SEAT Leon: FR or Cupra?

We have currently owned owned a MkIII Golf GTi 16v since 2002, it has covered 248,000 miles and over the last year or so we have had to start to replace a few components, but it's still going strong. We are the second owners.

We were considering changing car, we like the build of the VW owned Seats, the Leon and the Cupra. The next car should be 1800cc, petrol fuelled and about 3 years old. I will be turning 60 shortly and wish to have a reliable car.

I currently travel about 52 miles a day to and from work, via the M25 at Sevenoaks to Coulsdon, Surrey.

We have been looking at the R type models but think the running costs would be prohibitive in the current climate. My wife would prefer the 5 door model and I like the styling of the Cupra, we would prefer leather upholstery and a decent fuel consumption.

Which model would you recommend?

Asked on 10 January 2013 by Tonbridge

Answered by Honest John
The engine went from 1.8 to 2.0 litres for the 2nd generation Leon. Has had various power outputs from 180PS to 260PS.

Test of Cupra 240 here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/seat/seat-leon-cup.../

More detail here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/seat/leon-2005/

Later cars from about 2009 switched from belt cam to chain cam.
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