Id put the Cupra in the same sort of bracket as the VXR personally. They are both aimed at the younger market.
As to whether or not keep the VXR or swap for the cupra i think id just keep the VXR tbh. it'd be a different choice if i was in the market for one of them but currently had neither.
Performance wise. Ignoring what you read on the VXR forums, the cupra
IS faster. Especially when mapped. The VXR guys (there have been a few visit here and briskoda) initially implied they would annihalate 1.4TSIs, until we provided 1/4 mile
proof which they couldnt get near, so now they seem to obsess that after 100mph they would drive off, but put simply, the cupra has a higher top speed as standard, its lighter, has MUCH more torque, has MUCH faster gear changes and every single video on youtube i have seen of cupra vs VXR has resulted in the VXR losing, so i think thats carp as well.
The EVO group test proved this. The POlo has the same engine as the cupra, and despite having the least power was almost the quickest overall (took the Minis 210Hp to beat it)
Tuning. Gains are similar across the stages, so i think performance will stay consistent with each other. The VXR has been out alot longer so has a more established tuning base. The 1.4TSI hasnt been out sol long yet and in the UK stage 2 has been the furthest anyone has gone, until me and hurdy have our hybrids mapped in the next 2 weeks.
Reliability. This is an unknown for me. The 1.4TSI isnt exactly famed for being bullet proof. Its an extremely technical engine with alot to go wrong matched to a gearbox of equal complexity. The VXR is a much simpler setup, although from what i gather they were prone to melting pistons due to injectors as well, so who knows.
Build quality/aftersales Probably not much difference tbh, seat IMO put alot of time into the exterior and look smart but dont put the same effort inside. Seat dealerships are not famed for aftersales service, its the biggest reason why i would never buy one.
In summary
by the Fabia