Following on from RATTLEDUSER's post, the 280 won best hot hatch...
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the 2014 Auto Express City Car of the Year, with the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Golf GTI commended
Hot hatch fans have never had it so good, with almost every manufacturer offering a fun and feisty pocket rocket. So a car that takes the honours in this category has to be extremely special indeed – and the SEAT Leon Cupra fits the bill perfectly.
What makes the sleek Spanish flyer such a hot hatch hit? For starters it’s fast, with a muscular 276bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine firing it from 0-62mph in just five seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. A clever sound generator delivers a rorty exhaust note to match.
But it’s the Cupra’s class in corners that really stands out. The steering is quick and well weighted, the standard adaptive dampers provide iron-fisted body control and there’s limpet-like grip. Further boosting the car’s agility is a clever electronically controlled limited-slip differential which helps neutralise understeer in fast bends and boost traction out of tight turns.
SEAT Leon Cupra SC 280 Performance Pack - seats
The dazzling dynamics are further enhanced by upgraded brakes that serve up eye-popping stopping power, as well as the slick and precise six-speed manual box included as standard. SEAT offers a rapid-fire DSG twin-clutch transmission as an optional extra.
Just as importantly, the Cupra is equally accomplished as a versatile family car, because underneath the racy looks and blistering performance is a standard Leon. That means a choice of rakish three-door SC and practical five-door bodystyles, plenty of equipment and excellent refinement. On top of all that, the standard adaptive dampers can deliver a supple and relaxing ride at the touch of a button.
But as with all the best pocket rockets, the Cupra delivers these thrills without emptying your wallet. Not only does it undercut less potent rivals on price, it won’t cost the earth to run, either, thanks to 149g/km emissions and 44.1mpg claimed economy. Fast, fun, frugal and family friendly, it’s a real hit.
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the 2014 Auto Express City Car of the Year, with the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Golf GTI commended
Hot hatch fans have never had it so good, with almost every manufacturer offering a fun and feisty pocket rocket. So a car that takes the honours in this category has to be extremely special indeed – and the SEAT Leon Cupra fits the bill perfectly.
What makes the sleek Spanish flyer such a hot hatch hit? For starters it’s fast, with a muscular 276bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine firing it from 0-62mph in just five seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. A clever sound generator delivers a rorty exhaust note to match.
But it’s the Cupra’s class in corners that really stands out. The steering is quick and well weighted, the standard adaptive dampers provide iron-fisted body control and there’s limpet-like grip. Further boosting the car’s agility is a clever electronically controlled limited-slip differential which helps neutralise understeer in fast bends and boost traction out of tight turns.
SEAT Leon Cupra SC 280 Performance Pack - seats
The dazzling dynamics are further enhanced by upgraded brakes that serve up eye-popping stopping power, as well as the slick and precise six-speed manual box included as standard. SEAT offers a rapid-fire DSG twin-clutch transmission as an optional extra.
Just as importantly, the Cupra is equally accomplished as a versatile family car, because underneath the racy looks and blistering performance is a standard Leon. That means a choice of rakish three-door SC and practical five-door bodystyles, plenty of equipment and excellent refinement. On top of all that, the standard adaptive dampers can deliver a supple and relaxing ride at the touch of a button.
But as with all the best pocket rockets, the Cupra delivers these thrills without emptying your wallet. Not only does it undercut less potent rivals on price, it won’t cost the earth to run, either, thanks to 149g/km emissions and 44.1mpg claimed economy. Fast, fun, frugal and family friendly, it’s a real hit.
