SEAT Leon Cupra Mk2 Review: Unsung Hero? [Throwback Review]
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- SEAT Leon Cupra Mk2 Review: Unsung Hero? [Throwback Review]
Hello guys, welcome back to Car Obsession, and welcome to my 'Throwback Review' of the SEAT Leon Cupra Mk2, a car I believe is an unsung hero in the hot hatch world. This generation Leon Cupra is often forgotten about, even though it's based on the same platform as the Mk5 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a car that won many plaudits when it first came out and is still highly regard even to this day.
The Cupra on the other hand, seems to have been left in the shadow cast by its VAG sibling even though it has more power, a larger turbochager and beefier brakes. It's even more powerful than the special edition Golf GTI, the Edition 30 - albeit by 10hp. The Cupra may have more divisive styling, and a cheaper interior, but should that enough to put you off?
Powering the Leon Cupra is a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 240hp with 300Nm of torque, which is fed to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox (UK versions had no DSG option). 0-62 is dealt with 6.4 seconds, and the top speed is 153mph. Believe it or not, but the pre-facelift version did not get a limited slip diff despite the amount grunt going through the front wheels, but the facelifted version did get a torque vectoring system called 'XDS'.
When car was originally sold back in 2007, the Cupra would have cost £19,595, and included feature such as Cupra styling, 18" alloys, lowered ride height, bi xenon headlights, sports seats, cruise control, dual zone climate control, FM radio, CD player and aux connection.
Site: carobsession.co.uk
Twitter: / carobsessionuk
Instagram: / carobsessionuk
Facebook: / carobsessionuk
CHECK OUT CAR OBSESSION MERCH: ctrlandshift.c...
Music Credit:
Music by DJ GONZ - Every Little Beat - thmatc.co/?l=3...
#ThrowbackReview #SEATLeonCupra #SEATLeonCupraMk2
NOTE: I just need to correct something I said about Walter De Silva; I claimed he had designed the original Audi TT, when in fact it was actually the Mk2, which sadly isn't as good looking in my opinion...
If I'm rightly informed, Walter da Silva also designed the Audi A5 which (in my opinion) is one of the prettiest Coupés of the past 20 years.
@@MisterSifter81 Yes, I believe he designed the first generation. Thanks for watching.
Production value has stepped up a notch. Well done
Thanks mate!
I had a 56 plate 1.9TDI Stylance, from new, for four years with loads of extras, sunroof, bluetooth, heated seats, larger alloys etc. Loved the styling, still do and loved the car.
Hi Paul, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.
this is the first time I notice that line in 13 years!
An understated hot hatch. If it wasn't for the large alloys you'd think it's a normal Leon. From the side view it looks like a MPV. I've been in a Mk5 golf GTi. And I found the ride firm but never uncomfortable, partly due to the supportive seats in these VAG cars.
Nice car, i think it looks good as when it was made 13-14yrs ago style wasn't too bad for that era. The interior is very functional and simplistic and I actually like that in a car. This car will be reliable and will keep going for years to come. Good choice.
Thanks mate!
Liking the driving gloves, back to the 60's, really intended for the large thin steering wheels of the era when the grip was very smooth and slippery.
Great video you nailed it😀
Thanks Chris!
Great video!! Enjoyed it
Thank you very much!
1st time I’ve seen your channel and I’m liking it. Sub 👍
Thank you very much Karl!
Thank you ! Looking forward to seeing your channel grow and what content comes with.
Hi Mate, great video! Ive been looking at mk1 Cupra R and mk2 FR 2.0 TFSI... Which do you think would be a better buy? Both similar-ish price and insurance so having owned both (sort of) what would you say?
Hi Ethan, thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. As it happens, I recently owned a Mk1 Cupra R and I filmed a comparison with my Mk2, which can be found here: ruclips.net/video/LnkraqixC4g/видео.html. As much as I like the Mk1, personally I think you're probably better off with the Mk2.
It's more modern, more refined, parts availability is better as well. Certain parts are extremely difficult to get for the Mk1 due to its age whereas I've had no such issues with the Mk2. I hope this helps.
The interior is minimalistic and indeed a bit cheap. Still feels better than a KIA but far behind a BMW. The good thing about the cheap interior is, that it's robust. The material still looks good after several years of heavy usage in my MK2. I tried the Mk3 and Mk4 in the meanwhile and besides of lots of new extras, when it comes down to the core (driving, seat comfort, sound deadening etc.) I didn't notice any difference in quality. This was way different with other brands: every time a new mazda 3 was released, it looked a more modern and overall quality improved as well.
Hi Goran, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.
Good choice as it is my case, you don’t like to drive everybody’s car. Those who bought this car in the past , didn’t want to have the same as the Jonesses ( who bought a Golf). As you said, it was a bit in the shadow of the VW which got much publicity.
I hope Patsy looks forward to be driven around .
I love the English countryside on your videos.
Underrated
Agreed! Thanks for watching.
Nice review I think the looks are ok but facelift is better especially rear lights. A lot of performance for the money and good daily so it's a good choice. Anyone you got in mind for a remap r tech are best for this engine? How's the ride quality compare to the Ibiza? My friends Leon felt much better than my Ibiza?
Yeah, the facelift definitely looks better, it looks sharper, a bit more modern, although there are certain parts of the interior I prefer on the pre facelift. Annoyingly, I came across a really nice facelift a few days ago that would have been in budget, but the mileage was higher, and the advert was far from descriptive... I still think this example was a good choice, though 👍Thanks for watching.
Edit: Sorry, I forgot to answer you other questions. A few people have recommended R Tech but it's a bit far for me, and AmD Tuning offer half price remaps when an exhaust is bought, and I wanted an exhaust so it made more sense. I know R Tech are really good, but I thought is it really worth going the extra distance when AmD Tuning will also offer a good service? Regarding the ride, yes, it's noticeably better than the Ibiza!
Car Obsession amd are meant to be pretty good far as I'm aware I know they tune race cars and have been mapping cars for many years. R tech are the best but you will get a good map from a reputable tuner like amd
I like the styling! Even better in BTCC form. The interior looks a bit dated. Why do the rear lights always look dim on these though?
Probably because the rear lights aren't on? 🤔😂Seriously, though, I'm not too sure what you're getting at. Thanks for watching.
@@CarObsession on all the MK2 Leon's I've been behind, the circular led rear lights always look very dim, either on one side or both.
You never mentioned the price how much did you get it for ?
Apologies! From memory it was around £6,400. Thanks for watching.
I also own ep3. Considering buying cupra. Thoughts?
Hi there, thanks for watching. They're two different driving experiences so I suppose it boils down to what you want from a hot hatch. The EP3 IS the better driver's car, but you have to thrash it to get the most out of it. The Cupra has more power and it's easier to exploit that power thanks to the turbo. Do I regret my choice? No.
I like it hope you enjoy it :)
Thanks Jason!
I've shared the video on a Leon group
Ah, thanks pal! I was thinking about doing that myself, but I don't like to spam groups with my videos.
Nice car - weird design style :)
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment!
I agree about the line down the side. But otherwise I like the styling. you obviously do like the car though. :)
Thanks for watching David!
If you don't want the car, I'll have it off you 🙈😂👍🏼
Alright, it's yours for £10,000 😂
@@CarObsession 🙈