Cupra Leon ST

[Peller]

I had our car in for it's 2nd year service and was given a MK4 Cupra Leon.

I'm a little unsure of the overall experience. I really don't like the way everything is integrated into the infotainment system but there is an impressive list of tech on the thing!

I don't think the material quality and the fit and finish is as good as the MK 3.5 and that little stubby gear lever is just funny! The seats are really nice as is the new steering wheel (with decent sized paddles at last)

It was the plug in hybrid model and seemed plenty quick enough with the battery charged. I personally would have the full fat 300ps.

I think the styling is a bit awkward, it seems very high up. Overall it is a nice car and would probably get used to it after a while but if I was in the market for a new Cupra I'd rather have the facelifted Ateca!

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Syphon]

Nice they gave you a decent car whilst yours was in for work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. First ST I've seen in black.

I take it you've seen our review of the hatch?

They do need to sort the arch gaps out.

 

[Peller]

Nice they gave you a decent car whilst yours was in for work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. First ST I've seen in black.

I take it you've seen our review of the hatch?

They do need to sort the arch gaps out.

Just read the review and I totally agree with it. Tbh the car left me a little cold and I was more than happy to get back into the MK3.5

I honestly think the interior is a step back and even when the full fat version is released I would really struggle to choose it over it rivals unless they do silly lease deals again.

I know most people don't like change but I couldn't see myself with this. I know a few people that have the same issue with the new Golf.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Seriously?]

Sorry, but every time I see the back of a MK4, hatch or ST, I think of a duck. And the more I see of the interior, the less it impresses. The MK 3 just looks so much more cohesive.

 

[Syphon]

I'm increasingly feeling the VW group have messed up this time round on their hot hatches in a race to compete with Tesla by putting everything in a touch screen creating a user hostile experience, skimping on quality (the Golfs wheel buttons are even touch control, thankfully SEAT/CUPRA didn't go that far), and messing up the line up - the Golf R is now faster and more expensive than the S3 and the CUPRA only 1.5K less than the S3 (albeit with more standard spec). Go figure...

 

[Peller]

I think the hot hatch race may have reached it's peak. The cars are all more or less the same now. I think the only interesting one left is the i30N if you like a sore back!?!

The VAG group are obviously recovering costs from dieselgate and they're cutting costs in production.

I've been in the new A3 and even raised an eyebrow about the quality.

It's sad to see, especially as these cars are not cheap in the first place. I've always slated Ford and the French for crap interiors but they seem to be overtaking the VAG group these days.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[AndrewJB]

I had the FR e-Hybrid for 2 weeks last week, after a few days everything being on that screen was fine, you just have to get used to it (like using a smart phone for the first time after a old Nokia).

Got to say the cabin (if the wrap around lights are fitted) is a huge upgrade over the MK3, but some of the materials felt a little cheap.

 

[AndrewJB]

I think the hot hatch race may have reached it's peak. The cars are all more or less the same now. I think the only interesting one left is the i30N if you like a sore back!?!

It hasn't but 99% of manufacturers are churning out warm hatches these days. its one thing shacking 300ps engine into a hatch and calling it a hot hatch but Renault for example have made some cracking hot hatches with a lot less power than rivals (R26 R for example).

Years ago (I'm only 31) a hot hatch was something not many people could afford/dared to own but these days they are available on cheap lease deals, which takes the shine off owning one.

CUPRA needed to release a limited run car, 300PS + electric motor or 2.5T + electric and make it special. track focused etc, like the R26 R.

 

[AndrewJB]

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

No start button on steering wheel I see

 

[Peller]

No start button on steering wheel I see

Yep, was thinking that myself. I thought there was supposed to be a mode selection button aswell on the wheel.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk

 

[Zer0]

Front looks great, rear not so much. Interior a bit so-so.

 

[Jon89]

No start button on steering wheel I see

I hope it gets included on the petrol version as it doesn't appear to even be available on the UK spec PHEV at the moment. I've only driven the new FR for a few hours but in that time I don't think the touchscreen would be much of a problem for me. I'd definitely want a physical drive mode button though, as I don't like the idea of swiping through the screen for that. The wheels I like only appear to be available on European spec cars as well. I hope both of these become available because it's not a cheap car and I'd want to be completely happy with it for the price. It's seems even more expensive when I've gotten a quote for a new M135i with some options for less than the price of the Leon in the VZ2 trim.

 

[AndrewJB]

The screen wasn't an issue for me either. got used to it.

 

[Peller]

I hope it gets included on the petrol version as it doesn't appear to even be available on the UK spec PHEV at the moment. I've only driven the new FR for a few hours but in that time I don't think the touchscreen would be much of a problem for me. I'd definitely want a physical drive mode button though, as I don't like the idea of swiping through the screen for that. The wheels I like only appear to be available on European spec cars as well. I hope both of these become available because it's not a cheap car and I'd want to be completely happy with it for the price. It's seems even more expensive when I've gotten a quote for a new M135i with some options for less than the price of the Leon in the VZ2 trim.

Still no buttons on a recent build Cupra Ateca? Dunno whats going on!

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Tapatalk