CUPRA R Estate 2.0 TSI 300 4Drive DSG

[julezmc1977]

Hi everyone

Im having a midlife crisis! Looking to change my car and I’m really liking this car. However, I travel for work and that involves motorway use. As this vehicle has a negative camber I wondered if anyone could share their personal experience regarding mpg on a long run (sensible drive) and also the impact on tyres due to the camber.

Anymadvice regarding this car would be appreciated .

Thanks

Julian

 

[black_sheep]

Welcome to the Crisis Club!

The negative camber is not excessive, albeit it was reduced very slightly for the 300 FL version vs Pre-FL. I wore out the original Continental SP5 tyres in c.7000 miles, but this was due to the suspension geometry being out of spec. Since spending £80 on laser 4 wheel alignment and switching to Michelin PS4S tyres I have completed 14000 miles of driving (frequently spirited), and there is still 3-4 mm tread left, so tyre wear is not an issue.

If you nurse the car on a long run and stick to a constant speed of 60-70 mph then low to mid 30s mpg is possible, with low to mid 20s for normal driving - this is with Super UL fuel.

 

[julezmc1977]

Welcome to the Crisis Club!

The negative camber is not excessive, albeit it was reduced very slightly for the 300 FL version vs Pre-FL. I wore out the original Continental SP5 tyres in c.7000 miles, but this was due to the suspension geometry being out of spec. Since spending £80 on laser 4 wheel alignment and switching to Michelin PS4S tyres I have completed 14000 miles of driving (frequently spirited), and there is still 3-4 mm tread left, so tyre wear is not an issue.

If you nurse the car on a long run and stick to a constant speed of 60-70 mph then low to mid 30s mpg is possible, with low to mid 20s for normal driving - this is with Super UL fuel.

Thanks, that’s really useful. In honesty I asked this question of the dealership this morning and was told that swapping the tyres back to front with turning them also help.

With a sensible run 30 - 35 mpg how comfortable is the cockpit. With sports suspension I wonder how much you feel the road underneath those wheels. Or, is it surprisingly smooth?

The one I am looking at is not tuned by ABT and doesn’t have a panoramic roof. But it’s on delivery miles still, so the best example left.

Thanks for your help.

 

[black_sheep]

Ok - so you are after the R-ST. Mine is the standard version - the R-ST has slightly higher negative Camber.

The Cupras have the DCC suspension - its surprisingly compliant in ‘comfort’ mode - softer than my old FR. Obviously in sport/Cupra modes the suspension is stiffer.

In terms of wheel rotation, I would question this... yes, it’s considered good practice; however, this is no longer completed during a a dealer service. Might want to ask the sales person why not?

I would also argue that all sports suspensions set ups will generally scrub the inner edge of the tyres, at both the front and the back, so swapping the tyre positions will not help this - the tyres would have to be physically removed from the rims, rebalanced etc. At c.£10-20 per wheel to do this, just accept that a sports suspension will wear quicker, but the benefits are the car is more stable and will put a smile on your face.

 

[Damo H]

Well I run -2.5 degrees camber at the front and -2.0 on the rear of my Carbon Edition. My driving is mainly motorway miles, and currently on 19,000 miles with current tyres (PS4S). Yes its clear the inner edge has worn more than the outer edge, BUT not excessively so. If I got chance to push the car more (rather than motorway miles) it would be more even. I'm just about getting to the point I'm considering changing the fronts.

I know some other R ST owners have had issues with tyres, but ALL of these issues have been the result of incorrect toe alignment NOT the camber. So it looks like however they're set from factory, the toe may not be being set correctly.

For me when I got the alignment for the adjusted suspension (lowering springs and the front camber plates) I went with stock 4drive, and then the rear camber at the rear to match the R ST. My front fixed camber plates have an extra -0.5degrees (or 30 seconds if you prefer).

 

[julezmc1977]

Well I run -2.5 degrees camber at the front and -2.0 on the rear of my Carbon Edition. My driving is mainly motorway miles, and currently on 19,000 miles with current tyres (PS4S). Yes its clear the inner edge has worn more than the outer edge, BUT not excessively so. If I got chance to push the car more (rather than motorway miles) it would be more even. I'm just about getting to the point I'm considering changing the fronts.

I know some other R ST owners have had issues with tyres, but ALL of these issues have been the result of incorrect toe alignment NOT the camber. So it looks like however they're set from factory, the toe may not be being set correctly.

For me when I got the alignment for the adjusted suspension (lowering springs and the front camber plates) I went with stock 4drive, and then the rear camber at the rear to match the R ST. My front fixed camber plates have an extra -0.5degrees (or 30 seconds if you prefer).

Thats really useful. I guess I’m looking for some reassurance as I am seeing this as a great option. However it’s crucial the maintenance (tyres in particular) is reasonable. I had an Alpha 159 that used to eat tyres, but if I could get to 14000 I would be happy.

Its a hard decision, as my 3 vehicles were S4 TDI (expensive extra Tax as over 40k new) 330d Xdrive. Both the latter better on fuel due to the Diesel engine, but maybe not as much fun. Also, they don’t look as evil ?

 

[Damo H]

Thats really useful. I guess I’m looking for some reassurance as I am seeing this as a great option. However it’s crucial the maintenance (tyres in particular) is reasonable. I had an Alpha 159 that used to eat tyres, but if I could get to 14000 I would be happy.

Its a hard decision, as my 3 vehicles were S4 TDI (expensive extra Tax as over 40k new) 330d Xdrive. Both the latter better on fuel due to the Diesel engine, but maybe not as much fun. Also, they don’t look as evil ?

Well my Michelin's have held up really well. However, not everyone swaps their tyres on a brand new car like I did.

 

[CupraGeezer]

Thats really useful. I guess I’m looking for some reassurance as I am seeing this as a great option. However it’s crucial the maintenance (tyres in particular) is reasonable. I had an Alpha 159 that used to eat tyres, but if I could get to 14000 I would be happy.

You should get 14,000 miles out of Michelin PS4S and, possibly, Goodyear Supersport. On Continentals or Pirellis, forget it.

 

[Slickric21]

Had an R ST ABT since June 2019.

It does 35-45mpg on long runs depending on speed and conditions.
Surprising frugal in Comfort or in particular Eco mode

Ive only done 6k miles on it and still on original Conti tyres with about at least 5mm tread on them, slightly more wear on inner edge due to camber, but not excessive, no issues really. Had them rotated at last service by Seat main dealer.

 

[julezmc1977]

Had an R ST ABT since June 2019.

It does 35-45mpg on long runs depending on speed and conditions.

Ive only some 6k miles on it and still on original Conti tyres with about at least 5mm tread on them, nice even wear, no issues. Had them rotated at last service.

Ok, so that makes a difference again. I would really happy with 35-38 on a sensible motorway run. How comfortable is it on that type of journey? The one I am looking at isn't ABT, but I would like to get that done. Also, no pan roof. But, I had issues with my VW, so not to fussed.

Looks like it’s possible to get 14000 on tyres too. Despite the camber, which is great.

 

[black_sheep]

If you want an ABT version, buy an ABT version, or get the dealer to sort if possible as still on delivery miles.

It’s a £2k retrofit otherwise.

 

[julezmc1977]

If you want an ABT version, buy an ABT version, or get the dealer to sort if possible as still on delivery miles.

It’s a £2k retrofit otherwise.

There was one ABT with a pan roof, but as I was about to purchase it went. I asked about fitting the ABT with the dealer but they said it had to be fitted at factory ? I think it was a £500 option with tuning but only from a video on YouTube. The other thing is warranty. Retrofit voids that, soi would be taking a gamble I guess.

 

[black_sheep]

There was one ABT with a pan roof, but as I was about to purchase it went. I asked about fitting the ABT with the dealer but they said it had to be fitted at factory ? I think it was a £500 option with tuning but only from a video on YouTube. The other thing is warranty. Retrofit voids that, soi would be taking a gamble I guess.

I think that the ABT had to be ordered from new, but not sure if it was an after-sales fit to get around the WLTP regulations.

The warranty is a strange one as those fitted as part of this arrangement are covered by manufacturers warranty. I was originally hoping that the ABT partnership would be similar to the Volvo/Polestar arrangement. However, the high installation cost with the ABT is probably due to the warranty that is provided.

In addition quite a few ABT owners have complained that the unit doesn’t achieve the performance gains quoted.

There is more info here:

ABT Tuning in the UK

There is lots of talk about remaps and modifications going on at the minute, and I was particularly interested in ABT's products and how their warranty worked in the UK. Below is an extract of e-mail which explains a little more about how things work in the UK for ABT tuning systems.. Before...

www.vwaudiforum.co.uk

 

[Sarah]

I was interested in the one at Preston Seat at £30k that was still for sale the other day. They couldn't match another dealer on my part ex (it was a 5 month old a4 avant so I wanted as much as possible back for it) so I bought the standard 300 st from a different dealer. Bit annoying as they've reduced it twice since he said he couldn't budge on price. I'm sure it was the Preston dealer that said they could add the ABT power boost but it would be £2k rather than £500 when ordering new.

 

[julezmc1977]

I think that the ABT had to be ordered from new, but not sure if it was an after-sales fit to get around the WLTP regulations.

The warranty is a strange one as those fitted as part of this arrangement are covered by manufacturers warranty. I was originally hoping that the ABT partnership would be similar to the Volvo/Polestar arrangement. However, the high installation cost with the ABT is probably due to the warranty that is provided.

In addition quite a few ABT owners have complained that the unit doesn’t achieve the performance gains quoted.

There is more info here:

ABT Tuning in the UK

There is lots of talk about remaps and modifications going on at the minute, and I was particularly interested in ABT's products and how their warranty worked in the UK. Below is an extract of e-mail which explains a little more about how things work in the UK for ABT tuning systems.. Before...

www.vwaudiforum.co.uk

Thanks for this. I am just wondering how much difference it makes. I have not seen a review without the ABT and all the reviews with are great. Shame the dealership didn’t get it fitted. They are asking £34800 no pan roof no ABT but on delivery miles. I could get an Audi S4 TDI for the same money, It’s not an easy decision.

 

[Slickric21]

It’s very comfortable in a long journey, the seats and the suspension/DCC in comfort mode are very comfortable.

Based on what you have said it seems a lot of money what they are asking.

I got an ABT with Panoroof for circa £36k brand new in June 2019 which was one of, if not the first on the road back then.

oh and No issues with the sunroof here at all.

 

[julezmc1977]

That’s what I thought, the 2019 ABT with pan roof and 3000miles went for £29,500. But, the Letchworth Seat have 2 with delivery miles no pan, no ABT both 35k.

The Audi S4 is the other option but more on Tax better on fuel.....not as unique.

 

[Sarah]

I tried to buy one from Letchworth a couple of weeks ago, (estate 300 lux Oct19 with 16 miles) so over a year old. They weren't going to service it even though it was over a year old, worst part ex price I was offered, no tax, they weren't happy that I couldn't visit them (im in East Yorkshire) and eventually came back with a £350 delivery charge. I've bought over 30 cars and never had a dealer so disinterested. When the salesman I had been trying to deal with was off, I got a rude one who said he would ring back but I knew he wouldn't when he said it.
Ended up buying a non lux estate 300 from B&H motors Cumbria. Much better part ex price, serviced it, even though it was newer than the other dealer, taxed it and delivery was £100 and I got cash back on my part ex 2020 a4 to put back into my savings. They were a lot keener to make a sale, as were other Seat dealers in Cornwall and Southampton. I'm in East Yorkshire but they were all keen to do a deal and deliver except one dealer. If I buy another, which would be the Cupra brand now, I'd stick with B&H.

 

[julezmc1977]

So, I have a good offer on the table....or at least reasonable. No pan roof no ABT, so stock model.

Anything else negative anyone can advise on? Or positive for that matter.

thanks

 

[Damo H]

So, I have a good offer on the table....or at least reasonable. No pan roof no ABT, so stock model.

Anything else negative anyone can advise on? Or positive for that matter.

thanks

If you really wanted the extra power of the ABT, may I suggest a Revo tune from Progressive Parts. Will take it to a reliable 370, as opposed to the not so accurate 350 (more like 320 for a lap) of the ABT