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Each Cupra R is individually built at SEAT Sport's factory away from the main production line.
Now for the bad news :-( ......only 250 Leon R's will be available in the UK in 2002 (all are mostly sold already) and only 500 are allocated for the UK in 2003 but this will make them a very ... Read review
Advantages: See opinion Disadvantages: See opinion
...R is individually built at SEAT Sport's factory away from the main production line.
Now for the bad news :-( ......only 250 Leon R's will be available in the UK in 2002 (all are mostly sold already) and only 500 are allocated for the UK in 2003 but this will make them a very rare sight on the road!!!
At £16,995 OTR, the Leon Cupra R IMO is the best value hot-hatch on the market (the new MY2003 Cupra 2nd!) and both are ... more
(NB - Please see my Barcelona's Bat Out of Hell op. This Leon R op is a follow-up to that so as not to repeat myself)
After owning a Leon Cupra for the previous 9 months I test drove a Leon Cupra R and the differences between the two cars compelled me to buy one on the spot.
As opposed the the Cupra, the R handles "as if on rails" with it's Agile Chassis Concept backed-up with switchable Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control. Fast sweeping bends or slower tight corners are taken with very little body roll or understeer, giving me a feeling of confidence in the R like no other car I have driven.
Huge disc's all round and Brembo 4 pot calipers stop the R effortlessly, the danger here being other cars behind with lesser stopping distances!
18" graphite OZ twin 5-spoked alloys (inc spare!) shod with 225/40/18 Michelin Pilot's aid both the above, as well as looking awesome, although the wider tyre width increases, but not unduly, both torque-steer when accellerating hard and steering-pull when cornering tightly.
The "bomb proof" VW 1.8 20VT engine (voted one of the top ten engines ever built) is taken from the Audi S3 and achieves 210bhp/270nm of torque by way of 20 valves, twin intercoolers and KO4 Turbo.
Performance is awesome. Sub 7 second 0-60mph times have been achieved in tests, in-gear acceleration is fantastic and top-speed is a limited 147mph!
The R's extra 30bhp over the Cupra does not seem to affect fuel economy, 32 mpg cruising and 28 mpg mixed driving using Shell Optimax. (98 RON petrol is recommended)
The R's steering is a delight, higher geared for the increased perfomance.
Exterior styling has been enhanced by an aggressive looking deep front bumper/spoiler, side skirts, deep spoilered rear bumper with a large oval exhaust tail-pipe which burbles menacingly with it's sport-tuned note.
I have also had anti-bandit tints applied.
Body colours are limited to yellow, black and red, all look gorgeous, but ours is black like our previous Cupra.
In short, the Leon R is one beautiful looking car.
Interior styling/equipment changes include white dashboard dials, black cloth sports seats (very, very comfortable and supportive), all black trim and headlining, red stitching on seats, steering wheel etc, alloy race pedals, on-board computer.
I would have liked cruise-control and a remote radio tuning stalk fitted as standard equipment, although a cruise-control stalk is available.
Recaro seats are a £1250 option, IMO not required due to the superb comfort and finish of the standard sports seats.
A 6CD changer is standard equipment too. The sound quality of the 8 speaker sound system is brilliant, nearing an ICE install system's standard.
Insurance is group 16D, only marginally higher than the Cupra.
Each Cupra R is individually built at SEAT Sport's factory away from the main production line.
Now for the bad news :-( ......only 250 Leon R's will be available in the UK in 2002 (all are mostly sold already) and only 500 are allocated for the UK in 2003 but this will make them a very rare sight on the road!!!
At £16,995 OTR, the Leon Cupra R IMO is the best value hot-hatch on the market (the new MY2003 Cupra 2nd!) and both are real head turners!
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PS - I have asked admin for a Leon Cupra R category and trust this op will be moved there accordingly.
Advantages: Great car; value for money Disadvantages: delivery time slow; bad dealers
...the virtues on the new Seat Leon. I have driven both the 1.8 SE and the 20VT turbo. In fact, I have the turbo on order. These cars really a value for money - the equipment levels are high and you get excellent build quality. The feeling is very much similar to Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golfs - although prices are considerably less.
The 1.8 is fast enough and the engine has a sporty growl too it. Boots space and rear seats are ample. Climate control ... ...you'll be waiting sometime (see SEAT dealers note!) try to get an ex-demonstrator if you can or wait until the demand no longer exceeds supply. Or, you could be sensible & get the SE instead!
Prices below for the turbo model.
Update
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Since I wrote this Op I've been an on the whole happy owner of a Leon 20VT sport - which is no longer available in the UK - the current model is now the Cupra (minus the leather seats that it had in 2000). ...
EmmaJ 03.08.2000 (30.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.8 T
Advantages: A very fast fun way to move 5 people Disadvantages: Some dull colour options, black only interior.
...it is. Made by Seat using the VW Golf floor pan and parts out of the Audi TT spares bin. German build quality, styled and assembled by the Spanish with their sense of youthful fun - you have to smile every time you drive it.
Looks - a neat mid-sized hatchback that looks best in very bright colours (ours is yellow, very yellow). The rear hatch latch is a neat touch, the badge swivels to release the catch. Only down side is that there is little to ... ...don't (all are heated). Seat belts & rear head rests for 5 but sat nav & leather seats are extra (as is metallic paint - don't bother, buy bold & bright). The ABS & traction control can be switched off, which is good - but leave it on if the road's wet, or you'll be (very) sorry. Climate control is standard, but, no sun roof (that's the way I like it).
Driving - great fun with good every day road holding. You can beat the traction control and spin ...
rav_rider 01.07.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.8 T
Advantages: A Performance Bargain, VW Qaulity, Practicallity Disadvantages: Watch those speed traps ;-)
...£120 to £150 at a Seat Main Dealer. Servicing is essential to keep up the 3 year manufacturers warrantee.
Insurance is Group 16 which isn't too shocking.
General Spec Included:
Remote Heated Wing Mirrors
6 CD Multi Changer
17" alloys
Cupra Body kit and Grills
Climate Control
4 Electric Windows ABS
Traction Control
Power Steering
Closing Note:
I hope anybody reading will find this review helpful in making their decision. I would always ...
oi_nutter2000 20.01.2004 (14.02.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.8 T
Advantages: Great all round car for everyone Disadvantages: High window makes parking harder. Can consume lots of petrol.
...few other bits and pieces modified or changed) . A great all round car, we've had it for 2 yrs and it is 3yrs old, no problems at all as yet, well built and would definately have another seat in the future. A def for any age, male or female. ...
mkcmiller 01.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.8 T
Advantages: Cheaper than audi, same build quality Disadvantages: Servicing the brakes ( need to bleed master cylinder each time)
I Have had this 52 plate leon for a year now and i've been delighted with it since the start.
The performace is very good its quick of the mark 0-60 in 7 seconds and reaches just over 140mph at the top end. The engine is a 1.8L 20v turbo and is the same engine they use in the audi A3 and Volkswagon Golf. I have had only one problem with the car and the dealer couldn't find the problem - the car was lacking power and i found the problem to be a broken ... ...from that I've had no faults with the car.
The interior is impressive, there is alot of space in the back for the passenger and all the controls are laid out in an easy to use setup. I have the upgrade 6-disc changer and this is a must as - saves changing cd's the whole time.
The boot space is great, I'm in an band and can fit my amp and guitar in the back and the weekly trip to the supermarket is no problem.
It has airbags in the dash and airbags ...
maty_mackay123 25.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.8 T
