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Cupra 290 vs Cupra 300?

Damo H

Remind me, what's an indicator?
Staff member
Moderator
Oct 3, 2012
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Not all cupra 300 are 7 speed dsg. Some are still the dq250 6 speed transmission.

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300 are 6 speed and later 290 are the 7 speed

To try and clear this up (as its hard unless you're a nerd like me)

Hatchback:
Pre-facelift - 280 and 290 all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

Pre WLTP changes:
Facelift 300 are all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

Post WLTP changes:
Facelift 290 are all 7 speed DSG WLTP emission cars with GPF/PPF.

All "Copperised" Facelifts are 7 speed 290s. There are a very few early none copper cars too, and will have 68 plates. But a 68 plate is no guarantee (mines a 68 plate but not a WLTP car), however the none copper cars changed their 300 badge in red to a black 290 badge like the pre facelift.


The estate is what causes the confusion :

Estate:
Pre-facelift - 280 and 290 all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

This is where it gets confusing:

Pre WLTP changes:
Facelift 300 are all 6 speed, DSG or manual. But the UK Only got the DSG with 4drive. Europe you could still get the FWD DSG

Post WLTP changes:
Facelift 300s with copper all 7 speed DSG 4Drives. Not sure why but the estate was able to pass emissions with the 4drive at the higher 300 output.
In Europe you could also get a 290 Estate in DSG FWD.



Worth noting that the WLTP cars got the better virtual cockpit with central rev counter. But they lose port injection and have a much quieter exhaust due to the GPF/PPF. The estate doesn't have a resonator you can remove to make it louder either.


Hope that's clear haha as its clear as mud lol
 
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matthab

Active Member
Jun 16, 2010
840
29
West Midlands
To try and clear this up (as its hard unless you're a nerd like me)

Hatchback:
Pre-facelift - 280 and 290 all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

Pre WLTP changes:
Facelift 300 are all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

Post WLTP changes:
Facelift 290 are all 7 speed DSG WLTP emission cars with GPF/PPF.

All "Copperised" Facelifts are 7 speed 290s. There are a very few early none copper cars too, and will have 68 plates. But a 68 plate is no guarantee (mines a 68 plate but not a WLTP car), however the none copper cars changed their 300 badge in red to a black 290 badge like the pre facelift.


The estate is what causes the confusion :

Estate:
Pre-facelift - 280 and 290 all 6 speed, DSG or manual.

This is where it gets confusing:

Pre WLTP changes:
Facelift 300 are all 6 speed, DSG or manual. But the UK Only got the DSG with 4drive. Europe you could still get the FWD DSG

Post WLTP changes:
Facelift 300s with copper all 7 speed DSG 4Drives. Not sure why but the estate was able to pass emissions with the 4drive at the higher 300 output.
In Europe you could also get a 290 Estate in DSG FWD.



Worth noting that the WLTP cars got the better virtual cockpit with central rev counter. But they lose port injection and have a much quieter exhaust due to the GPF/PPF. The estate doesn't have a resonator you can remove to make it louder either.


Hope that's clear haha as its clear as mud lol
Well that's very clear... Thanks for clearing that up. o_O:D
 
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Lmbarrett83

Active Member
Sep 8, 2017
1,538
619
Sheffield
I had a 280 manual. I think it was a black line or similar. Very nice for my first cupra.

Upgraded to a 2019 cupra dsg. Apart from the additional 2 doors everything else was a improvement.

The upgraded dash in the 3.5 and infotainment system make the cabin feel higher quality.

The mk3 had 2 options for interior lighting white and red. The 300 and later additions had additional colour options.

The exhaust sound on the DSG has more character than the manual as a result of the upshift fart and overrun pops (if you like that sort of thing)
The mk3 and 3.5 cabins are a little dated now but the panroof makes a large difference to the interior.

Performance wise I felt very little difference between the two.

If you can get a car with the upgraded sound pack I.e seat sound or beats audio it's worth it.
 
Last edited:
Nov 8, 2021
5
0
SEAT sound pack is definitely worth it if possible.

Are they reliable at 40k miles? Mine has just failed at second MOT at 40k miles with front shocks leaking (and rears on their way out).
VW and Seat forum post suggest this is fairly common issue.

The bucket seats with the white trim crack and tear after a few years.

Paint quality isn't great.
 
Mar 6, 2024
1
0
Hi people,

I would like to know if this one is a 300 or 290 HP Cupra.

Thanks in advance,

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