1. I have no overwhelming brand loyalty (owned 3 evo's, 'burg, RS, 225, Cupra) so I'm certainly not slating the Cupra....just pointing out that having actually owned a burg and taken the time to use it properly on the track I know it's not as bad as you are trying to make out.
I don't think its bad, just not as good as something better. I also agree that the Leon Cupra is blown away by its rivals, but I have no reason to try and justify it being better than it is. Focus RS, new Megane Sport, S3, Evo are all way better than the Leon Cupra, or Leon Cupra R if you are talking £ for £ new (approx £25k mark)
2. The op asked about the vxr nurburgring...NOT a standard vxr
Fair point
3. How much is the Cupra per year to tax again?
£15 less than an Astra VXR/Nurburgring - We just need to make sure we don't spend all that in one shop
4. What encap rating again?
...3+4.... splitting hairs and hardly worth puttin in an argument against the vxr
Higher overall score bud
5. Vxr seats are absolutely superb, comfortable and very supportive
But not as good as the seats in a Cupra
6. Having done many SMD conversions I can confirm that the dials and controls are not lifted from an older vauxhall
The graphic display, layout and design of dash as well as the switches all resemble that from older Vauxhalls. The MK2 Leon dash is nothing like the MK1 Leon dash although I do agree the central part of the dash on the (pre facelift) MK2 Leon is ****.
7. Finally, the rolling road. This is a dastek unit that I know is accurate! I made 310, 308 and 307.5 on different days. One of which seen many standard cars make standard power. I did have some generic map, I had one properly written for my car...the best form of tuning!
Would be very interested to see that graph and know the power at the wheels