Cupra vague steering

[Revulike]

Did a test drive in a 2019 300 lux ST today.
Engine strong, great noise (if artificial) and super brakes.

Then, after I finished hooning around, I noticed that the steering was very vague and spongy. Like there was play or worn track rod ends.
Also the accelerator response seemed slow, not sharp. I cycled round the comfort and cupra modes, but didn’t make any difference.

i take it Cupra 300s are not meant to feel like this?

R

 

[oldglosracer]

Depends what you are used to I guess,what are you comparing it to?

What tyres did it have, were they in good condition?

 

[Revulike]

Tyres were brand new Rotex on front, Contis rear.

coming from a TT mk3.

I also have. Leon 5f 1.2 though, and I think that steers better.

 

[SuperV8]

Tyres were brand new Rotex on front, Contis rear.

coming from a TT mk3.

I also have. Leon 5f 1.2 though, and I think that steers better.

Who fits crap tyres to a nice performance car

 

[Wyld Stallyn]

Many Horses + Budget Tyres = Scenery Sooner

 

[SRGTD]

Who fits crap tyres to a nice performance car

A unscrupulous dealer would - to keep their costs down and increase their profit margin .

 

[SRGTD]

Many Horses + Budget Tyres = Scenery Sooner

Agree. They’re known as ditchfinders for a good reason.

 

[black_sheep]

When I first purchased my Cupra ST it was very twitchy steering in one direction compared to the other.

I paid for a 4 wheel laser alignment to be completed as it was significantly out from the factory.

The front end especially is susceptible to this if out of alignment - I also purchased the Racing Line bolt collar alignment kit (coincidentally I can't get the geometry in tolerance with this fitted) which stiffened the front end up, although this wasn't the primary reason for the purchase - does send a lot of feedback through the steering if you catch a pot hole though.

Decent tyres also help as above.

Racingline MQB Subframe Bolt Collar Alignment Kit - VWR150000 – Progressive Parts

Racingline MQB Subframe Alignment Kit The RacingLine Alignment Bolt Collar kit is a simple ‘why not’ upgrade to eliminate the challenges caused by large

progressiveparts.com

Edit: both of the lower wishbone rubbers had perished and were replaced at it last service 4 years/32k mi; so glad I had the 5 year warranty! - another place to look.

 

[Wyld Stallyn]

Also check Tyre pressures

 

[black_sheep]

Also check Tyre pressures

Yeah. Very good point!

 

[Wyld Stallyn]

Just a thought...
Has the vehicle in question recently had an MOT done..?

 

[Revulike]

Car has just been MOTed. Advisory on previous MOT on near illegal front tyres!
Only has 17k miles, so I wouldn’t think it’s a worn bushes issue.

I really need to test another 300 or 290 to compare.

 

[Wyld Stallyn]

Car has just been MOTed. Advisory on previous MOT on near illegal front tyres!
Only has 17k miles, so I wouldn’t think it’s a worn bushes issue.

I really need to test another 300 or 290 to compare.

Thought So! - Rubber bought just to pass MOT and keep alloys off the ground

 

[Wyld Stallyn]

Thought So! - Rubber bought just to pass MOT and keep alloys off the ground

Good Luck with your Quest

 

[Revulike]

Good Luck with your Quest

Cheers!