What We Like
Insane amounts of power
More affordable than the Golf GTI
Great soundtrack
Low profile styling
What We Dislike
Interior isn't as refined as the GTI
Some would argue that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is all you'll ever need. That may be true but its more powerful yet lower priced Spanish cousin - the Seat Leon Cupra - has the German hot hatch in its crosshairs.
If the Cupra sounds alien to you, think of it as a detuned front-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R.
Edge of your seat
Due to its relationship with its German parent company, the Cupra shares the same MQB platform, EA888 engine and other componentry with the GTI.
However, Seat has somehow managed to squeeze a whopping 290 horses out of the Cupra. This, along with 350Nm of torque, propels the Spanish hot hatch off the line and up to 100km/h in a blistering 5.7 seconds.
Put your foot down and the rev-happy Cupra just goes. It revels in the upper end of the rev range, with peak power available from 5,900rpm to 6,400rpm and peak torque from 1,700rpm to 5,800rpm.
As expected, the six-speed DSG's lightning quick shifting allows your focus to be placed elsewhere like on braking and throttle control, especially around corners.
Controlled chaos
Calling the Cupra fast is an understatement, evident through its 0-100km/h time and top speed of 250km/h. All this power is a recipe for disaster if it can't be modulated, though.
If the Cupra sounds alien to you, think of it as a detuned front-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R.
Edge of your seat
Due to its relationship with its German parent company, the Cupra shares the same MQB platform, EA888 engine and other componentry with the GTI.
However, Seat has somehow managed to squeeze a whopping 290 horses out of the Cupra. This, along with 350Nm of torque, propels the Spanish hot hatch off the line and up to 100km/h in a blistering 5.7 seconds.
Put your foot down and the rev-happy Cupra just goes. It revels in the upper end of the rev range, with peak power available from 5,900rpm to 6,400rpm and peak torque from 1,700rpm to 5,800rpm.
As expected, the six-speed DSG's lightning quick shifting allows your focus to be placed elsewhere like on braking and throttle control, especially around corners.
Controlled chaos
Calling the Cupra fast is an understatement, evident through its 0-100km/h time and top speed of 250km/h. All this power is a recipe for disaster if it can't be modulated, though.
Seat's solution? A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) lock, which comes standard, in the front axle. The front-axle differential lock puts more power to the wheel with more grip, improving traction and minimising torque steer.
Steering, although light, is quick and precise. Point the Cupra into a corner and it obeys with nary a complaint. The LSD works its magic even through the tightest of bends and helps to slingshot the Cupra out of corners.
Flip of a switch
All this, of course, works best in either Sport or Cupra mode where everything tightens up; providing a stiffer and more rabid drive. Drive modes are accessible via a button displaying a flag icon, which is located on the centre console.
Besides throttle response and steering adjustments, the Cupra also allows for personalised suspension settings, thanks to its parent company's Dynamic Chassis Control - which comes standard.
This means that once you're done ripping up tarmac, the Cupra's Comfort mode makes for a quiet and relaxing ride around town.
Steering, although light, is quick and precise. Point the Cupra into a corner and it obeys with nary a complaint. The LSD works its magic even through the tightest of bends and helps to slingshot the Cupra out of corners.
Flip of a switch
All this, of course, works best in either Sport or Cupra mode where everything tightens up; providing a stiffer and more rabid drive. Drive modes are accessible via a button displaying a flag icon, which is located on the centre console.
Besides throttle response and steering adjustments, the Cupra also allows for personalised suspension settings, thanks to its parent company's Dynamic Chassis Control - which comes standard.
This means that once you're done ripping up tarmac, the Cupra's Comfort mode makes for a quiet and relaxing ride around town.
The Cupra may not be as souped up on the inside as the GTI but it is still easy to live with. It also boasts the same 380-litre boot as its cousin.
In addition to that, we managed to get a 9.5km/L fuel consumption figure on average, which is pretty decent considering we weren't gentle on the throttle at all.
Ditching the 'boy racer' image
The Cupra has gotten rid of the 'boy racer' image typically associated with hot hatches and instead gone for a more grown-up vibe.
That's not to say it looks boring. On the contrary, sharp lines accentuate a sleeker, sportier looking stance while maintaining an air of maturity.
Subtleties extend into the cabin as well, with neutral-coloured Alcantara covering two sport seats in the front and a rear bench capable of accommodating three adults in relative comfort.
Refinement is not quite on par with its German rival but the Cupra's soft touch materials aren't too shabby either.
In addition to that, we managed to get a 9.5km/L fuel consumption figure on average, which is pretty decent considering we weren't gentle on the throttle at all.
Ditching the 'boy racer' image
The Cupra has gotten rid of the 'boy racer' image typically associated with hot hatches and instead gone for a more grown-up vibe.
That's not to say it looks boring. On the contrary, sharp lines accentuate a sleeker, sportier looking stance while maintaining an air of maturity.
Subtleties extend into the cabin as well, with neutral-coloured Alcantara covering two sport seats in the front and a rear bench capable of accommodating three adults in relative comfort.
Refinement is not quite on par with its German rival but the Cupra's soft touch materials aren't too shabby either.
A 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits level with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and is angled slightly towards the driver, allowing for quick glances at a built-in digital boost gauge.
Loco-motor
The Golf GTI is a favourite hot hatch among many petrolheads and it's not hard to see why. It has managed to find a balance between performance and liveability.
Its more brutal Spanish cousin, however, has ever so slightly tilted that balance towards the more rabid, beastly side without compromising on daily driveability.
What we can't wrap our heads around, though, is the Cupra's attractive and affordable price tag. While it's peers are forced to be priced higher, the variant with a sunroof still costs about $15,000 less than the GTI. At $163,500 (as of 25th May 2017), the Seat Leon Cupra is indeed a car worth taking a look.
Loco-motor
The Golf GTI is a favourite hot hatch among many petrolheads and it's not hard to see why. It has managed to find a balance between performance and liveability.
Its more brutal Spanish cousin, however, has ever so slightly tilted that balance towards the more rabid, beastly side without compromising on daily driveability.
What we can't wrap our heads around, though, is the Cupra's attractive and affordable price tag. While it's peers are forced to be priced higher, the variant with a sunroof still costs about $15,000 less than the GTI. At $163,500 (as of 25th May 2017), the Seat Leon Cupra is indeed a car worth taking a look.
