This Cupra has been run against Golf R twice on track and won both times. Thanks to being lighter and having less understeer, it gets around faster than Golf R. Seat seems to have done a great job on that chassis.
As an European subscriber it's really awesome to have this European side kick. Don't need to subscribe local channels anymore. Your channel brings the best of both continents. And it's always great to have a place to discuss our opinions with Americans Coz even with cars we have such a different culture. Ignoring die hard fans of one culture or the other who discuss about "your cars sucks the most", the main focus of my healthy debates with Americans been always about design. European cars always look weird. "They look like lizards" or "they look like they were cut in half" thing are the most common statements I hear. It's always a great time discussing about cars. I think the main difference here in Europe, we have way more options.
We've wanted to cover cars we can't get for some time now, so we're thrilled to have Tom on the team. Thanks for your thoughts and we're glad you're liking this addition!
+krbcrwlr not that I want to advertise other channels specially when being good is so relative. But suddenly I remember the car throttle. A bit different from this one, but he manages to make videos others can't. Like racing the stig on top gear test track, interviewing people from other car shows like Ed China (Dealears wheelers) and some fun facts videos about cars. But also because in a lot of is videos there's people from other car channels talking in is video so it also may get you to others channels you may like
+EverydayDriver You shoulv review some cheap cars you dont get in the US (you dont actually get true cheap cars ). Take a Dacia Sandero (6K), a Ford Ka (7k) or a Seat Ibiza (8k) to give a few examples. In their very basic trims you may be surprised of how much can give you a little money and 60hp.
This is easily the best review of the Cupra I've seen; the European reviewer (Thomas?) is such an enthusiast it made this video such a pleasure to watch! I hope he reviews more cars!
I’ve just ordered Cupra 290. Came down to cars in this price bracket, Golf GTI 245, BMW 125i Shadow Edition. Complete no brainer. I’ve owned Seat Leon 1.8 FR DSG for last 4 years and enjoyed every year. Definitely the best looking car especially in white with a black panoramic roof. Side Skirts just set it off.
Very cool - love the European perspective. Not even the big guys like motor trend bring an outside view like this. Good god, we need more hot hatches in the US!
We're excited to show of interesting cars no matter where they are from. It's exciting to add Tom to the team, and we're glad to know you're enjoying it as well. Thanks for watching!
Couldn't agree more. Hot hatches just aren't big here in the US anymore which is sad. I'd love to be able to test drive an A45 AMG but now car manufacturers seem to be simply raising up hot hatches a few dozen millimeters and selling them as "sum compact CUV's". To keep the MB line, thats what the GLA is: A slightly longer and raised up A series...
love, Love, LOVE this dude. He tells it as it is and speaks from the heart with such eloquence. He needs his own show, like, now. Fantastisch review! Good find EDD!
Great review. I've been driving a GT86 (aka FR-S) modified with e85, exhaust and Tein flex A as a (everyday driver's) daily, unfortunately I needed a larger car and found it hard to find a replacement as it's still by far the best affordable drivers car I know. This car but in manual and estate form does a very good job in doing what can't be done really. MBQ are relatively light cars and corner exit speed is phenomenal with the diff. Engine is a gem and very refined in daily use, but still bites all the way to the redline. What it looses in final driver engagement to a real sports car, it compensates with daily refinement, huge load space and sheer pace. Mines debadged and grey, and surpises quite a few unpatient tailgaiters that want to overtake once the road clears but find the object to be overtaken suddenly far removed in front of them ;)
Really enjoying these! I have a mk2 Seat Leon FR (so basically the previous generation Golf GTI from Seat), and I absolutely love it. It was much cheaper to buy, but I think it looks 10 times better than a Golf. Keep up the good work guys, I really enjoy the channel!
Guys, love Tom's review style. Had an Oettinger Seat Ibiza Cupra R back in 2000, when I lived in the UK (it was way cheaper and had better performance, than the Golf Gti and R even back then); really interesting to see what Seat are doing now. Can't wait for the Peugeot review (had a 205 Gti 1.9 1996-2000). Thanks so much
Awesome guys, this is now my European frontrunner. Don’t think this came up in my episode but, its cool that I can still kind of get your review. Hopefully next year I can make it to Pilgrimage.
Great video guys! That is a pretty sweet looking car! I am also really enjoying watching your reviews from your newest edition to the Everyday Driver team. Keep up the good work.
Excellent video guys. Tom kept me smiling the entire video and the final part where you 3 talk about the car is an awesome idea, keep it like this for the rest of the videos. The car looks interesting and fast. To see the "spanish character" you just need to play with the chassis and realize that its more alive than the golf. Keep em coming!!
The very very best cupra review I’ve ever seen bar none🙏🏻, you truly captured everything the car is! I’ve got a brand new 70 plate 290 and it is awesome. Really informative cheers.🤙
Nice addition to the team, great video Tom, I love your passion! Can we get your perspective on the Focus RS anytime soon? I've been running my Fiesta ST for the last three years and am toying with the idea of a Focus RS next...my heart says do it, my head says carry on enjoying the ST. Heart is winning though...give me a nudge?!
wow... great review... so much insight... missing in so many other reviews... would love for you to have a set test track and compare settings around the same corners and particularly compare feel of cars.
Excellent video - lots of information, good editing, but delivery of the comedic lines, the part about the Ring for example was laugh out loud funny and true. More of the same.
As an recent Cupra ST 280 owner I can not do anything other than agree and love this emotional review :) And I also think that the 2bar/kg of boost is with the atmospheric pressure, meaning it is on 1 bar of overboost :) A45 pushes 1,9bar of boost on a 2lit and produces 360(?)hp. Cheers!
Tolles Fahrbericht! While I agree that the DSG is amazing at what it does (and modifiable via software flash as well), I would still choose the manual over it. There's something to be said about being able to row you're own gears, and as you've noticed the DSG interferes in ways that it shouldn't. To me it makes you feel like more of a spectator than an active participant in driving the car. Track times be damned, I for one like to take part in the experience of driving the machine, and not have some meddlesome machine do the work for me. Having said that, I can see the appeal for those who feel more comfortable with the automatic option.
I'm liking Tom with the European review, and the Green Every Day Driver tee-shirt swag. I know I've asked this question before, but is there any possibility of an car reviewer based in Japan? Thanks keep up the good work!
Did that dash Speedo just say 272km per hour !! Jesus !! I didn’t know they were that fast. Never had one and it is a lovely car. I’ve got the FR diesel version … it’s about as close as I can get it I do a lot of miles so unfortunately the diesel is the more obvious choice. Would love a cupra though !! Never seen this channel before. This guy knows his stuff. Top man & Great video and well done 👍🏽 😀😀
It's always a good,, yet nervous feeling. You can legally do it, but they can also legally pull you over and do a random search without cause. I used to get pulled over and searched all the time when I had my VW G60 Corrado.
Re-visiting a few of Tom’s reviews, specifically the 208 GTi, 308 GTi and this Leon Cupra for my next car purchase. Three pretty different propositions but each with their own benefits. Also Tom, do you still review cars yours are some of the best on the internet!!
Glad to have you watching Tom’s stuff and finding them helpful. We loved having his work and perspective on here. He is still reviewing! He went from us to one of the biggest magazines in Europe “Automotor and Sport”! We see him when we go to Germany every year. He’s doing very well. Thanks for watching!
You want it more 'Spanish'? How about storing some castanets in the glove box or listening to some flamenco music while driving? :P Great review, really enjoyed it. Def getting a Leon Cupra! Looks like too much fun to pass up....
How is it that no other commenter picked up on this: "Paul just bought a Porsche..."?!? New, from the sounds of the warranty talk.I figured you guys were doing better, but I had no idea you were doing THAT much better!
seat leon and ibiza cupra its for years one of the best handling car from europe...to bad that the us market it has no chance to experience another fwd car and to see that ford focus st its has a true competitor out there.
Where is he from? Boston, Chicago? He's got that gangster twang going! xD Anyways he is very engaging and comes across as a straightforward, no hassle kinda guy.
Julian J no i dont have the perf. Pack. And i dont reccomend it. You really dont need that, not even for track. The normal gti clubsport brakes are more than enough. Better take a sunroof and full link multimedia or the dcc dampers. If you only want for tracktool i would reccomend a base cupra290 with dsg gearbox and do the rest by yourself. Sub8 pack is just a marketing thing.
Agreed. But also must say, in my opinion, of all these MQB platform Golf's siblings, I like so much more the looks of the Skoda Octavia RS, over the Seat Leon. It's a mean looking car. And I don't like this Seat interiors, they look too old and simple even with a modern display there.
Whatever moves you bro. But in Britain we have a long history with hatchbacks and many people say the TT is just a hairdressers car (meaning more about style than performance). Same with the Mazda MX-5. Both Ford's Focus RS and Fiesta ST are cool, but a little bit 'boy racer'. The Leon Cupra has what Europeans love, subtlety and style but with fire under the hood. Just my two cents, as you guys say :)
This Cupra has been run against Golf R twice on track and won both times. Thanks to being lighter and having less understeer, it gets around faster than Golf R. Seat seems to have done a great job on that chassis.
I like your European guy. He is good and engaging.
I agree. Always entertaining to see his enthusiasm.
Yes, EXCELLENT for Paul and Todd to pick this guy up!
Agreed, really interesting accent too :)
Agreed! Nice level of genuine enthusiasm
He has a bit of Chris Harris in his character. Surely, lacks some driving skills compared to Harris, but who cares, he's great! More of him.
Nik Brudar.
Willy Lamb Hello.
As an European subscriber it's really awesome to have this European side kick. Don't need to subscribe local channels anymore. Your channel brings the best of both continents. And it's always great to have a place to discuss our opinions with Americans Coz even with cars we have such a different culture. Ignoring die hard fans of one culture or the other who discuss about "your cars sucks the most", the main focus of my healthy debates with Americans been always about design. European cars always look weird. "They look like lizards" or "they look like they were cut in half" thing are the most common statements I hear. It's always a great time discussing about cars. I think the main difference here in Europe, we have way more options.
We've wanted to cover cars we can't get for some time now, so we're thrilled to have Tom on the team. Thanks for your thoughts and we're glad you're liking this addition!
Any chance in Asia?
what are some good English language Euro channels?
+krbcrwlr not that I want to advertise other channels specially when being good is so relative. But suddenly I remember the car throttle. A bit different from this one, but he manages to make videos others can't. Like racing the stig on top gear test track, interviewing people from other car shows like Ed China (Dealears wheelers) and some fun facts videos about cars. But also because in a lot of is videos there's people from other car channels talking in is video so it also may get you to others channels you may like
+EverydayDriver You shoulv review some cheap cars you dont get in the US (you dont actually get true cheap cars ). Take a Dacia Sandero (6K), a Ford Ka (7k) or a Seat Ibiza (8k) to give a few examples. In their very basic trims you may be surprised of how much can give you a little money and 60hp.
This is easily the best review of the Cupra I've seen; the European reviewer (Thomas?) is such an enthusiast it made this video such a pleasure to watch! I hope he reviews more cars!
I’ve just ordered Cupra 290. Came down to cars in this price bracket, Golf GTI 245, BMW 125i Shadow Edition. Complete no brainer. I’ve owned Seat Leon 1.8 FR DSG for last 4 years and enjoyed every year. Definitely the best looking car especially in white with a black panoramic roof. Side Skirts just set it off.
This guy is great man! Feels like an old pal taking vacation in Europe
Tom is the business! Good work as usual guys. I'd love to see these much more often, especially the discussions.
Very cool - love the European perspective. Not even the big guys like motor trend bring an outside view like this. Good god, we need more hot hatches in the US!
We're excited to show of interesting cars no matter where they are from. It's exciting to add Tom to the team, and we're glad to know you're enjoying it as well. Thanks for watching!
Couldn't agree more. Hot hatches just aren't big here in the US anymore which is sad. I'd love to be able to test drive an A45 AMG but now car manufacturers seem to be simply raising up hot hatches a few dozen millimeters and selling them as "sum compact CUV's". To keep the MB line, thats what the GLA is: A slightly longer and raised up A series...
You are definitely right on that one, cause I'll love to have the Audi A1 S line here in the US or even this beautiful red beast here....😥
love, Love, LOVE this dude. He tells it as it is and speaks from the heart with such eloquence. He needs his own show, like, now. Fantastisch review! Good find EDD!
I have never seen a subscriber fan base on TH-cam welcome such a huge change in a channel. It really is a testament to how good Tom is.
Just bought this car, 2019 version with digital cockpit, 5 door. Love it.
It's the first time I have seen Tom reviewing - and he's actually really really good! 👍
Everyday driver, awesome quality reviews! i watch them over and over again! ill probably watch this 15 more times.
fun and enthusiasm in this review is fantastic. way better then some of the other reviews i have seen on this car. Fair dues :)
Great review. I've been driving a GT86 (aka FR-S) modified with e85, exhaust and Tein flex A as a (everyday driver's) daily, unfortunately I needed a larger car and found it hard to find a replacement as it's still by far the best affordable drivers car I know. This car but in manual and estate form does a very good job in doing what can't be done really. MBQ are relatively light cars and corner exit speed is phenomenal with the diff. Engine is a gem and very refined in daily use, but still bites all the way to the redline. What it looses in final driver engagement to a real sports car, it compensates with daily refinement, huge load space and sheer pace. Mines debadged and grey, and surpises quite a few unpatient tailgaiters that want to overtake once the road clears but find the object to be overtaken suddenly far removed in front of them ;)
Really enjoying these! I have a mk2 Seat Leon FR (so basically the previous generation Golf GTI from Seat), and I absolutely love it. It was much cheaper to buy, but I think it looks 10 times better than a Golf.
Keep up the good work guys, I really enjoy the channel!
Guys, love Tom's review style. Had an Oettinger Seat Ibiza Cupra R back in 2000, when I lived in the UK (it was way cheaper and had better performance, than the Golf Gti and R even back then); really interesting to see what Seat are doing now.
Can't wait for the Peugeot review (had a 205 Gti 1.9 1996-2000).
Thanks so much
Awesome guys, this is now my European frontrunner. Don’t think this came up in my episode but, its cool that I can still kind of get your review. Hopefully next year I can make it to Pilgrimage.
Great video guys! That is a pretty sweet looking car! I am also really enjoying watching your reviews from your newest edition to the Everyday Driver team. Keep up the good work.
Excellent video guys. Tom kept me smiling the entire video and the final part where you 3 talk about the car is an awesome idea, keep it like this for the rest of the videos.
The car looks interesting and fast. To see the "spanish character" you just need to play with the chassis and realize that its more alive than the golf.
Keep em coming!!
Love the videos. I appreciate all the hard work you guys put in!
Loved the review. Great shot from within the cabin speeding up. Subbed ;)
The very very best cupra review I’ve ever seen bar none🙏🏻, you truly captured everything the car is! I’ve got a brand new 70 plate 290 and it is awesome. Really informative cheers.🤙
Gotta say, loved this video. Always liked Everyday Driver but the extra dimension provided by the European coverage is brilliant. :)
Great review. Thoroughly engaging host. More please.
Nice addition to the team, great video Tom, I love your passion!
Can we get your perspective on the Focus RS anytime soon?
I've been running my Fiesta ST for the last three years and am toying with the idea of a Focus RS next...my heart says do it, my head says carry on enjoying the ST.
Heart is winning though...give me a nudge?!
wow... great review... so much insight... missing in so many other reviews... would love for you to have a set test track and compare settings around the same corners and particularly compare feel of cars.
YES! Been waiting for a full review on the Cupra 290... that is in English :)
Great stuff guys ! I really enjoyed this video !
Excellent review. Not boring whatsoever!
Great video and follow-up discussion. Subbed!
Proud of this semi-Spanish machine. Now I wish I could afford one...
Excellent video - lots of information, good editing, but delivery of the comedic lines, the part about the Ring for example was laugh out loud funny and true. More of the same.
This guy is great. Really enjoy his reviews.
Really good review, awesome job!
First time seeing Tom in a vid. I like him! Looking forward to seeing him in more reviews.
More of this. really enjoy this guy also.
Great review. I really like Tom's style. More please.
Best Leon Cupra review!
Enthusiastic fellow. Great addition to the team.
This guy is a fantastic addition to the team!
Awesome video! Tom did a great job. Beautiful scenery, too.
The auto-upshift can probably be disabled with a VAG-COM ;)
Great review, Thomas. Bravo!
Informative and fun. I like this guy 👍
As an recent Cupra ST 280 owner I can not do anything other than agree and love this emotional review :) And I also think that the 2bar/kg of boost is with the atmospheric pressure, meaning it is on 1 bar of overboost :) A45 pushes 1,9bar of boost on a 2lit and produces 360(?)hp. Cheers!
yap correct
Thought the same. Its not all about Boost but my 1P Cupra pushes 1.6 Bar and has 310 Horses so i highly doubt the 290 5F runs at 2bar
This guy is great! More please :)
Great review! many thanks 😊
That guy is a great reviewer!
I like this guy....he is one of the few correspondents who FLOORS IT !
Really entertaining review!
That interior looks so interesting and clean to me. I wish we had Seats here in the US.
"I like automobiles" I love this guy. haha. keep up the good work, Tom.
This guys ace.......could listen to him all day!
Nicely done review. I own this car, ST version. I love it, and still making movies of course :) My previous car was a Mercedes W205 C200.
This guy is my favorite, he is really fun.
Tom is a fantastic addition to the team!
OMG ! Spectacular review
Crackin video- you got a sub👍🏾
Great presenter him, really gets into it.
Tolles Fahrbericht!
While I agree that the DSG is amazing at what it does (and modifiable via software flash as well), I would still choose the manual over it. There's something to be said about being able to row you're own gears, and as you've noticed the DSG interferes in ways that it shouldn't. To me it makes you feel like more of a spectator than an active participant in driving the car.
Track times be damned, I for one like to take part in the experience of driving the machine, and not have some meddlesome machine do the work for me. Having said that, I can see the appeal for those who feel more comfortable with the automatic option.
Would love to have this car in the US. It has excellent styling.
Yep why not she’s so beautiful and better than the golf and others
I am European and following pretty much all the automotive channels, Chris Harris and bunch but this guy is spot on or even better.
Tom is fantastic, more please more...
I'm liking Tom with the European review, and the Green Every Day Driver tee-shirt swag. I know I've asked this question before, but is there any possibility of an car reviewer based in Japan? Thanks keep up the good work!
I'm surprised by how good of a rewiever Tom is! Seriously, he's amazing. Also, mad love for the Cupra, but I'm spanish so I would say that.
it is a very nice car.the only reason i picked the focus rs over this, was the 4wd.
great review mate, cheers from Greece.
Oh this guy again. Don't even have to watch to know it will be good. He was so good last review.
Great Review
keep this guy. Hes a good reviewer. Please review the Focus RS
Did that dash Speedo just say 272km per hour !! Jesus !! I didn’t know they were that fast. Never had one and it is a lovely car. I’ve got the FR diesel version … it’s about as close as I can get it I do a lot of miles so unfortunately the diesel is the more obvious choice. Would love a cupra though !! Never seen this channel before. This guy knows his stuff.
Top man & Great video and well done 👍🏽 😀😀
The jealousy i felt when you just blew past the cop car at 2:22 is just unreal
Michael Kennedy Visit me in Germany and we do this all day long ;)
It's always a good,, yet nervous feeling. You can legally do it, but they can also legally pull you over and do a random search without cause. I used to get pulled over and searched all the time when I had my VW G60 Corrado.
@@kermitthefrog3685 beim G60 ja wohl ne Selbstverständlichkeit ;)
This guys good to listen too
Re-visiting a few of Tom’s reviews, specifically the 208 GTi, 308 GTi and this Leon Cupra for my next car purchase. Three pretty different propositions but each with their own benefits. Also Tom, do you still review cars yours are some of the best on the internet!!
Glad to have you watching Tom’s stuff and finding them helpful. We loved having his work and perspective on here. He is still reviewing! He went from us to one of the biggest magazines in Europe “Automotor and Sport”! We see him when we go to Germany every year. He’s doing very well. Thanks for watching!
Love the European aspect. When your ready for a "partner" I'm retired and live in Germany and I'd love to help! Lol
Great video
You want it more 'Spanish'? How about storing some castanets in the glove box or listening to some flamenco music while driving? :P
Great review, really enjoyed it. Def getting a Leon Cupra! Looks like too much fun to pass up....
Keep it up!!
Tom has my stamp of approval. More
who is this guy !! he's DAMN Good 👍👍
Good job Tom!
How is it that no other commenter picked up on this: "Paul just bought a Porsche..."?!? New, from the sounds of the warranty talk.I figured you guys were doing better, but I had no idea you were doing THAT much better!
Everyone at Everyday Driver had other "day jobs" ;)
i am ordering this in blue and black this summer :) in 5D
Please try reviewing the new Focus RS as well
I think its a smart competitor for the Leon Cupra 290 MANUAL
I love that about Germany and the autobahn! Does a massive pull right beside the police haha
thanks , and another great car we can't get!
I like this guys accent 😂👍🏻
Great vid, I hate how the SEAT has 4 piston brembo's but the golf R does not.
Can you guys do the Megane RS 275 Trophy? The Americans are really missing out on that awesome car!
seat leon and ibiza cupra its for years one of the best handling car from europe...to bad that the us market it has no chance to experience another fwd car and to see that ford focus st its has a true competitor out there.
Great review! Really wish we could get SEAT in the US.
They are sold in Mexico though...
+madant1977 does not really help. not going to go to Mexico to buy one.
Think twice, with the MXP compared with the USD these days, you can take 1 of these for 22k
Only we don't get the front diff (xds only) and we just get the 265hp engine, at about half the euro price mind you!
RPMVta
Still, never saw any footage of a Leon in US, even though it is sold "so close"... not even in those VW/Euro car fairs...
If you are frustrated by the DSG programming...you know the old argument: get an ECU tune and cancel the auto-upshift lol
Where is he from? Boston, Chicago? He's got that gangster twang going! xD Anyways he is very engaging and comes across as a straightforward, no hassle kinda guy.
Im waiting for the review of the renault clio sports and other renault hot hatches
This dude is great.
Did he grow up in New Jersey? "HAVE FUN STORMING THE CASTLE"
Yeah I like the new version of the old everyday driver song, I miss the previous original song and the other other one that starts with a bass rhyme
I finally sold my bmw 135i. In two weeks i get my brand new cupra 290. The price of this car is so awesome i couldnt resist any longer.
Alex V. seat is a fking beast. u like ur new cupra ? :p
i love it.
AlexV. RCH can i know if you specced the performance pack which has the brembo brakes, if yes how much did the package cost?
Julian J no i dont have the perf. Pack. And i dont reccomend it. You really dont need that, not even for track. The normal gti clubsport brakes are more than enough. Better take a sunroof and full link multimedia or the dcc dampers. If you only want for tracktool i would reccomend a base cupra290 with dsg gearbox and do the rest by yourself. Sub8 pack is just a marketing thing.
Wish we had renaults seats in us
This car is amazing! And it looks way better than a Golf R
I’m stuck between this and s3
Want more acceleration and grip/ be on country roads like a track
Tom just killing it again nice work. Sorry but the best looking two door MQB car is the TT but I see your point.
Agreed. But also must say, in my opinion, of all these MQB platform Golf's siblings, I like so much more the looks of the Skoda Octavia RS, over the Seat Leon. It's a mean looking car. And I don't like this Seat interiors, they look too old and simple even with a modern display there.
True. But the best looking MQB estate is definitely the Leon ST Cupra :)
Whatever moves you bro. But in Britain we have a long history with hatchbacks and many people say the TT is just a hairdressers car (meaning more about style than performance). Same with the Mazda MX-5. Both Ford's Focus RS and Fiesta ST are cool, but a little bit 'boy racer'. The Leon Cupra has what Europeans love, subtlety and style but with fire under the hood. Just my two cents, as you guys say :)
wait a second thats the Autobahn section from Aachen to Cologne. :)