Cupra handling .... not as good as I expected?

[hairyaardvark]

Hi All,

I've just bought an '09 ex-demo Speed Blue Cupra K1 with black alloys and all the toys. Needless to say, generally speaking i am very pleased with my new car! Great build quality, decent enough grunt for a hatch (plus Bluefin on order), good spec of kit etc etc.

But one thing I've been a little disappointed by, if I'm totally honest, is the handling. I've been lucky enough to own a string of 'proper' sportscars, and so I'm aware that comparisons against them might be a little unfair (tuned Subaru, Lotus Exige S, Audi RS4, TVR Sagaris) .... but it does mean that I know something about car handling, and what feels 'right'.

However my most recent direct and fair comparison is the Honda Civic Type R ('55 plate) that I traded in for the Cupra. Now in most aspects, the Cupra is streets ahead (build quality, comfort, straight-line speed), but around corners (or dare I say it, around a challenging track), my feeling is that the standard TypeR would run rings around it.

It's all down to the cornering, and the 'setup' for the corner. I have two major criticisms - first, when changing down aggressively for a tight corner, the Cupra seems to pitch backwards and forwards fairly dramatically, which doesn't induce confidence when preparing to step on it around the bend.

Secondly, during the actual corner itself, there is excessive bodyroll, inside wheel 'hop', and the traction control light is easily lit up, disturbing the ride further.

Can anyone tell me is this is normal, and what the most common mods or upgrades are to improve things? Clearly, a full new suspension setup could sort things .... but I was wondering if there were any other cheaper half-way options out there ..... stiffer rear droplinks? anti-lift kit? front strutbrace? better tyres? (I know from experience that the Potenzas on the car were rubbish for my old Scoobie).

any views welcome. I promise I'm not trolling here - I'm generally very chuffed with the car .... I just thought that with all SEAT's BTCC experience, it would be a little sprightlier around corners

cheers
HA

 

[robdf2]

There is a post already along the same lines from a guy who owned lotus elises who posted about the same thing.
Use the search button to find his post would make worth while reading for you.

 

[Poverty]

Hi All,

I've just bought an '09 ex-demo Speed Blue Cupra K1 with black alloys and all the toys. Needless to say, generally speaking i am very pleased with my new car! Great build quality, decent enough grunt for a hatch (plus Bluefin on order), good spec of kit etc etc.

But one thing I've been a little disappointed by, if I'm totally honest, is the handling. I've been lucky enough to own a string of 'proper' sportscars, and so I'm aware that comparisons against them might be a little unfair (tuned Subaru, Lotus Exige S, Audi RS4, TVR Sagaris) .... but it does mean that I know something about car handling, and what feels 'right'.

However my most recent direct and fair comparison is the Honda Civic Type R ('55 plate) that I traded in for the Cupra. Now in most aspects, the Cupra is streets ahead (build quality, comfort, straight-line speed), but around corners (or dare I say it, around a challenging track), my feeling is that the standard TypeR would run rings around it.

It's all down to the cornering, and the 'setup' for the corner. I have two major criticisms - first, when changing down aggressively for a tight corner, the Cupra seems to pitch backwards and forwards fairly dramatically, which doesn't induce confidence when preparing to step on it around the bend.

Secondly, during the actual corner itself, there is excessive bodyroll, inside wheel 'hop', and the traction control light is easily lit up, disturbing the ride further.

Can anyone tell me is this is normal, and what the most common mods or upgrades are to improve things? Clearly, a full new suspension setup could sort things .... but I was wondering if there were any other cheaper half-way options out there ..... stiffer rear droplinks? anti-lift kit? front strutbrace? better tyres? (I know from experience that the Potenzas on the car were rubbish for my old Scoobie).

any views welcome. I promise I'm not trolling here - I'm generally very chuffed with the car .... I just thought that with all SEAT's BTCC experience, it would be a little sprightlier around corners

cheers
HA

dont worry we dont have trolls on here like scoobynet does.

The standard tires imho lack grip for proper cornering, and I found it took me a while to get used to cornering the leon quickly, it doesnt behave like I expected but with careful feet on the louder peddle the cupra can corner quickly.

VW racing do some springs which improves the handling and ride height, and some goodyear assys should help improve cornering speed. Uprated mounts help too for feel and feedback.

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

your not the only one, it's not just cupra's. it's FR's aswell. Mine had some disappointing handling characteristics. My solution was to change the suspension and get thicker ARBs. lowered by almost 40mm, but the setup came at a cost of £1128. if u wanted the handling u desire the tyres alone won't do. you'll need to modify the setup.

 

[hairyaardvark]

OK - thanks for the responses guys .... and glad I'm not alone.
I think I'll look into those thicker ARBs to start with .... they certainly made a difference with some of my previous cars.

cheers
HA

 

[DanGB]

definately recommend some ARB's for beter handling, most notable decreased body roll of course.

Wether you go for spring and or dampers, or a whole coilover setup depends on your budget.