Sold the Cupra 280

Mr_gangrel

Active Member
Feb 12, 2015
46
1
Sussex
Just my final thoughts on the last three months of Cupra 280 ownership.

In my opinion Seat have pulled a blinder in the shape of the Cupra 280, its a phenomenal allrounder, it can do the shopping, a motorway commute and with the right tyres can put in some decent lap times.

Good points

-The damping is great even in Cupra mode, it isn't too firm and doesn't bounce you all over the road when you're blasting down your favourite B roads.
-The electronic dif is really quite effective with the right tyre, you can get on the power ridiculously early and it will pull you round.
-The Seat sound system is pretty good and enough adjustability to get the kind of sound I was after.
-The engine is amazing for a turbo unit, yes it has some lag but the torque and power spread are impressive. The straight line speed feels faster than the stated 276bhp to me.
-Overall an impressive car.

Bad points

-The standard seats are rubbish, why the didn't supply the buckets with all 280 is beyond me considering they marketed it as the first car to do a sub 8.
-The brakes while feelsome and good stopping power fade through heat, again why didn't they spec some fixed units like on the sub 8 pack instead of the **** single pot sliding caliper
-The rattles were annoying in the door cards, really shouldn't have them on a new vehicle
-The DSG box was great in normal use but when pressing on you had to wait just slightly too long for downshifts. The lack of a soft limiter was very irritating, the box changing up in manual done my head in. Granted, I learned to drive around it but should you have to?
-The Bridgestones were crap for a car with this power through the front a better tyre should of been specced.

Like I said a great allrounder but lacked a certain something for me. To this day my Mk2 Focus RS is the benchmark for my hot hatches. It wasn't as fast round a track, as well damped and it was chavvy but it made me feel awesome when I was on attack mode.

The Cupra 280 was impressive but not exciting enough.

To that end, I've changed tact and bought myself a runaround and a track car.

One last point i'm selling my genuine BBS CH alloys with Cup 2s, it should be in the parts for sale section once the mods approve or if I see and change yet another mistake i've made!

Thanks Seat, its been fun but unfortunately not exceptional.
 
Apr 15, 2009
857
0
Wolverhampton
Im also getting rid, really disappointed in it, 280 brake through a front wheel car is stupid, its so difficult to get the power down, I have a S3 for the day on Sat so maybe order one of them instead.
 

mbk72

Active Member
Feb 21, 2015
133
0
www.youtube.com
You've hit the nail on the head there, a talented all rounder good but not quite great.

+ Agree with all your good points.

I'd add to the negatives:

- Even the buckets aren't really buckets (not enough lateral support on track, my left knee bruises tell the tale) and yes they should be the standard seat, then they should option proper lightweight buckets.

- downshifts or rather refusal of them is really annoying, especially 4th to 3rd. The RS3 7 speed DSG was so much better. The software even in Cupra mode is poor, it upshifts when it should hold on track at least.

- Minimum tyre should be the Michelin Pilot Super Sport as with the M135i - it wins tests because it's fitted with them SEAT UK are you listening??!! Option the Cup 2 because that is an acquired taste.

For me, like your FRS2, the Megane R26.R will always be a benchmark. The Cupra isn't close to that, but then the .R couldn't carry a family either so horses for courses and all that.

Good luck with your next choices I hope you have fun. I've chased the perfect combination of road and track cars for years and am yet to find it. These days I just run a more than capable road car like the Cupra and hire intense track machines. The Cupra still had to go on track once just to find the limits of course.

So if you don't mind me asking what are you going to run as road and track cars?

I think we'd get along famously so I hope we meet at a track someday!
 

Fmxvxx

Active Member
Dec 21, 2014
388
3
I don't get the point in the hot hatches today being fwd were passing the point in power that the front wheels can handle and still be enjoyable, I took a cupra round milbrooks alpine course and don't get me wrong it's a good car but the whole time driving it I think for the money I know i'd be enjoying myself much more in a slightly older m3 though saying that it said just fine at 150 round the bowl.

If they ever make a 4wd Cupra i think that could be awesome.
 

thefunkygibbon

Mk3 Leon Cupra 280
Jan 9, 2012
424
0
You've hit the nail on the head there, a talented all rounder good but not quite great.

+ Agree with all your good points.

I'd add to the negatives:

- Even the buckets aren't really buckets (not enough lateral support on track, my left knee bruises tell the tale) and yes they should be the standard seat, then they should option proper lightweight buckets.

- downshifts or rather refusal of them is really annoying, especially 4th to 3rd. The RS3 7 speed DSG was so much better. The software even in Cupra mode is poor, it upshifts when it should hold on track at least.

- Minimum tyre should be the Michelin Pilot Super Sport as with the M135i - it wins tests because it's fitted with them SEAT UK are you listening??!! Option the Cup 2 because that is an acquired taste.

For me, like your FRS2, the Megane R26.R will always be a benchmark. The Cupra isn't close to that, but then the .R couldn't carry a family either so horses for courses and all that.

Good luck with your next choices I hope you have fun. I've chased the perfect combination of road and track cars for years and am yet to find it. These days I just run a more than capable road car like the Cupra and hire intense track machines. The Cupra still had to go on track once just to find the limits of course.

So if you don't mind me asking what are you going to run as road and track cars?

I think we'd get along famously so I hope we meet at a track someday!

so why bother getting a 2nd one then? first time around you must have recognised all of the shortfalls with the car and thought about getting something better, no?
 

mbk72

Active Member
Feb 21, 2015
133
0
www.youtube.com
so why bother getting a 2nd one then? first time around you must have recognised all of the shortfalls with the car and thought about getting something better, no?

Because I also agree with all the positive points, perfect daily car for me and here to stay.

All those minor negatives only apply flat out on track, which is less than 1% of my annual mileage. I didn't know that with the first one because it failed in less than 1k road miles.

Something better? The only car at a similar price that would address those issues is the Megane 257 Trophy. What the Trophy gains on track it loses as an everyday proposition. Plus I just don't want another one, I doubt it would top the R26.R.

Without more than doubling the budget there is nothing that would suit us better. We've been there too and the running costs are eye watering.
 

thefunkygibbon

Mk3 Leon Cupra 280
Jan 9, 2012
424
0
It sounds like a lot of the compaints seem to be relating to he dsg box to be fair.
Having a manual I have no such problems. I test drove both and I personally did not like the lack of control the dsg gave you.

As for the other neg points , I guess if you were using the car as a track car as well as a city car then you may well have some issues. But I dont and if I did I don't have anything to compare against so its unlikely I would find anything to complain about having no frame of reference.

I find the brakes and the standard seats to be great. Not had any issue with them.

Tyres admitidly are a bit naff in terms of grip but this is a consumable item so its def not the end of the world. By the time the engine us worn in you can change for better tyres and have some more fun.

The alternative I was looking at was a wrx sti. But the running costs in terms of tax and mpg were a LOT worse than the cupra. Plus it had very little in terms of comforts in the cabin.
No matter what car you chose , its not got to tick every single box and be perfect. But I think most people feel that the cupra mk3 ticks more of them than the competition. Horses for courses and all that jazz
 
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Mattias

Active Member
Apr 9, 2014
97
0
Sweden
I think the cupra 280 is really good Daily allrounder too. Here in sweden its cheap to own one as well. Just got me a fabia tdi for second car so the cupra will rest next winter:). With some mods the cupra can be a missile!!.:D
I also miss the bucket seats, to bad you cant get them now?.
 
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Ocularis

Active Member
Jan 2, 2015
492
0
Northampton
I agree with the seats comment, stock ones are a bit lame. For those of us that require a dsg style box, its very good and much better than a full on slush box. As for tyres, ive not driven on the bridgestones apart from the test drive, and had them changed before i took delivery.

For me its a great car, 99.9% commuting its fast enough and comfortable enough for my use but when i wanna put the hammer down never fails to deliver. Not sure i would be as happy if I used it as a track weapon all the time.. but then I would never get a FWD car for that.

Not had any rattles in mine, although i came from a skoda which rattled every single second of every single day i owned it.. so perhaps im immune to the ones in the cupra. Would have been nice to have the more sport sub8 style package as default, but then the money would have been prob too close to golfR and then thats where even more may go.

As for the wrx, ive had one and was going to get one instead of the cupra (lack of auto meant it would be hard to justify)... they are rather bland and a bit long in the tooth but they drive so nice. Trouble is they are expensive to run compared to the cupra which is cheap as chips!

Last 2 cars have been FWD and i dont think I'd get another one if i went down the performance route again. AWD or RWD all the way I think :)
 

-=Rob=-

Beer or Car?
Dec 14, 2002
1,485
0
South West
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I agree with the views on the standard seats, they are the one thing that I think isn't great on what is a great all-round car. Don't get me wrong, they aren't crap, but could be better - (E.g The seats in my wife's Altea Sport are more comfortable & supportive than the Leon Cupra seats!)

I looked at the Golf GTi before plunging for the Leon, and the seats in that are fantastic, shame Seat scrimped on the standard seats. But on the other hand they gave us all the other goodies as standard like the diff, dynamic chassis control, more power etc in comparison.

No other complaints here mind you.
 
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Mr_gangrel

Active Member
Feb 12, 2015
46
1
Sussex
I previously had an e92 m3 which I poured nearly £15k into to modify for track. It was a weapon.....but horrendously expensive on consumables and general maintenance. The M-DCT box was amazing with the M3 GTS software. I know its a Leon and not a M3 but the DSG issues seem very much software related, its fast enough to actually change the gears...when it lets you.

Due to fast RWD cars being so expensive to run on track I've gone cheap and bought myself an EP3 Civic type R with uprated, brakes, suspension, exhaust, induction, ARB, polybushed, Hondata ECu and fully stripped with one bucket. More to come on that but its running 240bhp and weighs around 1100kgs wet. Its easy to self maintain and service.

If I bin it I won't be happy but its not the end of the world, where as If I binned the M3 or the Cupra 280 for that matter I would of been upset.

I've had type Rs' before and I like the revvy nature of the engine and the chassis adjustability. Even in its trim now I will have to work hard to stay with a well driven 280 around track, that's saying something about how capable the Cupra is but its so easy to get that performance. I know saying you should work for the speed is a bit of a cliche but to me its more enjoyable knowing you've really earned it.

I'm not knocking the car really, its great what it really is made for and that's to be a consummate allrounder, its just not the sub 8 minute pseudo racecar for the road the PR department will lead you to believe (not more than a couple of laps at most). I may be naive in believing PR though. :D
 

mbk72

Active Member
Feb 21, 2015
133
0
www.youtube.com
The EP3 is a fine choice. I think an EP3 in that trim should be a fair bit quicker than the Cupra on most circuits, unless there are long straights maybe. You've probably seen my Pembrey thread, there was an Integra there in a similar state of tune and it was blisteringly quick on Federal 595RSR semi slicks. Wore out the front left in a day but at £50 a corner it doesn't matter. Even our standard FN2 was still a lot of fun on Sunday though it was quite a bit off the pace of the Cupra.

I know where you are coming from with the M3 costs and the risks of binning expensive cars. It's why I've always held off buying an Exige I don't want the risk of putting £60k round a track and the cost would mean I'd hold back so there would be little point.

You're right about the PR, where the Megane R26.R really would do what Renault claimed right out of the box the Cupra won't.

I'll keep a look out for an EP3 in my mirrors on track!
 

Mr_gangrel

Active Member
Feb 12, 2015
46
1
Sussex
I'm running 595RSR so I'm expecting it to be nippy when I push.

Although I'm predominately going to be doing UK short circuits I quite fancy a go at getting a sub 8 in the EP3 around the Nordschleife. I know its a power circuit but I'll have a crack.

I've done it in the Cupra how hard can it be!?! :think:
 

Matt280

Active Member
Jan 14, 2015
148
0
Because I also agree with all the positive points, perfect daily car for me and here to stay.

All those minor negatives only apply flat out on track, which is less than 1% of my annual mileage. I didn't know that with the first one because it failed in less than 1k road miles.

Something better? The only car at a similar price that would address those issues is the Megane 257 Trophy. What the Trophy gains on track it loses as an everyday proposition. Plus I just don't want another one, I doubt it would top the R26.R.

Without more than doubling the budget there is nothing that would suit us better. We've been there too and the running costs are eye watering.

I'm in this camp too!!

But i do agree with the OP and understand where their comments are coming from. I love this car for what I use it for and one car is not right for everyone.

Enjoy what you drive people and worry less!!!!
 

Mattias

Active Member
Apr 9, 2014
97
0
Sweden
Sounds like a lot of you guys need a DSG remap, if it's available for the MQB, that is?

Its avalible!. But i dont Know which one to go for:).

I have just installed my oz leggera hlt 18 and vwr springs. I Know its not sub 8 but it makes the car more on edge!:)
 
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pulpmelon_280

Active Member
Jul 24, 2015
74
0
I previously had an e92 m3 which I poured nearly £15k into to modify for track. It was a weapon.....but horrendously expensive on consumables and general maintenance. The M-DCT box was amazing with the M3 GTS software. I know its a Leon and not a M3 but the DSG issues seem very much software related, its fast enough to actually change the gears...when it lets you.

Due to fast RWD cars being so expensive to run on track I've gone cheap and bought myself an EP3 Civic type R with uprated, brakes, suspension, exhaust, induction, ARB, polybushed, Hondata ECu and fully stripped with one bucket. More to come on that but its running 240bhp and weighs around 1100kgs wet. Its easy to self maintain and service.

If I bin it I won't be happy but its not the end of the world, where as If I binned the M3 or the Cupra 280 for that matter I would of been upset.

I've had type Rs' before and I like the revvy nature of the engine and the chassis adjustability. Even in its trim now I will have to work hard to stay with a well driven 280 around track, that's saying something about how capable the Cupra is but its so easy to get that performance. I know saying you should work for the speed is a bit of a cliche but to me its more enjoyable knowing you've really earned it.

I'm not knocking the car really, its great what it really is made for and that's to be a consummate allrounder, its just not the sub 8 minute pseudo racecar for the road the PR department will lead you to believe (not more than a couple of laps at most). I may be naive in believing PR though. :D

I used to enjoy my old EP3 Type R, think it still holds the 2.0L NASP on road tyres 1/4 mile record.
 

pulpmelon_280

Active Member
Jul 24, 2015
74
0
I'm running 595RSR so I'm expecting it to be nippy when I push.

Although I'm predominately going to be doing UK short circuits I quite fancy a go at getting a sub 8 in the EP3 around the Nordschleife. I know its a power circuit but I'll have a crack.

I've done it in the Cupra how hard can it be!?! :think:

You'll have to drop the gearing with a 5.46 final drive to make any progress in 5th and 6th on the straights.

Then its a case of running all the bolt ons + cams and a well setup chassis
 
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