ive always had a soft spot for seats. Ever since my mom had the ibiza sw fr, ive come to appreciate the fact that they are cheap, vry attainable fun cars! love me a good seat
Had my FR since new from 2008. Still love it. Other cars have come and gone but I don't anticipate selling mine anytime soon. Still looks good imo. 😊 mine is standard.
as someone who just drove a full stock mk6 golf gti (not even remapped!), (and it is pretty much the same setup with a different body on it)... it is the mods! the mk6 sits and handles quite nicely for a 13-14 year old hot hatch. on the motorway it sits nicely and on the b-roads it is quite capable even at stock. On the other hand, I prefer the look of the leon to the gti (unless its the mk5 vr6), mainly with a centre exhaust.
I had a 2.0FR petrol which had the same 200bhp output as the Golf GTI. Nice car, but cheap feeling interior and a rock hard ride. The EA113 engine has more character than most 4 cylinder Turbos.
This highlights how dodgy car upgrades can be unless the car is professionally set up. This is why young drivers get involved in hedge horticulture so often and our insurance goes up.
Having owned this after a Mk5 Golf GTI I think the suspension issues are related to the owners modifications. I found the suspension reliable and predictable if not a little lifeless. Like you have said the steering and pedal feel is all too light but the car is actually very capable due to essentialy being a light fwd S3. 300hp+ in a car this light is quick by modern standards and mine was relatively reliable in my ownership having covered 80,000 miles in my ownership! Downsides are it's a little less refined feeling than the Mk5 and has certain Seat 'quirks' but if you can get onboard with those (cup holder in line with your elbow to name one) this is genuinely one of the best bang per buck cars on the second hand market. It's also rare as anything as never saw another in the spec that mine was on the road in 4 years of ownership. How often can you say that!
I've owned a mk1 leon cupra 2003 for 10 years now. I know ots rhe type 4 platform bit it's just such a nicer looking and faster car than the golf and alot rarer
I had a standard '08 Leon with the 1.6L engine and it was honestly wonderful. It was never going to light the world on fire with its hundred odd horses but it was surprisingly comfortable and very spacious inside. It did a few long trips with me including 4-up to Skye and it never skipped a beat. I wouldn't say it made a fantastic drivers car, but it was a brilliant runabout. Given the opportunity and the need for a second car I would probably consider one again, though preferably slightly better spec and with a little more power.
Another great review. Though I always smile when you pronounce VAG with the hard 'G'. Elsewhere, many others embrace the opportunity for the comical 'J'.
I had the Leon TFSI (Black, & Re-mapped; 2006) then the Leon CUPRA (White & Re-mapped 2008) and loved them both, though the former did suffer from major coil-pack issues, but the Cupra was fine and looked amazing and went LIKE STINK! 😂👍🏻 ...I can't recall the same chassis / balance issues you mention, James so think that the odd tyre choice there is affecting it disproportionately?
There's usually a setting in the steering control that can be changed using VCDS which really improves feel. Either changing it to that of a lighter car or disabling 'straight line running' depending on the module fitted. Also sounds like it's in need of an alignment from what you'd described Jay. Love these reviews on real world cars as ever with this channel though 😊
I think Seat got reigned in a bit after the 1M cupra R. It basically got the best of all the mk4 platform bits, quickest steering rack, most powerful 1.8t engine, 18" wheels, biggest and most powerful brakes on the mk4 platform with the brembo 4pots and the styling mods made it probably the best looking mk4 model too. All it was missing was the Haldex system, but then it would have been treading on the S3's toes. No Leon since then other than low volume models like the Sub8 have ever been challengers for the best model of their platform.
VW group politics probably killed Seat's chances of ever making a car that good again. There must be some rule at VW group that states a Seat can never be better than a VW which itself can't be better than an Audi.
Having owned both in the past, both similar to drive, the Leon wins hands down on looks. Both were reliable, servicing costs similar, as was build quality. And the Leon held it's price better which i was surprised at.
Stiff rear ARB std front...that's a no no. Coupled with dampers not being matched to new Eibachs leaves you with a unsafe ride. I know as I did the same to A4 years ago and it was awful
Jay you have your facts wrong: The Leon Cupra pre-facelift was indeed 240bhp, the facelift model you show here has 265bhp. The Leon Cupra is not the comparison with the Golf Gti (k03) its with the Edition 30 (k04)
I drove a cupra r at Knockhill (ahead of a Ferrari 360 track day) and I agree, the breaks are over servo'd. I found them grabby and the Ferrari was much easier to modulate. But other than that I found the standard car great, almost as planted as my current St150.
@@thegrowl2210 Sort of, although you get your ST-Lines and STs all in one. One example being that you can get a Cupra Ateca with 150hp or 300hp. All a bit weird now.
The one thing I dislike about the rebranded VW's (Skoda, Seat, etc) is that the front grille is always uglier than that of VW's I know they don't have much time to innovate once they get their hands on them and that's a shame.
It could probably benefit from a set of coilovers, and it sounds like it does need the uprated sway bar at the front, together with the rest of the poly bushes, as that would tighten the steering, etc. I wonder what other VW sterring racks could replace the original? I bet there are some sharper ones that could be swapped that would improve the feedback
I have on with the Boring 1.6L Petrol Engine and i‘m really confused you didnt Like the chassis and Suspension setup. I really do love turning and taking quick corners. I‘m with you regarding steering tho. Its really not that great.
Ordered one Brandnew then ended up cancelling and got the mk5 gti instead. Interior in the seat is nasty cheap only let down. Even the R version had no option for the optional wingbacks in the mk5 gti or s3 8p
I've owned a 370 Bhp Leon Cupra for 12 years, and I'm now getting a bit too old for it. Unfortunately, I feel like the car has a bit of a boy racer, chavvy image and that's the main reason I think it's time to move on. My Cupra has been a pleasure to own though and I will be sad when it goes. I've had no reliability issues and it still puts a smile on my face when I fancy going out for a blast. I've never had any problems with the handling but my car is on coilovers so I suppose that helps.
Had a brand new mk1 Cupra in 2000 was a much better built car. Had the Audi A3 dashboard to start with. I then bought one of these on an 06 plate. Not as good as car and interior was rubbish. Bought a Golf. Got fed up with electricity issues and went BMW. No issues since
I'd say match the tires first. A set of performance tires is worth nothing if it doesn't have anything to justify its existence, so if the fronts and rears didn't differ in behavior, they're all worthless. If in doubt, rotate front to rear and see what the handling difference is.
I dont know if it's the same everywhere, but where I live the Leon Cupra is the typical car of the impatient bellend. Its like they have an inferiority complex because they bought a cheap alternative to a Golf so they have to prove its just as fast at every opportunity.
But at least they tried to make them look good. Succeded or failed that is personal. Can't be said about Golf. They are the most boring cars You can imagine. It just ... exists ...
They're a definite performance bargain, but they are almost universally driven awfully by utter muppets round our way (West Midlands). If I see one in my mirrors I know I'm getting tailgated until anything half resembling an overtake opportunity presents itself, at which point I get to witness the poor chap in front of me experience exactly the same.
A properly setup fast FWD car should cock its rear leg on turn in with a soft bar on the front and stiff on the rear. The LSD should then pull the nose of the car through the corner. If you've never driven a properly setup FWD car they feel utterly alien. I suspect based on your description you've not driven many a FWD race car, they're twitchy and horrible 😂 but they're fast. I certainly wouldn't want my road car setup this way, it would require way too much mental effort on long journeys to keep it out of the hedge. But around a circuit they're wonderful in their own way.
Old tat. Just got a seat leon experience 2.0 180bhp + model, it's leagues above one of these AND now I've had it mapped and stage 2 tuned by AMD in Essex it's faster than that cupra, I'd avoid them at all costs! Money pits and old.
there's nothing "a little bit different" about a Leon. Lots of kids who know that everyone knows it's a golf buy them whilst being unable to afford the golf, and then proceed to drive it in exactly the manner you'd expect. I don't mind this really. Much better for these mouthbreathing chavs to stay in the golf/leon/A3 they all stand around reassuring each other they look cool in at the McDonald car park, than to discover how good other cars are, and subsequently sully those brands with thier general idiocy.
I have one with the Boring 1.6L Petrol Engine and i‘m really confused you didnt Like the chassis and Suspension setup. I really do love turning and taking quick corners. I‘m with you regarding steering tho. Its really not that great.
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ive always had a soft spot for seats. Ever since my mom had the ibiza sw fr, ive come to appreciate the fact that they are cheap, vry attainable fun cars! love me a good seat
I’m so conflicted on its looks personally. One part of me loves it and the other part think it looks off. :(
@@OmgItsLeaa the unfacelifted version with the sporty bumpers looks awesome
@@hexgraphica But the interior looks worse sadly
It’s the interior that I don’t like
A face only a mother could love.
I'm the same....
to me it's either "cool martian" or "downes syndrome Corsa".
Nice sleeper. Nice and subtle and not the usual crashed into halfords shop window chav shite. Well done that lad
Agreed. Nice build!
Had my FR since new from 2008. Still love it. Other cars have come and gone but I don't anticipate selling mine anytime soon. Still looks good imo. 😊 mine is standard.
Lovely car in the best colour. If I was on a budget, this would be on my shortlist
as someone who just drove a full stock mk6 golf gti (not even remapped!), (and it is pretty much the same setup with a different body on it)... it is the mods! the mk6 sits and handles quite nicely for a 13-14 year old hot hatch.
on the motorway it sits nicely and on the b-roads it is quite capable even at stock. On the other hand, I prefer the look of the leon to the gti (unless its the mk5 vr6), mainly with a centre exhaust.
I had a 2.0FR petrol which had the same 200bhp output as the Golf GTI. Nice car, but cheap feeling interior and a rock hard ride. The EA113 engine has more character than most 4 cylinder Turbos.
Seriously considered one of these before plumping for the mk2 tts. This looks and sounds like a very nice example.
Fair play to him for putting so much into a car he likes
This highlights how dodgy car upgrades can be unless the car is professionally set up. This is why young drivers get involved in hedge horticulture so often and our insurance goes up.
Having owned this after a Mk5 Golf GTI I think the suspension issues are related to the owners modifications.
I found the suspension reliable and predictable if not a little lifeless. Like you have said the steering and pedal feel is all too light but the car is actually very capable due to essentialy being a light fwd S3.
300hp+ in a car this light is quick by modern standards and mine was relatively reliable in my ownership having covered 80,000 miles in my ownership!
Downsides are it's a little less refined feeling than the Mk5 and has certain Seat 'quirks' but if you can get onboard with those (cup holder in line with your elbow to name one) this is genuinely one of the best bang per buck cars on the second hand market. It's also rare as anything as never saw another in the spec that mine was on the road in 4 years of ownership. How often can you say that!
I've owned a mk1 leon cupra 2003 for 10 years now. I know ots rhe type 4 platform bit it's just such a nicer looking and faster car than the golf and alot rarer
I had a standard '08 Leon with the 1.6L engine and it was honestly wonderful. It was never going to light the world on fire with its hundred odd horses but it was surprisingly comfortable and very spacious inside. It did a few long trips with me including 4-up to Skye and it never skipped a beat. I wouldn't say it made a fantastic drivers car, but it was a brilliant runabout. Given the opportunity and the need for a second car I would probably consider one again, though preferably slightly better spec and with a little more power.
Love the back of these, hate the front. That's why I went for the MK1 (1M) FR+ when looking for my daily.
Another great review. Though I always smile when you pronounce VAG with the hard 'G'. Elsewhere, many others embrace the opportunity for the comical 'J'.
Man I always love this Gen of Cupra R
I had the Leon TFSI (Black, & Re-mapped; 2006) then the Leon CUPRA (White & Re-mapped 2008) and loved them both, though the former did suffer from major coil-pack issues, but the Cupra was fine and looked amazing and went LIKE STINK! 😂👍🏻 ...I can't recall the same chassis / balance issues you mention, James so think that the odd tyre choice there is affecting it disproportionately?
There's usually a setting in the steering control that can be changed using VCDS which really improves feel. Either changing it to that of a lighter car or disabling 'straight line running' depending on the module fitted.
Also sounds like it's in need of an alignment from what you'd described Jay.
Love these reviews on real world cars as ever with this channel though 😊
This was when Leons were still good-looking cars. I had a 2005 TFSI and loved it. They seem to have lost their way nowadays.
I’ve got a Cupra 5f DSG (280 psi)👌🏼
I think Seat got reigned in a bit after the 1M cupra R. It basically got the best of all the mk4 platform bits, quickest steering rack, most powerful 1.8t engine, 18" wheels, biggest and most powerful brakes on the mk4 platform with the brembo 4pots and the styling mods made it probably the best looking mk4 model too. All it was missing was the Haldex system, but then it would have been treading on the S3's toes. No Leon since then other than low volume models like the Sub8 have ever been challengers for the best model of their platform.
VW group politics probably killed Seat's chances of ever making a car that good again. There must be some rule at VW group that states a Seat can never be better than a VW which itself can't be better than an Audi.
Having owned both in the past, both similar to drive, the Leon wins hands down on looks. Both were reliable, servicing costs similar, as was build quality. And the Leon held it's price better which i was surprised at.
Stiff rear ARB std front...that's a no no. Coupled with dampers not being matched to new Eibachs leaves you with a unsafe ride. I know as I did the same to A4 years ago and it was awful
Jay you have your facts wrong:
The Leon Cupra pre-facelift was indeed 240bhp, the facelift model you show here has 265bhp.
The Leon Cupra is not the comparison with the Golf Gti (k03) its with the Edition 30 (k04)
No, both standard cupra models are 240bhp, only facelifted Cupra R is 265bhp
I drove a cupra r at Knockhill (ahead of a Ferrari 360 track day) and I agree, the breaks are over servo'd. I found them grabby and the Ferrari was much easier to modulate.
But other than that I found the standard car great, almost as planted as my current St150.
Wow, not a bot in sight, for the first time in months!
There goes the saying "if there's no bot in your group of friends, you're the bot"
@@hexgraphicaThere's no doubt I'm the bot in my friend group 😂.
That was short lived
@@OzzieMozzie777 Fun while it lasted.
BTCC kit is essential on these
Btcc kit looks chavy AF 😂 how old are you
You nailed this review! Spot on with all of your criticisms. Not a good car in my opinion. Had one for 3 months and both me and my wife hated it!
Great video Jay!
As with all Cupras, especially nowadays, I always wonder just who the hell these were for 😂
I genuinely have no idea who the modern cupra brand is meant to be targeting. It's like an entire line of cars based around the 'ST line' type trim.
@thegrowl2210 Seat is for non sport i guess where as Cupra is all sport
@@thegrowl2210 Sort of, although you get your ST-Lines and STs all in one. One example being that you can get a Cupra Ateca with 150hp or 300hp. All a bit weird now.
Should definitely review a Mk1 Cupra R, would love to see it as I own one myself but it’s been a bit of a shed unfortunately 😅
The one thing I dislike about the rebranded VW's (Skoda, Seat, etc) is that the front grille is always uglier than that of VW's I know they don't have much time to innovate once they get their hands on them and that's a shame.
a very polite way to say don't be a cheap ass on the mods, nice.
I thought the mark 2 FR was the mark 6 GTI competitor and cupra was the R competitor
@@AnnoyedGlobe-sf9yo indeed! The Leon Cupra is the comparison with the Edition 30 Mk5 Golf not the Gti
Cupra 300 is the same as the Golf R or the Audi S 3 , but it is Front wheel drive
Good looking car must be pretty lively ❤❤❤❤
Isn't it funny how in the European country where these are produced and I live, the Golf GTI is seen as the cool alternative to the Leon Cupra :)
My friend had a cupra r running 380bhp also tuned by r tech will no pops and bangs
It could probably benefit from a set of coilovers, and it sounds like it does need the uprated sway bar at the front, together with the rest of the poly bushes, as that would tighten the steering, etc. I wonder what other VW sterring racks could replace the original? I bet there are some sharper ones that could be swapped that would improve the feedback
The 3 and 9 o'clock steering could be worn track rod ends and drumsticks. More a 200k mile problem.
I have on with the Boring 1.6L Petrol Engine and i‘m really confused you didnt Like the chassis and Suspension setup.
I really do love turning and taking quick corners.
I‘m with you regarding steering tho. Its really not that great.
The Golf Ed30 and Pirelli were rated at 230 hp.
I drive a mk6 gti. Wish we had seat and skoda in usa.
Ordered one Brandnew then ended up cancelling and got the mk5 gti instead. Interior in the seat is nasty cheap only let down. Even the R version had no option for the optional wingbacks in the mk5 gti or s3 8p
I've owned a 370 Bhp Leon Cupra for 12 years, and I'm now getting a bit too old for it. Unfortunately, I feel like the car has a bit of a boy racer, chavvy image and that's the main reason I think it's time to move on. My Cupra has been a pleasure to own though and I will be sad when it goes. I've had no reliability issues and it still puts a smile on my face when I fancy going out for a blast. I've never had any problems with the handling but my car is on coilovers so I suppose that helps.
someone should show this to mr. muks ;-)
didn't he say that his cybertruck was the first vehicle with vertical wipers?
Great looking car but the suspension is so harsh for UK roads...I had a young family friend who ended up throwing up in my leon
TY 🙏
There's NO TIME for 'pops n bangs' unless you're thrashing through the Kielder Forest in the 80's or 90's
And those were proper and clean antilag pops and bangs, not the farty dsg nonsense.
Had a brand new mk1 Cupra in 2000 was a much better built car. Had the Audi A3 dashboard to start with. I then bought one of these on an 06 plate. Not as good as car and interior was rubbish. Bought a Golf. Got fed up with electricity issues and went BMW. No issues since
Being from birmingham these are either always full of laughing gas canisters or wrapped round a tree
Why does the speedo read to 170mph? Is it geared for a high top speed?
I'd say match the tires first. A set of performance tires is worth nothing if it doesn't have anything to justify its existence, so if the fronts and rears didn't differ in behavior, they're all worthless. If in doubt, rotate front to rear and see what the handling difference is.
Can you review a base 7.5 Golf GTI?
What's the triangle of doom like with those wipers?
What are you talking about? Making shit up for 😂
True Jay Emm watchers noticed the new intro theme💯💯💯
Why is the wiper sticking up?
The days when Seat made good cars.
Looks much better than a MK5 GTI
😂Lol no
@@jondonnelly3 😂Lol yes
Still love these, possibly the best looking hatch ever.
😂😂😂😂 best looking
When you put a lot of mods in a car that can't benefit much from the money spent.
Try getting insured on one.
Boy racer's dream.
Haven’t seen the video yet, but will say that the ride is extremely harsh and the brakes are over assisted.
I dont know if it's the same everywhere, but where I live the Leon Cupra is the typical car of the impatient bellend. Its like they have an inferiority complex because they bought a cheap alternative to a Golf so they have to prove its just as fast at every opportunity.
Quite enjoyed the small bits of a car review between adverts
Adblock is your friend. ;)
Always found the mk2 as the bad one of the leon. Quality was bad compared to the mk1 especially interior
Time hasn’t been kind to the Leon. Enjoyed them when new, now suffering with a yobbish image. Interiors…don’t even go there.
But at least they tried to make them look good. Succeded or failed that is personal.
Can't be said about Golf. They are the most boring cars You can imagine. It just ... exists ...
I'm not a fan of the front end, I'd rather have a MK6 GTi.
I've got one of those. Completely stock and it's a keeper.
I feel like a very special boy for seeing this within 20 minutes of being uploaded 🎉🎉
What!?🤦🤷♂️
Under the bonnet yeah, visuals no defo not
Tastefully modified
They're a definite performance bargain, but they are almost universally driven awfully by utter muppets round our way (West Midlands). If I see one in my mirrors I know I'm getting tailgated until anything half resembling an overtake opportunity presents itself, at which point I get to witness the poor chap in front of me experience exactly the same.
A VW Golf with a really awkward looking front end.
I think your getting mixed up with speed and drivability, a 400hp fiesta would muller this flat out, would it be as easy to drive, hell no.
A golf in a spanish frock, 😂🤣👍
Ugly alternative. S3 Audi is still the best of the group. Won't even get stuck when pulling off garage.
Unfortunately, typical yob Seat drivers make this uncool
Now matter where you see in the market. Those cars are all clapped and riced out 😂.
No
Yes, absolutely yes !.
Seats always just look so ugly to me the equivalent VW or Skoda always look better
A properly setup fast FWD car should cock its rear leg on turn in with a soft bar on the front and stiff on the rear.
The LSD should then pull the nose of the car through the corner. If you've never driven a properly setup FWD car they feel utterly alien. I suspect based on your description you've not driven many a FWD race car, they're twitchy and horrible 😂 but they're fast.
I certainly wouldn't want my road car setup this way, it would require way too much mental effort on long journeys to keep it out of the hedge. But around a circuit they're wonderful in their own way.
So many modifications, there's not much of the original car left. Not really a credible review then....
Still prefer the aggressive looks on the first model
Old tat.
Just got a seat leon experience 2.0 180bhp + model, it's leagues above one of these AND now I've had it mapped and stage 2 tuned by AMD in Essex it's faster than that cupra, I'd avoid them at all costs! Money pits and old.
there's nothing "a little bit different" about a Leon. Lots of kids who know that everyone knows it's a golf buy them whilst being unable to afford the golf, and then proceed to drive it in exactly the manner you'd expect. I don't mind this really. Much better for these mouthbreathing chavs to stay in the golf/leon/A3 they all stand around reassuring each other they look cool in at the McDonald car park, than to discover how good other cars are, and subsequently sully those brands with thier general idiocy.
The interior is awful compared to the golf, it's also not a golf.
Buit its so bloody ugly...
Oh and VW is the most overrated manufacturer of all time, I'd rather have a SEAT than one of those chavmobiles any day.
Bold calling out chavs whilst posting call of duty videos to your channel
No one in the hot hatch world really wanted cupras then or now.
@@Phil-q7h why is that? I think it looks great and it's basically the same as the golf/a3 platform isn't it? Is it just brand snobbery?
Phil 😂 what a snob weirdo you are!! 😂
Your videos are a true TH-cam treasure. Thank you for your creativity and dedication!🦧🥀🪐
Bot
🤧🤢 WARNING BOT ALERT ⚠
I have one with the Boring 1.6L Petrol Engine and i‘m really confused you didnt Like the chassis and Suspension setup.
I really do love turning and taking quick corners.
I‘m with you regarding steering tho. Its really not that great.