What's your favourite generation of Leon and why?

[Cupra Ross]

This could get controversial. I'm posting this in the Mk1 section, but I'm going to be as unbiased as I can. We have an Altea XL TDi, and I've owned a Freetrack 4, a Mk2 Leon 2.0T, and I regularly drive a Mk3 Cupra 290.

My favourite Leon is the Mk1, hands down, no contest. Why? Firstly, it's classically styled and doesn't age as much as the others will. I think it looks a bit like a more modern Alfa Sud. The Mk2 is really showing its age these days imho.

Secondly, it feels alive where the Mk2 and Mk3 feel soulless and wooden in comparison. The Mk2 and Mk3 feel like an Audi A4, rubbery and detached.

Thirdly, the 1.8T is just one of the best engines VW ever made, once you sort the common faults that is . 20v head and the small K03S turbo are a brilliant combination, especially with a de-cat. As an everyday driver it's a combination that's really hard to beat for anything like the same money. Punchy from really low revs and happy to rev all the way to the red line with no flat spots in between.

It's not as quick as a Mk3, but I still prefer my Mk1. It's a great car that I thoroughly enjoy every journey in.

 

[Deleted member 103408]

Great Topic to start, Me I love all three for different reasons.

My daily drive is the 280 with Revo Stage 1 (going to be upped next year) and it gives the best of comfort vs a race car when pushed, i love it but I have gone from a range a family motors to this and it takes me back to my fun cars, but is also not a bad family car when required (which is not often). Cant agree with the MK3 being soulless as one of the reasons i bought it vs the Golf R was that the front wheel drive and setup mean you have to drive the car rather than point and steer and it keeps me smiling and awake when driving.

For the Looks I have to say for me the MK2 copa edition is a personal favorite as they look the best and i think that Seat missed a trick when doing the mk3 but as with all these things its very personal.

MK1 are good looking but the good thing as the car has been around a while there are a lot of Mods to both engine and bodywork so you can take it where you want.

 

[Seat_Jamie]

Mk1 as Ive had over 20 cars in 3 years and this is by far the most stylish fun car to drive and customise although I've only had mine for 3 weeks and I'm not even sure what bodykit is on it as it has R on wings and gauges and nice electric leather seats with an AUQ engine 1.8T 20v

 

[Cupra Ross]

Great Topic to start, Me I love all three for different reasons.

My daily drive is the 280 with Revo Stage 1 (going to be upped next year) and it gives the best of comfort vs a race car when pushed, i love it but I have gone from a range a family motors to this and it takes me back to my fun cars, but is also not a bad family car when required (which is not often). Cant agree with the MK3 being soulless as one of the reasons i bought it vs the Golf R was that the front wheel drive and setup mean you have to drive the car rather than point and steer and it keeps me smiling and awake when driving.

For the Looks I have to say for me the MK2 copa edition is a personal favorite as they look the best and i think that Seat missed a trick when doing the mk3 but as with all these things its very personal.

MK1 are good looking but the good thing as the car has been around a while there are a lot of Mods to both engine and bodywork so you can take it where you want.

Brilliant stuff. Maybe I was a bit harsh when I said the Mk3 was soulless. I should maybe have said the Mk1 has more "character", ie rattles

 

[Deleted member 103408]

^^^^ agreed although I am one of the lucky ones with no rattles.

 

[SteveWM]

I had my first MK1 in AUQ guise as a company car back in 2004, after 13 years of 3series etc. I've dumped the company car scheme and have a glossy black BAM engined Cupra R now.

I've always liked the shape, interior and range of engines. My son also has an ARL. So I guess it's obvious which one is my favourite. Downsides? I have some rattles, getting round them one at a time and I guess overall age. Still I have vag com, the elsawin software and a mate who owns a garage.

As cheap stylish transport with a smile every mile I can't fault it. Certainly surprises your average motor down the motorway slip road.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Dowson1993]

My favourite is by far the mk1 had one a few years ago sold it on after having a baby and needing something bigger for the trips to and from home so got a vectra vxr regretted selling the mk1 straight away bought an a3 after the vectra and hated it now I'm back to a mk1 fr again have had my sisters mk2 for a month or so between cars and just hate the shape of it with the door handles think it's too much like a bubble personally think it looks a bit daft but the shape of the mk1 has never got old in my opinion looks nicer than it's mk4 alternatives


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Alexis27]

I still remember seeing the Mk2 when it first came out at the London Motor Show and thinking it looked like a scaled down MPV.

It's grown on me a bit since then but the Mk1 is still the best looker of the three models.

 

[BadBoy03]

It most certainly has to be the MK1. It is iconic for its sleek design, sexy outfit & ability to mod until your hearts content. It is a head turner, & I have yet to fall out of love with it (even with my moans & groans maintaining it). It holds its own on the road & any 'chancer' who wants to take on a MK1 Cupra, always gets a surprise, & imo gets left somewhat bemused by its capability. It simply is a car to be proud of, & I am one of those owners.

 

[Deleted member 103408]

It most certainly has to be the MK1. It is iconic for its sleek design, sexy outfit & ability to mod until your hearts content. It is a head turner, & I have yet to fall out of love with it (even with my moans & groans maintaining it). It holds its own on the road & any 'chancer' who wants to take on a MK1 Cupra, always gets a surprise, & imo gets left somewhat bemused by its capability. It simply is a car to be proud of, & I am one of those owners.

And i say the same about my mk3

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[Cupra Ross]

And i say the same about my mk3

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Absolutely right, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Andrewwright]

mk1 Leon cupra r. version with big open mouth type front bumper like below in that color. Stylish, quick and lots of space, big boot and that engine, mk1 will always be my favorite car of all time. Not the best looking nor the quickest but I like it.
Mk2 cupra r isn't a bad looking car but it just doesn't look as good and them back doors
Mk3 looks like a modern mk1 IMO. Twin pipes on Both sides tops it off nicely.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Sparkie]

Mk1 all the way.
I just loved the Cupra R, as soon as I saw it, I wanted one.
Great lines, aggressive front bumper, low to the ground and child friendly too! Sporting a huge boot and 5 doors. What more could one want?
Well maybe a K1! Another great looking beast with attitude.
As for later models, I think Seat have done a good job of modernising the Leon keeping as close as they can to original designs while still moving forward.



Go ski

 

[womble68]

I think the mk1 depends specifically on the model. As above the only one that looks the part is the cupra r with the open front. There were too many lesser models that didn't look anywhere near as good and build quality was awful.
Personally I think the mk2 is the best - small little things like the placement of the wipers that meant always a clear screen, the rear door handles which gave a great clean line to the bodywork, and loads of other nice things that I missed when moving to a mk3 which is more conventional. Both the mk2 and 3 and really well built and far quieter than their golf equivalents which is great. Driving wise the mk1 was ok the mk2 better and the mk3 is an improvement again - what is good is they walk the tight line of being fun at low speed while not dull which again id say the equivalent golf doesn't achieve.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

 

[Cupra Ross]

The only Mk2 car I'd consider would be the Altea Freetrack 4. The height carries the shape better and there's more of a slope to the dash instead of that hideous Mk2 vertical slab. They got it very wrong with the Mk2 styling in my opinion, an awful looking car from top to bottom. The Mk3 looks much better but the original is still the best in style terms imo.

 

[BadBoy03]

mk1 Leon cupra r. version with big open mouth type front bumper like below in that color. Stylish, quick and lots of space, big boot and that engine, mk1 will always be my favorite car of all time. Not the best looking nor the quickest but I like it.
Mk2 cupra r isn't a bad looking car but it just doesn't look as good and them back doors
Mk3 looks like a modern mk1 IMO. Twin pipes on Both sides tops it off nicely.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Agreed. I think the Cupra R deserves the accolade. It has everything you could want & the improvements made from the Cupra were justified. I don't have one but I nearly bought one before the Cupra. It was ace, except that particular car had some beat body work & the seller didn't mention that until we turned up for a test drive. I will have one some day

 

[chriswales6]

Most cars look better in their higher/sportier models. Having owned the same Mk1 for 11 years I may be biased.

I think the Mk1 has aged well, very durable and can still look presentable today. I’m happily using mine for a 250 mile weekly commute.

MK2 - didn’t like the look of them when they came out, still don’t now. They’re alright from the back, the front looks too busy. The side is awful, the bonnet has a big beak for pedestrian safety. Drove one when they came out wasn’t that impressed. More space inside than the MK1 but felt cheaply built.

MK3 – Looks good haven’t driven or been in one yet.

Wouldn’t considered the MK2 as a replacement for my MK1. Will take a closer look at the MK3 once my MK1 gives up – the way it’s going we maybe onto the MK4 by then!