Mk4 Ibiza Cupra TDi or Mk1 Leon FR+ TDi

[CupraRuss]

I have finally decided on one of these two cars, but I can't make a final decision.

I have only driven the Ibiza and loved it, everything about it in fact, but I much prefer the way the Leon FR+ looks (with Cupra R bits on etc).

Has anyone driven both? Is there much difference performance wise? Handling?

I have budget upto £15kish, so could look at a Mk2 FR TDi Leon, but I really don't like the way they look

Any other better options out there for me?

BMW 330D is a no go because of insurance and I don't like 120D's.

Russ

 

[T. Spark]

The Cupra will be faster, more power, less weight + better stopping power etc.

However the FR+ in the Leon wont be slow (relative) and does look nice with the Cupra R bits)

Is there any reason other than you believe it looks nicer to why you could justify the FR+ ? 5 doors? Bigger boot? etc?

Otherwise if its just looks vs performance I know which one i choose. However everyone is different. Test drive the Leon as you might find the handling a little different (from what ive read anyway!)

 

[CupraRuss]

I don't really 'need' the extra space which the Leon offers, but it could be useful at some point.

I guess the other consideration is which one looks more 'grown up'? I guess the Leon wins there - I am getting on a bit now

Does the Leon not have the same brakes as the Ibiza then? The brakes on the Ibiza were awesome - I got back into my Fiesta ST and it felt like I didn't have any brakes at all!

 

[Mr Cellotape]

IIRC they also did a MK1 Leon Cupra TDI, however there aren't to many about.

 

[CupraRuss]

IIRC they also did a MK1 Leon Cupra TDI, however there aren't to many about.

They did indeed, but I am after a 55/06 plate or later and the Cupra's are all 04ish plus the FR+ has the Cupra R bits - alloys, splitter etc.

Does the FR+ not have the Brembo's then?

 

[mrcoyote]

Does the Leon not have the same brakes as the Ibiza then? The brakes on the Ibiza were awesome - I got back into my Fiesta ST and it felt like I didn't have any brakes at all!

No the brakes are completely different in that the Ibiza Cupra as 4 pot AP calipers with 312mm discs and the Leon has single pot calipers with 288mm discs.

 

[CupraRuss]

No the brakes are completely different in that the Ibiza Cupra as 4 pot AP calipers with 312mm discs and the Leon has single pot calipers with 288mm discs.

Thanks for clarifying - I had it in my head that the FR+ came with Cupra R Brembo's and the Ibiza Cupra had Brembo's too.

No need for a brake upgrade if I get a remap on the Ibiza then? Just a new clutch I assume?

 

[mrcoyote]

Nope, no need for a brake upgrade and you don't strictly need a new clutch, it all depends on how you drive it I guess,

 

[CupraRuss]

Well I'll enjoy it standard for a good 6 months or so anyway, so that I appreciate the upgrade more.

Luckily, I live 10 mins away from P-Torque. I don't intend to hammer it everywhere, it's mostly a motorway commuter.

Thanks for your help mrcoyote - did I used to play BF2 with you?

 

[T. Spark]

A earlier Leon Cupra TDi would come with 312mm brakes, but as mentioned the FR+ has 288mm I believe. Which are rubbish IMHO.

200bhp from the Cupra TDi Ibiza

 

[CupraRuss]

A earlier Leon Cupra TDi would come with 312mm brakes, but as mentioned the FR+ has 288mm I believe. Which are rubbish IMHO.

200bhp from the Cupra TDi Ibiza

Seems to make the most sense, but they seem relatively rare, which is always nice

Thanks for everyone's help - if anyone else has an opinion please let me know

 

[strugers1]

i thought only the ore facelift cupras come with 312??when the face lift cupra /cupra tdi came out they all have 288??
and i can stop from 120 in 120 yards going by the road sign markers lol
but in this case the bigger the better

 

[Ibiza 130 tdi]

I'd choose a Cupra tdi. The Leon FR+ is a very nice car as you say with the Cupra R bits - I'd want one when I'm a bit older and got a family. All the Ibiza Cupra's are 3 door if that's an issue? Whereas the FR+'s are all 5 door.

It's totally up to you at the end of the day - if you want a little pocket rocket that will put shame to a fair few cars on the road - get the Ibiza.

If you want a (probably) smoother riding car with more "road presence" then go for FR.