Which to buy? 2018 or 2019 Cupra.

[The-Cupra]

So im in the market to buy a Seat Leon Cupra. I would like a model with the virtual cockpit. So that would mean a 2018 model and above. However, i would also like to stage 1 map the car in my ownership. This leads to my questions and options.

Option 1 :-

2018 Cupra built before Sept 2018
Direct Injection + Multi Port Injection (which means less carbon build up on the valves)
6 speed DSG (DQ250)
Pre-GPF

Questions regarding option 1 :- Does having no GPF make that much difference in terms of tuning stage 1. If so how much we talking. 20bhp gain over a GPF model? Iv seen people claim figures can be similar and others claim there not. Other people state even if figures turn out to be similar the "real world" on the street the non GPF models are faster.

Option 2 :-

2019 Cupra
Direct Injection but no MPI (meaning carbon buildup on the valves due to no valve wash, resulting in carbon and maybe walnut blasting in my ownership?)
7 speed DSG DQ381
Has the GPF

Questions regarding option 2:- Is it worth getting the 7 speed DSG over the 6 speed DSG. Will it make a difference in fuel economy with motorway driving? If so what we talking? Is it worth trading off 20bhp on a stage 1 over this newer box. Does the newer box matter that much and does the GPF "real world" slow the car down that much.

-------------------------------------

I would like to do the least amount of work for the most amount of power and keep the car a sleeper, as that appeals to me. Iv seen people pre-GPF getting 380 BHP on stage 1 remap but with the GPF models iv seen people getting only 350bhp max. Yet some tuning companys mention them together as if there is no difference. Cant really find any info and the true figures of each. Yet they do make sure to specify "GPF" in the title of every map. So what gives?

I guess my overall question is, is the 7 speed box worth it over a potential loss in tuning power and speed. Will the MPI loss be an issue too or nothing to worry about? I know i can always delete the GPF but then there is the MOT bs and mapping it out etc. I know the 6 speed box is tried and tested. However the 7 speed does appeal to me with its overdrive gear. Is it worth it.

Also is there any other differences i dont know about between these models that could sway which way i go?

Thanks

 

[serdar_18fr]

So im in the market to buy a Seat Leon Cupra. I would like a model with the virtual cockpit. So that would mean a 2018 model and above. However, i would also like to stage 1 map the car in my ownership. This leads to my questions and options.

Leaving the performance-related questions to current or past Cupra owners, just wanted to point out something about the virtual cockpit, just because you specifically said you want it.

Leons built until 31.07.2018 have the first version of virtual cockpit. After that production breakpoint date, factory started to use the revised version of it with an A letter at the end of the part number. This revised version has extra views and some improvements over the first one. So before buying, you might want to check the build date of the car or check the instrument cluster if it is the revised one. In one of the views available, dials have a squared off look, this could give you a hint.

 

[The-Cupra]

Leaving the performance-related questions to current or past Cupra owners, just wanted to point out something about the virtual cockpit, just because you specifically said you want it.

Leons built until 31.07.2018 have the first version of virtual cockpit. After that production breakpoint date, factory started to use the revised version of it with an A letter at the end of the part number. This revised version has extra views and some improvements over the first one. So before buying, you might want to check the build date of the car or check the instrument cluster if it is the revised one. In one of the views available, dials have a squared off look, this could give you a hint.

Thank you, i did see this in a post earlier.

Is the revision that big of a deal in the sense of improvement to go out my way to find a 2018 within a 2 month build bracket? All factors considered it might be hard to find the one i want and ill have to take a hit somewhere. I really want one with heated seats too but iv been looking and it seems to be a rare option.

Unless the cockpit revision is a major difference it might be one of them things ill have to take a hit on.

Cheers for responding. Hopefully someone can shed some light on the 6 speed vs 7 speed and performance concerns and sway me one way or another.

 

[serdar_18fr]

Thank you, i did see this in a post earlier.

Is the revision that big of a deal in the sense of improvement to go out my way to find a 2018 within a 2 month build bracket? All factors considered it might be hard to find the one i want and ill have to take a hit somewhere. I really want one with heated seats too but iv been looking and it seems to be a rare option.

Unless the cockpit revision is a major difference it might be one of them things ill have to take a hit on.

Cheers for responding. Hopefully someone can shed some light on the 6 speed vs 7 speed and performance concerns and sway me one way or another.

In one of my earlier posts, I wrote about the additions & changes I noticed after replacing my original virtual cockpit with the Rev A.
Here's the link to that post:

what did you and your mk3 leon do today

Fitted my replacement fan style heated washer jets, such a huge improvement. While I was under there I got a few fresh engine bay snaps too! 😍

www.seatcupra.net

 

[The-Cupra]

In one of my earlier posts, I wrote about the additions & changes I noticed after replacing my original virtual cockpit with the Rev A.
Here's the link to that post:

what did you and your mk3 leon do today

Fitted my replacement fan style heated washer jets, such a huge improvement. While I was under there I got a few fresh engine bay snaps too! 😍

www.seatcupra.net

Thank you!!!

 

[The-Cupra]

Anyone out there can help me with the options? Id like to hear you guys opinions. Cheers

 

[TripleBob]

The GPF/non GPF is imo largely irrelevant unless you are hunting massive power.
Revo or racingline both do 400hp kits for either setup. If you want more than that you need the pre-GPF, Revo’s stage 3 500hp kit is only for non GPF cars.

Make sure you service regularly (oil and filters) when running those power levels and either is largely considered bulletproof.

Given the number of 7spd Golf Rs running big power the gearbox choice is just personal preference

Also with the best will in the world a Cupra will never be a sleeper - the stance/double or quad exhaust/cupra badges are a dead give away

 

[The-Cupra]

The GPF/non GPF is imo largely irrelevant unless you are hunting massive power.
Revo or racingline both do 400hp kits for either setup. If you want more than that you need the pre-GPF, Revo’s stage 3 500hp kit is only for non GPF cars.

Make sure you service regularly (oil and filters) when running those power levels and either is largely considered bulletproof.

Given the number of 7spd Golf Rs running big power the gearbox choice is just personal preference

Also with the best will in the world a Cupra will never be a sleeper - the stance/double or quad exhaust/cupra badges are a dead give away

With the whole GPF thing it seems there is about 30bhp difference on a stage 1. The issue when removing the GPF comes with MOT's etc and what happens if your caught. Even if i get a dodgy MOT there is still other ways they can get you on it and fine you etc. Much less hassle for it to be gone in the first place. However i dont know its worth trading off the new 7 speed box as at 70 mph in 7th gear compared to the 6 speed box in 6th there is 800rpm difference

So some more fuel economy not to mention, extra torque it can take and its ment to be smoother if thats something one would like. Also a 80k service interval over a 40k interval.

Thanks for the advice and yeah i do my oil changes every 4000 miles myself on all my modified cars. So im good in that department Ill also be doing a DSG service which ever one i decide to go with. Also always let things get upto temp before getting on it and let it cool down too.

i have to disagree on the never be a sleeper thing. I think the car looks very plain and non sporty. The exhausts the only thing that give it a hint it could be something sporty. My mother and misses was in the car other day, i pointed one out, mentioning how this is the next car i might get. They said ohh you wouldn't have a clue that's a fast car. They proceeded to say you wouldnt notice if it drove by and i agreed. I think only someone into there cars would know what it is... otherwise it looks like a regular car imho... however this really appeals to me. As i believe tuned on a roll they can really pull on some fast much more expensive cars. Coming from a Megane RS MK4 Trophy R & a Focus RS Mk3 it is alot different in the looks department. Iv never owned a DSG or even an auto so this will be a new one for me.

 

[TripleBob]

Fair, I guess as a Seat fan I just expect them to be fast as hell
I’d take the loss in bhp for the GPF cars with a pinch of salt - it’s very engine dependent. Mate of mine has a mk7.5 Golf R with GPF - fitted an r600 intake and turbo muffler delete and took it for a custom map, made just over 370bhp on the rolling road

I’m pretty sure blindfolded in a mapped GPF back to back with a non GPF it’d be impossible to tell the difference. Regarding the DSG - the 7spd seems to be better at handling higher torque amounts than the dq250 6spd, and is better on fuel - so not any disadvantages to the newer unit IMO

Personally, unless I was after more than 400hp, I’d be getting the newer car with better gearing, improved virtual cockpit etc. You can get similar gains to the non GPF car without making the car illegal (GPF delete)

 

[The-Cupra]

Fair, I guess as a Seat fan I just expect them to be fast as hell
I’d take the loss in bhp for the GPF cars with a pinch of salt - it’s very engine dependent. Mate of mine has a mk7.5 Golf R with GPF - fitted an r600 intake and turbo muffler delete and took it for a custom map, made just over 370bhp on the rolling road

I’m pretty sure blindfolded in a mapped GPF back to back with a non GPF it’d be impossible to tell the difference. Regarding the DSG - the 7spd seems to be better at handling higher torque amounts than the dq250 6spd, and is better on fuel - so not any disadvantages to the newer unit IMO

Personally, unless I was after more than 400hp, I’d be getting the newer car with better gearing, improved virtual cockpit etc. You can get similar gains to the non GPF car without making the car illegal (GPF delete)

Very much appreciated mate. You dont by any chance know who your friend got his mapped by do you? Id be happy with 370 with an intake and turbo muffler delete.

Yeah i figured its not worth getting a non GPF model with all the extra stuff you get on the 2019 model. I think iv made my choice then. Its just finding a good example. Alot of the ones im seeing are modified and even though ill be modifying it myself, im bias and think that it will be some young lad who has had it on finance has hammered it and not serviced it proper etc.

So now its just taking a chance and getting a good one. Iv never heard of a turbo muffler delete before though, ill have to look into that one!

 

[TripleBob]

He had his mapped at the same place that did my 184 tdi: More-BHP in Crewe. Great guys and extremely knowledgeable. They’re primarily BMW specialists, but also do loads of VAG stuff.

Get all your planned supporting mods done first, then give them a shout for a custom rolling road session. They’ll do the DSG limits for torque and thermals at the same time

They save your custom map too, and can vouch from experience they don’t charge anything to restore the map if your local dealer very unhelpfully ‘updates’ your car (in my case) to the crappy dieselgate software

MoreBHP petrol and diesel engine tuning, Custom ECU remap software for ultimate performance.

MoreBHP engine remapping uses a custom ECU remap for your diesel or petrol engine which delivers better performance. Engine tuning with ECU chipping for diesel and petrol engines.

www.more-bhp.com

 

[The-Cupra]

He had his mapped at the same place that did my 184 tdi: More-BHP in Crewe. Great guys and extremely knowledgeable. They’re primarily BMW specialists, but also do loads of VAG stuff.

Get all your planned supporting mods done first, then give them a shout for a custom rolling road session. They’ll do the DSG limits for torque and thermals at the same time

They save your custom map too, and can vouch from experience they don’t charge anything to restore the map if your local dealer very unhelpfully ‘updates’ your car (in my case) to the crappy dieselgate software

MoreBHP petrol and diesel engine tuning, Custom ECU remap software for ultimate performance.

MoreBHP engine remapping uses a custom ECU remap for your diesel or petrol engine which delivers better performance. Engine tuning with ECU chipping for diesel and petrol engines.

www.more-bhp.com

Cheers, my misses has the audi tt s-line 184 bhp tdi so same engine. What power figures did you get from your map? She is intrested as she wants hers mapped. Its stock though no mods. What can she expect in terms of figure gains?

 

[TripleBob]

Full thread here - https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/leon-fr-184-tdi-remap-dyno-more-bhp.466105/

But TLDR: approx 230bhp/500nm

 

[The-Cupra]

Leaving the performance-related questions to current or past Cupra owners, just wanted to point out something about the virtual cockpit, just because you specifically said you want it.

Leons built until 31.07.2018 have the first version of virtual cockpit. After that production breakpoint date, factory started to use the revised version of it with an A letter at the end of the part number. This revised version has extra views and some improvements over the first one. So before buying, you might want to check the build date of the car or check the instrument cluster if it is the revised one. In one of the views available, dials have a squared off look, this could give you a hint.

If i was to get a 2019 that would mean 100 percent i get the newer style virtual cockpit? Rev A?

 

[serdar_18fr]

If i was to get a 2019 that would mean 100 percent i get the newer style virtual cockpit? Rev A?

I know a lot of car factories use end of July/start of August as the model year switch date and the parts catalog shows 31.07.2018 as the last use date of the non-revised part so I believe it is safe to assume that all 2019s should have the new one. (Edit: If they were specified with the VC option of course. In certain markets it might be a standard feature for Cupras, and it might not in others.)

Sent from my 23013PC75G using Tapatalk

 

[The-Cupra]

Im in the UK manchester. So 2019 seems to be a safe bet? and thanks mate really helps.

 

[serdar_18fr]

Im in the UK manchester. So 2019 seems to be a safe bet? and thanks mate really helps.

I'd ask the seller for the build date or better ask for photos of different views in VC. The view with a singular central tachometer dial would confirm it is Rev A.

Sent from my 23013PC75G using Tapatalk

 

[redone]

my two penneth; get the pre gpf. Easier to get cockpit or w/e changed. Get a black ed or spec up.