Cupra is now Seat’s standalone sporty sub-brand, producing cars such as the Ateca and Formentor SUVs, alongside the compact Cupra Born EV.
In the not-so-distant past, however, the Cupra name was affixed to the hottest Seat hatchbacks. These racier versions of the Ibiza and Leon were generally more exciting to drive than their Volkswagen Polo GTI and Golf GTI siblings – and more affordable to buy, too.
The second-generation Seat Leon Cupra R, launched in 2010, shared its 2.0-litre petrol engine with the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 of the same era. Thanks to an ECU remap, high-pressure fuel pump and revised exhaust system, it produced 265hp: a useful 25hp more than the regular Cupra and good for 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds.
How does it drive?
With all that power going through the front wheels, the electronics struggle to stave off torque steer if you are indelicate with the throttle. This is obviously amplified in wet conditions, but it’s avoidable – just be smooth with your inputs and the Cupra reacts well.
Take a ham-fisted approach, though, and you must be prepared to lift off gently when you detect a hint of scurry through the steering wheel.
It’s no unruly Mk1 Ford Focus RS, though, and the electronics do a good job of mimicking a proper limited-slip differential on B-roads. Tuck it into a bend, accelerate and the power quickly shifts between the front wheels and then drags you out the other side. The steering is rather light, but it’s communicative enough to tell you when less is more.
Even by today’s hot hatchback standards, the Mk2 Cupra R’s ride is easily unsettled. Around a third firmer than the non-R Cupra, it transmits every minor lump and bump into the cabin. The plus side is, despite its almost MPV-like appearance, there’s little body-roll when you drive enthusiastically.
It feels quick, too – not just in the bends, but also in a straight line. Even in an era of 300hp-plus hot hatches, the 265hp Cupra R still thrills.
Tell me about buying one
Production ended in 2012, so finding a good Cupra R of this generation shouldn’t be too tricky. They didn’t sell in huge numbers, though, so be prepared to travel for the right one. An Auto Trader search reveals prices starting at around £6,000, increasing to £11,000 for a tidy example sold by a dealer.
Don’t assume that because the Leon is a Volkswagen Group product, it will feel solid. The very nature of the Cupra R means it could have led a hard life, so we’d insist on a detailed service record and, ideally, a chat with the previous owner. Buying privately gives you the benefit of finding out how it’s been used. Has it been lapping racetracks or spent its life on the motorway?
Finding four matching premium-brand tyres with plenty of tread is always a good sign. While you’re there, inspect the shapely alloy wheels for signs of kerbing.
Seat Leon Cupra R: verdict
In the era that followed the ‘FN2’ Honda Civic Type-R and five-cylinder Ford Focus ST, hot hatches like the Leon Cupra R became increasingly capable, but struggled to retain the magic of their predecessors.
At the time, many people complained the Seat was too discreet, but it did represent good value for money alongside the related Golf GTI.
Today, it makes for an interesting used car that is fun to drive, still feels relatively modern and shouldn’t cost a fortune to maintain. Just like when new, the Cupra R looks a bargain to buy, too.
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