2025 CUPRA Leon Estate 2.0TSI 333PS VZ3 4Drive In-Depth Review

[Syphon]

What is it?



This is the redesign of one of my favourite cars. It boasts more power, advanced technology, three engine options, and six trim levels to choose from. Surely, this has something for everyone, but can it beat the MK3 SEAT Leon CUPRA ST 300 4Drive that I know and love?




Verdict
I’ve always been a fan of the Leon ST/Estate; this one is no different. From the new body styling to the great-looking alloys, it’s a great-looking car.
The exterior design is impressive, with the Enceladus Grey Matte paint being a standout feature. The interior, while functional, hasn’t seen significant changes from previous models, the seats, larger screen and improved media system are welcome updates.
Overall, it’s a brilliant car with only a few drawbacks. UK Tax is a significant consideration, not to mention the RRP of the car in the first place.


Our rating







4 stars out of 5...

Continue reading...

 

[Syphon]

Thanks to @Jimbobcook for another great in-depth review!

Scott

 

[SRGTD]

Great review.

Agree with @Jimbobcook that the matte paint looks really good but it’s something I’d never have as IMHO there are too many downsides with matte paint from an ownership / ongoing maintenance perspective

• It’s expensive
• It’s not possible to ‘correct’ imperfections / defects such as bird poo etching or other light cosmetic damage (e.g. light scratches picked up in places such as supermarket car parks). On ‘normal’ gloss paintwork, these imperfections can usually be easily and quickly sorted by spot polishing with a machine polisher. That’s not possible on matte paintwork though, as it would leave shiny patches that could then only be removed by repainting.
• It can be difficult to replicate the matte paint factory finish if paintwork repairs are ever needed.
• I’m assuming DIY stone chip repairs would be very difficult - if not impossible.
• Car cleaning / detailing of matte paintwork requires special products to maintain / preserve the factory finish; IMHO using one of the many hand wash car wash places, using auto car washes or letting the dealer do their complementary services washes would be an absolute no-no! (although I wouldn’t use any of those, whatever paint finish my car had).

IMHO, a full matte PPF would be worth considering for anyone thinking of buying a car with matte paint. Expensive? yes it would be, but it should help keep a car the matte paintwork looking as good as it did when it left the factory.

 

[Jimbobcook]

Great review.

Agree with @Jimbobcook that the matte paint looks really good but it’s something I’d never have as IMHO there are too many downsides with matte paint from an ownership / ongoing maintenance perspective

• It’s expensive
• It’s not possible to ‘correct’ imperfections / defects such as bird poo etching or other light cosmetic damage (e.g. light scratches picked up in places such as supermarket car parks). On ‘normal’ gloss paintwork, these imperfections can usually be easily and quickly sorted by spot polishing with a machine polisher. That’s not possible on matte paintwork though, as it would leave shiny patches that could then only be removed by repainting.
• It can be difficult to replicate the matte paint factory finish if paintwork repairs are ever needed.
• I’m assuming DIY stone chip repairs would be very difficult - if not impossible.
• Car cleaning / detailing of matte paintwork requires special products to maintain / preserve the factory finish; IMHO using one of the many hand wash car wash places, using auto car washes or letting the dealer do their complementary services washes would be an absolute no-no! (although I wouldn’t use any of those, whatever paint finish my car had).

IMHO, a full matte PPF would be worth considering for anyone thinking of buying a car with matte paint. Expensive? yes it would be, but it should help keep a car the matte paintwork looking as good as it did when it left the factory.

This is exactly what I'd do, it would turn out to be a very expensive paint job but you'd look cool and it would have some protection and healing abilities.

Thanks for the comments

 

[Loadmaster748]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to prep and write it.​

With regards to the two comments below, can they not be disabled on start up, in the same way that the start/stop function can be?​

What we didn’t like​

• Lane Assist
• Speed Sign Detection

 

[Syphon]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to prep and write it.​

With regards to the two comments below, can they not be disabled on start up, in the same way that the start/stop function can be?​

What we didn’t like​

• Lane Assist
• Speed Sign Detection

Yes they can be.

Scott

 

[Railwayman]

Yes they can be.

Scott

Great article, thank you. Saved this review for when I had time to read it properly with a brew. Looks like these petrol beasts are going out on a high but shame about the price. I can’t see there being many second hand ones around!

 

[Jimbobcook]

Great article, thank you. Saved this review for when I had time to read it properly with a brew. Looks like these petrol beasts are going out on a high but shame about the price. I can’t see there being many second hand ones around!

Thank you for the comments, hopefully it wasn't too long or boring haha I love the Leon Estates and always have, I imagine you may see a few after a few years of people leasing them.