌🏻
the seat cupra is definitely not boring !!!
🙌🏼
i completely understand what your saying about being more engaging. I went from an Audi S1 and although the "4wd" is great for traction and the manual was entertaining at times, my current 290 Cupra is so much more fun and scary. In the wet, it spins all the way to 4th gear and that fear is amazing. It's actually a car that you can come home from a spirited drive shaking from adrenaline and it's amazing. Also surprising with the 7 speed DSG it returns on average 42.4mpg on my motorway commute so actually decent on fuel.
Summed it up nicely mate. FWD deffo makes the cars feel way more exciting to drive! The only way AWD cars deliver similar kinds of thrills is with the likes of the setup found in the Mk3 Focus RS. Unfortunately I only have the 6 speed DSG but high 30’s I’ve seen on longer runs so far.
Glad you’re enjoying yours though, they really are great cars. Intrigued to have a go in the Cupra ST to see what they’re like now…
I had an S1 a couple of years ago Lewis. Was bloody nippy but like you say, traction was effortless. A bit too clinical
@@simontaylor3211 yes mine was the same. Sometimes I do miss it as it was so underestimated but maintaince got way to expensive and tbh I think the engine was on the way as there was oil on the spark plugs.
@@lewisjones9338 yeah, it wasn't the cheapest car to run. It was the gearbox that was starting to go on mine so I got shot before it required a 2nd mortgage 🤦
Why would you want a worse car to feel fear?
that guy who commented to you need's to give his head a wobble lol, how the heck is it an "old mans car" crazy!!! anyway amazing video, love this car so much very lucky id love to have one
Thank you Mike! It is a great bit of kit 👌🏻
Same thought i would say a Golf was an old mans car without the GTi or R badge of course but a Leon only needs an FR badge to appeal to younger drivers.
@@robertebob3596 any leon is more appealing than a golf, althought i own an audi a4 avant but i prefer audi and seat over vw
@@2595220 Totally agree btw my son just traded his M135i for a Cupra 290 its an amazing car thats why i watched the video. He got the M135i after driving mine 5 years ago when he was thinking of a Golf R.
The key thing is value, cupra comes as you said with DCC where it is optioned on the golf.. I wonder whether there is a difference in characteristic with the ediff setup on the Cupra vs GTI.. also I think these cars will appreciate.. Vag have in someway diluted the cupra brand by separating it off as its own entity, you have smaller engines.. wider audience.. it should of been kept as a marquee for performance Seat cars only.
I do agree there. I’m not sure I like the whole Cupra only branding now. And I don’t like the bronze badges either 😁
Problem is a Golf R is around the same price.... and you get nicer interior, 4 wheel drive and more tuning potential. Seats are not much cheaper than VW anymore. The Gti is just overpriced but the R can be found for the same as Gti.
I did find that quite weird. Pricing is quite close these days. But I think the gti 7.5 looks the best along with the cupra
I enjoy the Focus RS videos, but I’m here for the Cupra.
One of the most underrated cars around. And whoever said they’re an old man’s car needs to give his head a wobble.
Great production as usual Gaz 👏
And I hear ya....as I've a Cupra 290 !
Out of my previous cars over the past few years.....Fiesta ST MP215....Audi TTS....FK8 Civic Type R.....BMW M140i....and Toyota GR Yaris.....the Cupra is the best of the bunch for me !!
It does everything.....and is as fun if not more fun than any of the above !
I bloody love it 😍 !! Loving DSG life and the ease of the day to day it brings! Tech is great.....and so much car for the money !! 💰 So underrated in my opinion ....its amazing 😉
Thanks Adam - your input is appreciated 😃👍🏻
My 69 plate 290 lease ended last month and I am now driving a 22 plate Leon 150bhp FR. I am longing for that Cupra all the time - what a car! The only thing that really worried me was the risk to my licence as it was just too tempting to use that firecracker of an engine. Sad times for me but I suppose we all have to grow up as some stage.
Ah that is sad times mate! But at least you had a good few years with it 👌🏻👌🏻
For any one interested in the noise. GPF models do get louder the more miles they get on them. My 2019 Cupra 290 is as loud as this and ive done nothing to it except do over double the milage in a year from 12.8k to 28k. I dont feel it needs the res delete and with the 7 dpeed DSG is does better as a daily than the 300.
Also the powers near enough the same, your not going to notice 10hp less or more and thats even if it actually returns less. They share the same engine, front diff and ECU, I bet the tunes near enough the same.
Edit: I agree about DSG manual! I find it engaging and you can also have the auto shifting mapped out.
my 300 dyno'd 312 stock, so i doubt the 290 are actually 290
I think the 300's have 380 Nm of torque compared to the 350Nm of the 290. In gear acceleration should be marginally quicker.
@@neilooo1998 same 380NM torque figures in both cars according to what I can find, evwn if there is that marginal difference, the 7 speed helps with different ratios and can be just as easily mapped back in.
Not much changed between the 280, the 300 and the 290 other than slight ECU adjustments to meet regs and then the switch from the 6 speed to the 7 speed DSG between the 300 and 290.
All share the same engine and ECU. Some ECUs have been found to be Golf R ones and even mapped higher as stated in the comment above mine.
Volkswizard RUclips Channel also documents his Cupra 280 dyno'd at 305Hp and had a golf R ECU.
Edit: spelling errors, I'm terrible at typing on my phone.
I have the ST version with the performance pack- Brembo, sideskirts and nice 19" rims. Those brakes are just amazing. It's nice with the extra space too. I did a res delete and now it sounds like it should do.
I bet that’s a great all round car 👌🏻
@@CarFocused very satisfied!
Bought a mk8 gti cs
Chopped in our mk3 RS
no regrets at all nearly 4 years on
Running 450bhp stage 2 and it’s ridiculous!
We have a Polo R-line with auto gearbox and I would love to compare it with the Ibiza FR just to see if it feels more fun to drive we chose the Polo because it seems it will hold its value better. I would definitely prefer this Leon to a Golf though I think I prefered the previous Leon though.
Looks a riot Gary. Glad you’re enjoying it. Don’t see many of them either which I think is always a plus
It sure is good fun mate but is also incredibly civilised when it needs to be 😃
I really enjoy the Cupra videos, I think I’m leaning towards one as my next car.
What are you driving now? Cupra is great mate I’m loving it 👌🏻
I’m driving an Astra K 1.6t 200bhp. It’s no world beater at all but it’s deceptively quick
I own a classic mk1 Seat Leon Cupra, which is real fun to drive. Yet this one looks great, and could be the daddy of Cupras!
I know the newer 290 comes with the more efficient/refined 7-speed but just on gpf alone, this is more tempting!
That’s what swayed me!
I own a cupra 300 fwd and with aftermarket parts and cpu tuning its a very nice looking fast car . And very good for daily stuff .
I just bought the cupra 300 4drive estate and it’s running 370bhp it’s very very quick, only thing is there is no noise which is a good thing in my opinion as it’s a proper sleeper
What year is the car? Mine is a 2018 and it sounds great 😃
@@CarFocused it’s a 68 plate
@@thatsbigdave ah yours will have the GPF - that’ll be why it’s not as loud.
@@CarFocused that’s what I thought but I have been told from seat that mine does not have the GPF and they did not come into place till march 2019 on the cupra ST so am 🫤
Great video, currently in the process of buying a cupra 300!
Nice one dude! Exciting times for you then 😃
somebody put out a video last month of the cupra 290 30-70 Vs golf r Mk7 30-70 and the cupra is noticeably quicker, however the golf does it off the line being awd, the only issue with the video is it doesn't actually put the cars together it just shows the sleedo increasing from their previous tests, they concluded the cupra is a more fun and 'faster' feeling car too
I used to own mk7 golf r manual now I own cupra 290 ez dsg the cupra in its own league its an animal you have to be driver to drive this beast
Interesting to here this coming from an ex R owner 👍🏻👍🏻
Had a cupra 300 myself, ended up getting rid as the seats caused me severe sciatic pain after a couple of hours driving and others I had in the car with me complained the seats gave them bad backs too, don’t know why so many modern cars have seat cushions that are so damn firm! Also found the seats to be very underwhelming in terms of support, had a previous generation cupra R and the full leather bucket seats in that were waaaaay better both in terms of being softer/more comfortable and more supportive. Also my car had terrible rattles in both front doors that the dealer wouldn’t/couldn’t fix which drive me crazy but I ended up stripping the door cards off myself and soon sorted the problem completely!
I personally didn’t think the fuel economy was that good ( mine had the 6 speed dsg), seem to think the later cars were 7 speed dsg and this helped eek out slightly better mpg figures. Also think the car needs the side skirts fitting as it looks wrong without them ( looks like something is missing), did love the adaptive dampers, radar cruise and I thought that the build quality ( door rattles aside) was generally pretty good and the car was pretty damned rapid too, did find the interior tyre noise rather excessive though I must say ( even the fez is way better in that regard)
Ended up swapping it for a mk8 fiesta st3 and whilst the fez is better in certain regards, I must admit I do find myself severely missing the superior build quality of the Leon and the much nicer ride (when the dampers were in comfort mode) as well as the dsg box - oh and the brakes cos the fiestas brakes are utter shite in comparison to the Leon’s!
Would really like to swap the fez for an S3 but current prices mean it’s a non starter!
Just read your comment and do agree that the seats could be better. If I bought the car new I probably would have specced the optional bucket seats. But I haven’t found them uncomfortable, they’re just not massively supportive. As for rattles, I’ve got a really annoying one around the virtual cockpit - the plastic binnacle that runs around the warning lights needs some foam placing underneath it as it rattles over bumps and does my head in 😂
Other than that I’m loving it 👌🏻
@@CarFocused don’t think the bucket seats would be any better to be honest, when I was active on the forums I did put up a thread about the seats and it was generally accepted that the buckets had the same base as the regular seats - just with a different back, and (for me atleast) it’s the foams used in the seats that are just way too firm/stiff! My old LCR that had the old style leather buckets - they must have used much more supple foams in them as they were way more comfortable!
I own one of these and it's an amazing car. Does everything and the autobox in them is so easy for day to day driving. If you have never driven one give it a go, you will be suprised!
You know it mate 👌🏻
Recently got myself a cupra 290. Absolutely brilliant car, loads of kit on it being a lux model. Equivalent age, spec and mileage golf r would have been over 5 grand more than my cupra. Absolutely no worth it. Quicker off the mark but Ince you're moving the cupra is faster than an R. Yeah the interior quality isn't as good and the badge isn't a nice as a VW badge. But doesn't bother me at all. If anything I think the leon interior is ageing better than golf due to the better screen positioning, virtual cockpit and more square shape
It seems that most people that buy this cars love them! Underrated, and need to be experienced to be appreciated 😊
If anything its more of a young mans car than a old mans car, as its more affordable..
Great video I love my cupra 300 2018 mystery blue 367 bhp stage 1 it's plenty fast enough for the uk lol but just as good pottering to the shops and back
Good to hear mate! What map do you have?
Hi its a performance engineering stage 1 engine a tcu tune and I couldn't believe the difference lol mine was 305bhp from factory 367 now with just the map .nate has a few videos on RUclips performance engineering Cardiff check them out 👍
The 300 is the best of the Cupra's, they are loud stock, res deletes help make it louder, but if you do a lot of motorway miles, not recommended, with the 6 speed dsg box it drones like crazy at motorway speeds.
i went from res delete to full 3" cat non res( with valves), so i now its loud when i want or quietish at motorway speeds
To be honest mate I’m happy with the standard system, seems to tick all the boxes and it isn’t overly loud and doesn’t drone 👌🏻
Can you link me the exhaust system you got?
@@Obito_RL it's from tony banks in Leeds
Golf = dull. I’m with you on which I’d pick.
I think you’d enjoy this car Keith 👍🏻
@@CarFocused I think I would.
Good review Gary. What tyres are you running? Any coolant leaks? I heard the thermostats can wrap.
What's the insurance like?
When is the DSG service due?
Thanks
Funny you saying no one buys them these and golf r are everywhere by me, but I've always had a soft for the cupra brand.
The ibiza 1.9tdi cupra is a bit of a torque monster
I really loved this review Gary. It told us everything I wana know
Thank you, glad you found it useful!
Great video and fully agree. I only ever test drove one but it was a lot of fun
I owned a MK2 FR (before it became a trim level) and that was a lot of fun and felt more alive over the Golf GTI
Hope you get many years out of the 300
Thank you mate. No reason to let this go anytime soon 😃
I like it. Badge snobbery I am guessing is why people don't purchase these. The interior quality seems to be like that on a Ford really. I wish the Ford performance models came with a DSG option.
Yea Ford are lacking a decent dual clutch gearbox on their hatches aren’t they. Did the Focus ST auto ever get released in the end?
@@CarFocused Yes a MK4 Focus ST auto was released but it was a conventional auto with paddles, no where near the best gearbox to use.
have you had 5 people in your seat leon cupra so far
Big fan of the channel! I was wondering you've driven the newer Cupra 290 with the 7 speed dsg and have any advice on which model to go for between the 300 and newer 290?
I drive a 290 before mine but preferred mine only due to the extra noise 😂 The 7th gear on the 290 is handy though. Not much in it really!
@@CarFocused the 300 definitely sounds so much more exciting! 😂 Out of interest, what sort of mpg do you get on a motorway drive?
@@Thomasmoney96 I did 129 miles recently on a trip including a mixture of A & B roads and got 38.8
@@CarFocused that's really impressive! Thanks for the replies and the info, much appreciated!
Congrats on 15k 🎉 Are you sure you haven't got a snapped spring on that side, making it sit lower? I feel your pain as ive been informed today i need a new diff on our VW 😢 Oh the joys... 😂😂
Oh sorry to hear that, there’s always something that needs money spending on it 😂 I did have a quick look at the spring and couldn’t see anything obvious but might jack up the rear and have a better look.
Great review as always no biased opinions, but I do agree it's a nice bit of kit
Hi Gary love the vids - do they all come with digital dash?
I believe it became a standard feature on the 300’s in 2018 👍🏻
Thinking man's hot hatch
Sorry but I don't like the sound it makes but it's the same for a lot of the modern hot hatches.Dont know enough about the Seat so I don't know how real the sound is
Fuel economy what's it like?
How does this compare to a 2015 Rs3? Can't beat the sound of 5 pot. About 10k more as well. Lot more to run a rs3.
I haven’t driven one - but I’ve heard they’re prone to the classic Audi understeer….
what MPG do you get on these for a motorway/ long distance drive?
what is the kw reading of the onboard kw meter?
Two years ownership of a Leon Cupra ST 4drive.
👍: Good performance as stock, great performance with stage 1 (0-60mph 3,9s, 1/4 mile 12,2s), great gearbox, great looks, good reliability, decent fuel economy
👎: VERY creaky interior on cooler weather (really annoying), road noise, rust beginning to appear here and there even though the car is only 5 years old
Where are you getting the rust mate?
@@CarFocused Really minor in the rear wheel arches and on the boot lid (above the logo). Went for the dealer about this, but they didn't want none of it, since the rust warranty is only for 3 years. I live in Finland so there's a lot of salt used on the roads during winter time. 🤷♂️
Hello, great video. Seriously considering one of these as an upgrade from a MK7 Fiesta ST. What’s the main differences between the 300 & newer 290 if anyone knows? All I can seem to find is 10hp less but the 290 has a 7 speed gearbox. Overall which would be better to look at?
Cheers in advance for any help, have a nice day all!
Hi mate, the 290 has a GPF, an upgraded digi dash, chrome Cupra badging and the 10 bhp deficit. The 290 is quieter than the 300 due the GPF too. I test drove a 290 before buying my 300 and there wasn’t much in it in terms of on the road pace, but it didn’t have the loud DSG crackles like my 300.
Couple of notable things I've seen is that the 300 is the face lift model of the mk3 e.g. fog lamps and EPB and tax of £165; whereas the 290 has no fogs, a handbrake and higher tax ~£220. Although I've seen an early 300 in the higher tax bracket (pre April 2017 model I guess). The 300 have some nicer metallic colours too, in my opinion.
@@granthammond804 the 300 turned into the 290 again in 2019 when new emission laws came in mate. However they continued branding the ST (estate) as a 300 until the mk3 was superseded.
@@CarFocused Oh right, the DSG only Lux model. Forgot about that one. And now I see I misread the original question 🙂
Out of interest, if you took value out of the equation (within reason), which of the VAG cars you mentioned would you go for?
I’d like to have a go in a Mk7.5 TCR, that could sway me…Mk8 Clubsport 45 is very good too! But then you have the Cupra R ABT which would no doubt be pretty awesome…
Great video and great car, I have a mk 3.5 same colour, mapped to 370, stunning performance and great fun, keep the vids coming for me.
Thanks Paul. Would you recommend mapping? It’s pretty rapid out of the box!
@@CarFocused defo recommend, just gets better.
Do all of the Leon 290 have the gpf filter or is after a certain year for example after 2020?
Post 2019 cars - I believe the addition of the GPF took the car to 290PS hence the name change again from 300 to 290.
If you want to save even more go for the Polo Aw gti. I know its ''Only'' 200hp but! with a simple stage 1 tune. (mine has 257hp / 442nm. Ive done plenty of races with Leon Cupra 300's and they cant keep up.
Before you go on saying ''Oh how is that possible'' you have to remember 300 is peak hp. compared to dynographs with stock leon cupra 300 the polo with a stage 1. has got more hp and nm already from 3k rpm to 5krpm
ive done 201m races (1/8th mile) and rolling starts from 80km/h to around 160km/h and both times the cupra stood no chance
Dont get me wrong its an amazing car the leon cupra 300. and i wish the polo had the same sound from stock, but taking in consideration that here in Denmark, the polo is around 13.000 euros cheaper than the cupra the polo is a no brainer
Polo for me is too small, plus the reviews I’ve watched usually put it behind the likes of the Fiesta ST in terms of fun and playfulness. But no doubt it’ll be quick, seeing as it has the same EA888 engine as my Cupra 👌🏻 Sounds like you’ve saved yourself a decent amount of cash though and if it fits in with your lifestyle then good for you 😃
Given that both cars are a similar weight, I think the cupra drivers took it easy on you. My cousin has a polo gti with stripped out back seats running about 260hp and a cupra 290 walks all over it.
Given that both cars are a similar weight, I think the cupra drivers took it easy on you. My cousin has a polo gti with stripped out back seats running about 260hp and a cupra 290 walks all over it.
bro your coping there no way your beating cupra's. Was they even racing...
Looks alot better then a GTI and faster also.
Amazing review
I just can't get on with the noise of those gearshifts. Decent car though.
Just fuel exploding mate 😁
@@CarFocused just sounds horrid and is an unnecessary fart on every gearshift
@@tracktimevideos5164 just as the rs when you lift the throttle 🤷♂️
@@pokest225 nope not at all. It does pops only occasionally and at certain revs, pretty much on demand when you want and can be calmed down to pretty much nothing with normal mode. Certainly not on every gearchange or every throttle lift and wheb you want it to it sounds like a pop/bang rather than a squelching fart noise.
@@tracktimevideos5164 well the cupra also does not fart in normal mode with gentle throttle 😉. So pretty much the same. I tested the rs, and it farted every time I lifted the throttle in spirited drive in sport mode.
Its a sick car 😂 what you recon about the scirocco r ? That seems to be the closest to me being the same engine and power and also front wheel drive 🤔
Haven’t driven one actually! But it won’t be quite as practical as the likes of the Golf etc…
@@CarFocused the missing 2 rear doors are abit of a pain but like you said golf's are boring! 😂 scirocco is deffo spicier and will have slightly better interior build quality than a seat cupra. Suppose its got its own place 👍
@@adam.677 yea it kind of sits on its own in a way doesn’t it. Shame they discontinued them but maybe people weren’t buying enough of them. All the more reason to get one I guess!
It’s also the older engine not the new gen ea888 engine in the cupra R and S3
@@CarFocused i think they are quite rare, I'd like one not gunna lie 😂 you can also get a 2.0 tsi, sure its the same engine as a golf gti. They are a little 207bhp bargain 😂
Love my 290 dsg black edition
👌🏻👌🏻
have you driven a mk4 seat leon 2020 onwards
I have, it felt a bit ‘generic’ though. Would be good to have another go now though as I didn’t own my 300 at the time.
Seat is a cheaper version that does not mean that the playfulness of the car is not there. I will not want anything else than the cupra because the Golf or RS3 is simply 1000 of euros more expensive than the cupra.
Totally!
How on earth did he come to the conclusion this is an old mans car 😂
Love your ford content but nothing wrong with this car great hot hatch 👍
Thanks mate - always good to be open minded 😃
How would you compare it to a Focus ST mk4?
Hard to compare now as I think I’d need another drive in one. It’s been a good while since I drove a standard Mk4 ST. I think as an all rounder the Cupra would edge it for me though.
Your a narrow guy and them seats look a snug fit would a wider bigger guy find them tight?
They’re not all that snug to be fair. This is probably one of the weaker points of the car - the seats just aren’t as gripping as they could be. They are quite soft too so if you’re a bigger person I don’t think you’d feel penned in.
I’ve got the gpf model you get zero noise from these cars 😢
That’s a shame - GPF is a proper noise killer! Get it deleted 😁
My GPF model got louder the more I drove it. But i do like 12k miles a year and did over 15k the year I got it.
They are nice but id much rather have the Golf R or Audi S3.
They’re just dull to drive mate! The R I drove the other week was mega fast but it was all too easy! Depends what you want it got I guess.
@@CarFocused Well its all down to personal opinion end of day, I live in a national park, all wheel drive is a requirement in the winter, spinning around in a Cupra or the BMW, not for me :)
@@cmdrjinxo7846 well that makes sense! Sounds like the Cupra ST (AWD estate version of mine) would be the one for you 😁
@@CarFocused the seats also look cheap and nasty when parked next to a golf R
and the dull to drive thing is the most clichéd load of nonsense going, i find it bizarre
@@orbytl2799 I drove both in quick succession and the R was just all too easy / sensible. Very fast, but no drama. Have you driven both? The Cupra just feels lighter, more lively and exciting to drive. Yes, the Golf has better interior.
Great vid mate 🙌😎
You haven’t watched it already it’s not possible 😂
@@CarFocused haha I know your vids are always on point so gave you good vibes in advance. Have watched fully and it was indeed a great vid lol 😅
Looks a great fun fast car 🚗👍👍
It really is mate 👍🏻👍🏻
The cupra from a roll is quicker than the gti, r and S3.
Haven’t tried it personally but I’ve heard it’s faster 👍🏻
Oh and it's looks are a matter of taste as in boring, boring, boring, I was trying to think of anything interesting to say about it but I can't, it's a grey cloud on a rainy day.
I’m getting the impression you don’t like it 😂 Fair enough, if we all liked the same things life itself would be pretty boring! But luckily for you, it’s me that owns it and not you so you don’t have to worry about having to be seen in it 😂 I think it’s great though 👌🏻
Think you should consider buying one haha
Bet the ST seems like a dinosaur compared to the Cupra?
Haha yea it is! The RS still feels good though 👌🏻👌🏻
I can confirm this. 😄 I did the same swap. From mk2 st to mk3 cupra. St does sound better and is a little bit more spacious. Other than that, you can feel the evolution in every single department.
Council estate chav special car.
Twoccers delight. Copyright Ramraiders. How many non-thrashed, non-crashed, non cloned of these cars are there?
What’s up with a council estate? I grew up on one, turned out ok 😁 Can’t all be born into wealth 👍🏻
Condescending toff😊
The best no, more fun yes
How anyone can put their nose up at another car because of a brand is very close minded especially when a car is praised soo much
Some people are very stuck in their ways mate. Shame!
@@CarFocused their loss mate!
I've always driven fast Fords but never saw VAG hothatches as lesser cars in any way shape or form. Most people who call VAG cars boring have never driven one is my impression. Just because a Golf R doesn't rattle all your teeth out going over some bumps when compared to, for example, an MK3 RS, doesn't make it a boring car.
Agree 100%
very good xx
Love the look of the Cupra more.The golf is so boring.I have this in mystery blue and the interior is nice.The golf seats look,old man seats
I think it is enough brakes are good.
Great car, seats are a bit shit though t x
how can it be abit shit when its the exact same engine and most of the parts are VW. If anything iv seen better components from seat than VW with alot of things. Maybe your just a badge snob because what you said isnt logical.
I have cupra 19" and its NOT the best hot hatch for sure 😅
Which hot hatch from the VAG range offers you more for similar money?😁
@@CarFocused I mean from every hot hstches. From vag's that might be true 😄
Not even from VAG only. Anyone that makes this statement has not driven an MK8 R, which is an entirely different beast because of the gear ratios, new more rear-biased drivetrain, new turbo, new tune that even has been shown to beat 400hp+ cars (as seen here on YT). That said, it is insanely expensive. Disclaimer: no horse in this fight, own a mk2 RS, but a mate has an 8R.
@@ZenzDeluxecupra will still slap it in a roll. your coping.
Pop and bang
You loved it!😂
You know i hate it u was impressed with my old banger thou
@@deanrapp3815 the fact it’s still working after all your messing about with it is impressive to be fair 😂👌🏻
Lol goes well even hit 90 on way home
@@deanrapp3815 😂 good effort haha
U talk too much, you don 't show the car enough.