Seat cupra v Honda type r

[skywalker10_1]

Morning Guys.

Not sure where to start but here go's.

I have a 55 plate mint condition Seat Leon Cupra R in luna Grey and has covered only 8000 miles I have been looking to maybe purchasing a new cupra in the near future.

Anyway I popped down to My Seat dealer to have a look at the Cupra and to be honest I have mixed feeling's about her granted I have not taken her out yet for a test drive but it seems to be lacking something in the looks department I cannot seem to put My finger on it.

I have booked a test drive for this weekend hopefully I may change My mind when I get behind the wheel and take it for a blat up the road.

When I was returning home I passed My local Honda garage and thought I might just have a look at the new Civic Type R.

So I pulled up outside and the welcome I got was totally different from the Seat dealerships I have visited before.

They where very helpful indeed and seemed to listen to the customer with a none pushy approach I did have a look around the type R and to be honest I loved the look of it.

I am going to have a test drive at the weekend as the car was not ready yesterday it had just come in apparently.

I would like to hear some feedback regarding the new Honda Civic Type R I would imagine other Seatcupra.net members have test drove one.

One other thing what price should I be aiming for regarding My 55 plate Seat cupra R if I where to part ex it with say the new Cupra or Type R.

 

[seli_babe]

I can't give any feed back on the new type R.. but i did own an 03 one... so this is based on my expereince with that, and the info I know about the new one.. hope it helps.

They are nice to drive, hearing the V-tec kick in is great but there is no TORQUE.. and if you love that feeling of being pushed into your seat then you'll be dissapointed.

From what I know about the new CTR's they are heavier and they havent got anything extra power wise really.. when you consider weight to power ratio.. plus I believe they have stuck 18's on this one... which won't help on the starts (not saying that you race at all)

Whatever you do, don't get caught up with the sound of the vtec on the test drive, imagine being sat at a set of lights or a roundabout and needing to pull out quickly... i'm not saying they are slow by any means, but they are a bit "laggy" (i know you can't have lag on a N/A... but that's the only way I can describe it.)

Also if you are into modding then there isn't that much you can do with them, apart from getting the vtec lowered which i believe costs around 500 - 1k, turbo or supercharger (both costing around 3k I believe) and also i believe that on the new ones you can't fit LSD which is a very comon mod....

Best thing you can do is test drive it...

OH and the best thing I've learnt in my life is it doesn't matter how the show room treat you... cause aftercare and servicing is the most important thing.. so give them a call and try to book in your car or buy parts for it and see how they treat you cause at the end of the day once you've bought the car the sales people won't be there to help...

Hope this helps you out a little bit mate. Would be better if I acutally test drove one myself lol...

Best wishes on the new purchase whatever it may be

 

[BanziBarn]

There's a lot going for the civic in terms of reliability and unusual design. However, most people who have driven the new car think it's not that quick. I'm an owner of the old Type-r which is great but personally, I'd not consider the new one.

 

[mklock]

Admittedly I have only Driven the Type S and wanted it to be better than the leon. but IF you think the leon feels too firm, you have not driven the Civic.

Also you can't see out the back properly, and although the dash looks great its not that easy to use, you will find that you are only able to look at the speedo whilst driving and nothing else.

On the plus side, it cornered well.

 

[BanziBarn]

No doubing it's a superb car. I just think they've made a mistake with not upping the power. I appreciate that it's got the same power as a Golf GTI or Leon FR but without a turbo it's going to feel slower unless you are prepared to give it beans all the time - which for a lot of driving situations just isn't practical.

 

[cmc]

I would like to hear some feedback regarding the new Honda Civic Type R I would imagine other Seatcupra.net members have test drove one.

You could do a lot worse than buy a copy of the latest whatcar? mag - (just out the other day) not had a chance to read it yet but I got a copy and the group test is

New Leon Cupra
Civic Type r
Golf GTi (i think)
I can't remeber the other car maybe Astra or Focus ST

Also there's a type RR coming out shortly. Might be worth waiting for that.

Hope this helps

cmc

 

[LCR64]

Stick or twist

I had an invite for the cupra and I was also disappointed when I saw it in the flesh, or lack of it! I did nt even want to test it as I could nt live with looks, even the sales bod was nt surprised by my reaction and agreed the mark1 was a better proposition.
As I walked across the car park I realised just how good the LCR looks in a sea of blandness of "focus" shaped cars.
Have you considered a remap?

 

[Mitchy]

New civic is a mess IMO.

They could have made it something special but they've flopped big time. They gave it an extra 1bhp but added a whole lot of additional weight

Same with the clio 197, although they did do it a little better and gave the engine an extra 15bhp.

Far better cars out there that are worth a look before the new civic.

New Leon Cupra
Mazda 3 MPS
Astra VXR
Focus ST
Golf GTI 230 edition
Megane R26
Audi S3

Im sure there are a few more also. I would put every one of the cars above before the civic.

But hey we all have different tastes, so all the best with your choice

 

[Mr Cellotape]

New civic is a mess IMO.

They could have made it something special but they've flopped big time. They gave it an extra 1bhp but added a whole lot of additional weight

Same with the clio 197, although they did do it a little better and gave the engine an extra 15bhp.

Far better cars out there that are worth a look before the new civic.

New Leon Cupra
Mazda 3 MPS
Astra VXR
Focus ST
Golf GTI 230 edition
Megane R26
Audi S3

Im sure there are a few more also. I would put every one of the cars above before the civic.

But hey we all have different tastes, so all the best with your choice

I disagree with the VXR, nasty little Vauxhall, they got it all wrong! Just my opinion though.

You could also look in both of last months Top Gear and Evo magazines, they did full group tests, however they slated the Cupra and I quite liked that when I took it for a spin. So It's probably a case of make you own mind up!

 

[Ju.]

I've just been down the same route as you.
I looked at the new cupra but didn't want to drive it as I just couldn't live with the looks, much prefer the LCR.
I test drove the new CTR and it is a nice place to be. Once moving it is quick and sounds soooo nice and in GT spec comes with plenty of toys, however on the test drive I came of a roundabout in 4th and at 3k rpm, were the LCR would be flying, the civic was absolutely gutless and something I could not live with. Shame really as I was close to buying one
I ended up plumping for an Audi A3 3.2 quattro with DSG which I collect on saturday

 

[HarryKatinnen]

Seduced by the dark side

Hi Skywalker 10 1

I too am facing a similar dilema....see thread below

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=116671.

I do love my TDI Sport but I am becoming increasingly concerend by some of the niggles that are developing and the dealers seeming inability to resolve them. As a result I went for an initial test drive in a Type R GT today. The test drive was only for half an hour and only on smooth dual carriageway and A roads with a few roundabouts so only my initial impressions. I wanted to hate the car, I really did but this taster has left me wanting another go.

I would agree with many of the comments on the thread especially those of seli babe. Coming from a diesel (even the 140PD I would certainly miss the torque and the kick in the back when the turbo cuts in. My previous car was an Imprexa WRX and the Civic has a similar laggy feel when attempting to overtake in higher gears. However drop down the box (an absolute joy to use) and boy does it go and oh that glorious sound (sorry Seli, I should have heeded your advice and taken ear plugs!). Handling in the curves was great and ride didn't seem unduly harsh..but again roads driven were smooth. Visibility to the rear seemed no worse than in the Seat and wing mirrors are bigger to copensate

Cabin is a very nice place to be but again I agree that there is a lot of info spread over a wide area and you can only really focus on one thing at a time. They have a tame racing driver on the Honda Red H site who advises that to get the best from the car at speed you should change gear at 7500rpm. I was so busy focussing on this I failed to notice the speedo was showing 98...no wonder salesman had a grin on his face.

Yes the car may feel slower in normal use (but I am not into burning rubber races at the lights ) and swift progress will require a few more gear changes but I think maybe I could live with that for th occasional moments (usually 6.00am on a Sunday morning over the Brecon Beacons on route to a rally on Epynt) when I can snick it into 3rd and let rip.....so another longer drive will be on the cards shortly.

Following the drive I did pop across to the local Seat stealer in search of redemtion and to have a look at a Cupra . The fact that I was totally ignored by the receptionist and two salemen who carried on chatting whilst watching me examine the car and then look for a brochure (approx 10 mins in total) did nothing to help the Seat cause. However as this was the same dealership that didn't appear to have any interest in selling me the Sport despite three test drives, several visits and numerous phone calls I wasn't that suprised. The plainess of the Cupra itself also failed to inspire.

In the end as eveyone says it is down to personal choice and what you are looking for in a car. Test drive all the options and savour their different characteristics, then make your choice. For me, I fear I may have been seduced by the dark side of the VTEC force

 

[HarryKatinnen]

Seduced by the dark side

Hi Skywalker 10 1

I too am facing a similar dilema....see thread below

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=116671.

I do love my TDI Sport but I am becoming increasingly concerend by some of the niggles that are developing and the dealers seeming inability to resolve them. As a result I went for an initial test drive in a Type R GT today. The test drive was only for half an hour and only on smooth dual carriageway and A roads with a few roundabouts so below are only my initial impressions. I wanted to hate the car, I really did but this taster has left me wanting another go.

I would agree with many of the comments on the thread especially those of seli babe. Coming from a diesel (even the 140PD I would certainly miss the torque and the kick in the back when the turbo cuts in. My previous car was an Imprexa WRX and the Civic has a similar laggy feel when attempting to overtake in higher gears. However drop down the box (an absolute joy to use) and boy does it go and oh that glorious sound (sorry Seli, I should have heeded your advice and taken ear plugs!). Handling in the curves was great and ride didn't seem unduly harsh..but again roads driven were smooth. Visibility to the rear seemed no worse than in the Seat and wing mirrors are bigger to copensate

Cabin is a very nice place to be but again I agree that there is a lot of info spread over a wide area and you can only really focus on one thing at a time. They have a tame racing driver on the Honda Red H site who advises that to get the best from the car at speed you should change gear at 7500rpm . I was so busy focussing on this I failed to notice the speedo was showing 98...no wonder salesman had a grin on his face .

Yes the car may feel slower in normal use (but I am not into burning rubber races at the lights ) and swift progress will require a few more gear changes but I think maybe I could live with that for th occasional moments (usually 6.00am on a Sunday morning over the Brecon Beacons on route to a rally on Epynt) when I can snick it into 3rd and let rip.....so another longer drive will be on the cards shortly.

Following the drive I did pop across to the local Seat stealer in search of redemtion and to have a look at a Cupra . The fact that I was totally ignored by the receptionist and two salemen who carried on chatting whilst watching me examine the car and then look for a brochure (approx 10 mins in total) did nothing to help the Seat cause. However as this was the same dealership that didn't appear to have any interest in selling me the Sport despite three test drives, several visits and numerous phone calls I shouldn't be that suprised. The plainess of the Cupra itself also failed to inspire.

In the end as eveyone says it is down to personal choice and what you are looking for in a car. Test drive all the options and savour their different characteristics, then make your choice. For me, I fear I may have been seduced by the dark side of the VTEC force

 

[skywalker10_1]

Thanks for the info Guys much appreciated

I will be test driving the civic this week hopefully so I will get back to You regarding My thoughts.

I will be interesting what My trade in price will be regarding My 55 plate Cupra R with 8000 miles on the clock I hope it has not taken a huge knock with the new model coming out.

 

[225]

What about waaaaaay left field and a mazda 3 mps? most powerful hatch out there for similar cash, OK interior is a naff but so is the Cupras. Bit of a Q car as well.
I just don't understand salespeople, not SEAT specifically just in general. If your livelyhood is based on sales to customers how on earth do you get on your high horse and think potential customers ae beneith you!?!

 

[Demon G]

I drove the new CTR and was thoroughly disappointed. Apart from feeling like I was sitting on an orange box as the seat seems far too high the rear vision is very poor but the "lag" was totally unacceptable and something I last experienced in a 1.6 escort back in the late 80's.

I overtook a car with the dealer beside me and to be honest struggled to overtake without a drama, and I was in second gear. Unless you rag it everywhere, which would annoy most passengers as it would be obvious you are trying to drive it fast.

All in all it's a nice unusual little car with quirky looks but which I feel will date very quickly and it's not an easy car to drive fast. Oh and it's only a 4 seater.

BTW I drove the Mazda MPS and it's blindingly quick with no lag what so ever and was a strong contender for my money but the interior quality and residual's really put me off plus the wife mentioned it was too boy racer with the big exhaust. I'm fed up with losing excessive amounts of money on cars so this was out but I do have a lot of respect for it as it is very rapid machine indeed.

 

[P0LKR]

i have driven both and was underwhelmed by the CTR. In contrast I was very very impressed with the CUPRA

 

[Rob66]

I just don't understand salespeople, not SEAT specifically just in general. If your livelyhood is based on sales to customers how on earth do you get on your high horse and think potential customers ae beneith you!?!

Your so right about sales people, and that in my book also makes a massive difference when your buying a car. Before i got mine last year i drove an ST an old CTR and VXR and apart from preferring the Leon the sales staff were way better at SEAT than the others

Re the CTR i went to my local dealer last night and bear inmind that i'm 40 was in a suit and had the Leon parked outside, he said that they would not even think about a test drive until we 'have talked finance, agreed a px price and he had seen both parts of driving licence' Dont think they will be selling much there as long as they keep that up.

IMO its down the individual Dealer Management and what emphasis they put on customer service and not particularly what type cars they sell. Some dealers seem to employ staff that i would NEVER buy a car off.

Dont get me started on their lack of product knowledge either

 

[Mr Cellotape]

Went and drove the CTR today.

I have driven the VXR, The ST, The new Cupra and the CTR.

For my money it's a tight run with the Cupra and the CTR and I don't know which I want now The VXR is a total NO and the ST is only nice in ST3 mode.

The Cupra is so easy to drive quickly and no hassle to overtake in at all.
The CTR appears to have awfull lag, but is great once you get it into the right rev range, about 3.5K onwards with the V-TEC coming in strong at 5.5K onwards. I found it drives like a basic 2 litre car untill you get the revs up.

Handling wise the Cupra is smoother and feels lighter, yes I did say feels lighter, it probably isn't though. However the CTR is great in the twisties with the rear torsion bar really making the rear end feel stuck to the road.

Under heavy braking the Leon felt amazing whereas the CTR's brakes didn't inspire confidence, however there CTR's ABS system cut in across some bumpy ground under braking and did make the braking experiance quite pleasant.

For looks there is no competion, the CTR wins hands down and I'm very tempted by the 19" alloys, however the Leon looks like you could park it in the centre of Brum and it would get no attention, which is very much a plus point at the moment.

I can see why your choice is so hard because i'm thinking the same at the moment, this may go down to who can offer the best deal

 

[Kevo]

Had the same dilemma myself...

In the end after testing them all i have a red ctr arriving early next month, for me the cupra was a little dissapointing, i know low key is prob better these days i really wanted to like it as after owning the cupra r a few years ago would of liked to get back to Seat....
but really in the flesh the CTR looks stunning. It also drives quite different than the old one which i did not like.
At the end of the day if we all had the same taste the world would be a boring place..

It will be a different experience though as i have had turbo/supercharger cars for the last 5-6 years, the 2 hour test drive i had on my own was very good...

Will miss the gti though it has been fantastic and faultless despite covering nearly 18000 miles and still not needing a service, this will be the first job for new owner...

Kev

 

[HarryKatinnen]

Morning Guys.

Not sure where to start but here go's.

I have a 55 plate mint condition Seat Leon Cupra R in luna Grey and has covered only 8000 miles I have been looking to maybe purchasing a new cupra in the near future.

Anyway I popped down to My Seat dealer to have a look at the Cupra and to be honest I have mixed feeling's about her granted I have not taken her out yet for a test drive but it seems to be lacking something in the looks department I cannot seem to put My finger on it.

I have booked a test drive for this weekend hopefully I may change My mind when I get behind the wheel and take it for a blat up the road.

When I was returning home I passed My local Honda garage and thought I might just have a look at the new Civic Type R.

So I pulled up outside and the welcome I got was totally different from the Seat dealerships I have visited before.

They where very helpful indeed and seemed to listen to the customer with a none pushy approach I did have a look around the type R and to be honest I loved the look of it.

I am going to have a test drive at the weekend as the car was not ready yesterday it had just come in apparently.

I would like to hear some feedback regarding the new Honda Civic Type R I would imagine other Seatcupra.net members have test drove one.

One other thing what price should I be aiming for regarding My 55 plate Seat cupra R if I where to part ex it with say the new Cupra or Type R.

Skywalker

Just wondering whether you got to drive the Honda after and what your thoughts were