Is 400bhp The PERFECT POWER For a FWD Hot Hatch? *REVO Stage 2 Cupra 290*

You join me today for my first drive in a Cupra 290! This specific car is one of REVO's development cars, currently running their 'Stage 2 Performance Pack'. Power sits at an impressive 400bhp, and today I discuss whether that is the PERFECT power output for a FWD car.
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Thanks for watching! :-)

[@formentorvz5]

Slightly cheaper is a big understatement. I bought my well equipped Cupra 300 new for 28.000 €. A comparable spec Audi S3 would have cost me at least 45.000 €. Golf R around 40.000 €. Until the end of 2018 you could get all of those cars without the particular filter, 10 more hp as standard and with a manual gearbox, so 2018 is the best model year for all these Volkswagen group hatches. Remember that in case you are looking into the used market. 400 hp is already too much in the Cupra if you ask me. With good tires and a dry road you can absolutely put the stock 300 hp down and have fun. As seen in the video, you can not do that anymore with 400 hp. Rather spend that money for a really good exhaust system, premium audio equipment or a nice wrap. If 400 hp was the perfect output for a FWD car, the Honda Civic Type-R would have that instead of 320. The lap times speak for themselves. Nice to see a Cupra on this channel again nonetheless :)

[@elionnurqaj9135]

Brother with audi logo you will be a boss everywhere you go also can get some pussy with audi cars and if you want cheap power you can buy honda or toyota and modify them .

[@raulvladddd]

I own a manual 280 and I totally agree with you that ~300hp is enough for a FWD, perfect balance. I have mine with all the supporting mods installed and waiting for a tune to go anywhere between 380-400. It's quick enough as it is, feels faster than 300. However, it's not that you need 400, but the fact that you can and it's available performance only waiting to be unlocked it's a good enough reason for most people. At least a stage 1 tune which is ~370 is well worth it and should be a no brainer.

[@iMann_iFail]

I’ve just purchased my third Leon Cupra 290 Lux.. I just keep going back to them. I’m looking to go with the stage II Revo package, so glad you did a review on the performance.

[@krismorrin7082]

I’m getting my Cupra 280 booked in for stage 2 soon.. can’t wait 😁

[@Buddha.supercars]

old video but still gold. Couldn’t agree any less, the likes of VW, AUDI ect people pay for the brand more than the performance

[@stuartrees4024]

There are things that can be done to mitigate the spinning which It doesn’t seem they have done! Lovely car 1. Dogbone mount / powerflex lower engine mount. 2. Strutbrace 3.ps4s tyres 4.dampers and springs etc Having had a Golf R and Cupra, On a roll the cupra will likely beat the other two cars! In the real world your rolling more than you are stopping.

[@wezznsb7376]

I drive my cupra 290 stage 1 at 365 ps on track with nankang ar1 ... its fabulous 😊

[@Jackthompson01]

People starting to wake up to how underrated these are. Quicker than an s3 and R around a track that’s for sure and cheaper & more engaging to drive. No brainer for me

[@brendan1048]

I have a cupra running about 400bhp, if you strap decent tyres to it and ease the power in it puts it down fine.. if you pin in at low speed then obviously it will spin or traction control will cut it. Just drive it properly 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@pokest225]

As an owner, the standard power is enough. You will need very sticky tires and aggressive suspension geometry to be able to use much more than standard power. And that's on a smooth as silk road or fast track. In street and curvy bumpy b roads, you'll struggle a lot putting the power down.

[@Tantrix1]

Can confirm this

[@jayzredfezz]

Agreed, they already struggle with the power in standard form. Pointless

[@RevoHQ]

Having the extra power and torque doesn't mean you have to floor it from low rpm. You definitely will struggle lol. The extra performance can be used to give you much better driveability. And get it on track and it's lots of fun :)

[@pokest225]

@@RevoHQ except it's not like that. It's exactly as I described. I know you have your reasons as you are a revo commercial, but the reality is what it is. Fwd with lots of power, lots of problems putting the power down. First 2 gears, and sometimes 3th too are useless if you want to go fast. You need agressive tire and chassis setup.

[@samculpan891]

I’d go for a stage 1 absolute maximum and, tbh, I’d probably just be doing that for the sake of it. It has never felt slow in the 1 and a half years I’ve had it so far. So, If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 😬

[@dominicwilliams4660]

My 290 spins like crazy on front wheels, can’t imagine how stage2 would be better

[@charliebarge2693]

Cracking video, Luke!

[@georgel3657]

I've got a mk7 gti PP, no point even remapping it because you can't exploit the power it has on public roads. Pilot sport 4s are incredible though

[@haz_raf]

I’ve got a Leon Cupra 280 with stage 1 ecu tune, APR intake, Ramair elbow and intake pipe, Powerflex lower engine mount insert, and PS4s all round. The tyres make a lot of difference, and the engine mount insert 👌🏼

[@NBeeRL]

When i got new tyres it was a different car 😅

[@a.c.gaming7452]

Can you put power down in second I see some people can others cant I’m stock atm 280 and I can put power fone fill at first gear form 10 mph roll

[@haz_raf]

@@a.c.gaming7452 Better brand tyres helps a lot. And the engine mount insert. 3rd gear is where the car pulls like a train forever. 1st n 2nd is just to get it going in my opinion. They’re best when sent while rolling. From standing they’ll just wheel hop or spin. Try it with traction fully off and in Cupra or Individual mode. Much better grip then.

[@dacarch]

I own a FWD drive 2018 Cupra ST 300, manual (only way to go if you want to be in control), and have it stock so far. I take it to my local track fitted with Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires mounted on matt black lightweight OZ Racing rims (which are the same ones fitted on the car on this video). I also use a Schroth 4 point Harness to better feel the car. Like some comments below, I think 300 hp is enough power (especially with the right tires) to have loads of fun without breaking the bank. Having said that, my next upgrade will be brakes.

[@lewis589]

Can’t get a ST in FWD I call bullshit

[@ByronWWW]

I have a 2016 ST and it's FWD

[@nobody2934]

Only way to go if you want full control? You mean only way to buy the car cheaper and then not be able to tune as easy as the clutch and flywheel struggle with OEM power and then they're not as quick as a dsg anyway! People who buy manual are either bitter because they didn't get dsg if they just haven't driven one full stop! I've had nearly 40 cars and in bought a Cupra 290 for the Mrs last year which is about 310bhp currently and dsg and I'd never buy a manual car again! Ever! You can put dsg into manual if needed

[@terrymolloy6997]

Tyres tyres tyres,.you would be putting front tyres on it every time you drive it 😜

[@kieranmanners170]

That with a billet stainless steel dog bone insert would be a weapon, i added one to my modified octavia vrs estate and has made a massive difference to wheel hop and wheel spin. Granted mines 307bhp n 490nm torque but i can imagine it would help alot

[@connorhird3390]

Mines stage 2, you're just planting the right foot when you really have to modulate throttle in 1st and 2nd. Rolling this smokes sooo many cars

[@raulvladddd]

Got a Cupra 280 manual with a full BullX resonated exhaust with sports cat downpipe, and I thought mine was quiet haha, not anymore. However, stage 2 on stock downpipe and 400bhp it's a bit of a stretch, nor is it a full stage 2 bolt-ons wise. Downpipe is a must, especially if it's an OPF car which is the biggest restriction overall. Cool to see some Cupra love anyhow!

[@aKnightHD]

Hi mate. Just got my Cupra 290 DSG and looking for a decent “cheap” mod for the exhaust to make the pops and bangs, farts more aggressive. Any advice?

[@raulvladddd]

@@aKnightHD do a resonater delete

[@aKnightHD]

@@raulvladddd even on the OPF/GPF model? It’s a 70 (2020) plate

[@raulvladddd]

@@aKnightHD in that case will not make a huge difference. A full downpipe or the cheeky GPF delete. Would recommend a sports cat downpipe, however that's anything but the cheap route. A de-cat downpipe would be cheaper

[@aKnightHD]

@@raulvladddd thanks man, appreciate it!

[@supermanjekar]

how much it takes to make stock to stage2 ?

[@lewis589]

Dog bone mount needed on this best upgrade for it by fa

[@imprezaworks]

Love these cars

[@RevoHQ]

Great video, Luke. We're glad you enjoyed the Cupra. When it grips, it rips😉

[@one40i19]

What’s it’s 100-200? 7.8-8.0

[@ScottPC]

New tyres every 10 miles?

[@nikolaszikakis1046]

No other suspension, brake mods? Mounts, bushes etc? So basically just a fmic, map, induction, cat-back?

[@RevoHQ]

The Cupra was never purchased to chuck on some black series and a set of 2 ways. The purpose of the vehicle was to develop new software variants which still retain the GPF in place.

[@aaronjermy645]

I have a cupra 300 Estate which they did a 4 wheel drive in for a few years

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

I have a Cupra 2015 hatch, with Revo stg 2 ECU and TCU, but I put together my own performance pack, a lot cheaper and a lot better since I’m running 100-200 @7.94 ( valid on dragy ) and none of Revos cars are even close, so Revo should use me as a consultant and pay me accordingly 😜 but they have good software, I’ll give them that😊👍🏻

[@arronlowley5659]

7.9 with revo? very hard to believe unless its had seats removed etc.

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

@@arronlowley5659 FULL INTERIOR!!!

[@lastnamefirstname520]

This is a blatant lie! 7,94 is 480+hp territory

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

@@lastnamefirstname520 480+hk do sub 7’s. Have a friend with 500hk and he’s doing 6.7. It’s obvious that none of this clowns know what they are talking about when it comes to fast Cupras, I doubt they even have a performance car or a car at all, internet troll?

[@arronlowley5659]

480 to get 7.9? Lol my cupra was running a littco l380x and made 440 on the day it was tuned, I then removed my r600 intake and did a 7.7 100-200 and then it made 427bhp a week later on the dyno, 480bhp you’re talking 7.2-7.3

[@muckspreader1able]

So much nicer then the boring golf.

[@ifyouarefeelingsinister]

What’s the point if you can’t put the power down most of the time..

[@bencauser4379]

Fun..... That's why

[@petece3673]

Fun fact, my 410hp cupra puts down all the power only 1st gear it slips whch is normal imo. Good thres will do the job

[@gaycha6589]

Most of these folk aren’t very good drivers, so the lack of traction keeps them in check a little…🎉

[@matthewlfc4185]

My cupra is stock and it spins like mad already

[@ByronWWW]

Get the tyres sorted and the dogbone mount insert, with those it'll be able to put down all 300hp no problem (in the dry at least!) The stock setup is terrible, I'd be getting banging wheel hop any time I had to pull away, thought the car was broken until I sorted the tyres and dogbone mount.

[@DaleSteel]

Love my cupra 290 ST

[@samculpan891]

I’ve got a 2020 Cupra 290 with just a custom res delete and a Ramair panel filter and I think the standard power is more than enough. A map to around 360bhp will give it better mid-range but it’s not exactly lacking as it is. 400bhp just seems unusable tbh but they do say you can never have too much power 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@M3goon]

Would you put any of this kind of power in any front wheel drive car?, There is a reason they don’t make them as fast as this

[@user-fu9or4uk7t]

They also make them with soft squishy road going chassis bits. If you do it properly this king of power is amazingly fun

[@harryjeffrey7112]

So this is a stage 2 with out a downpipe ? Every performance company iv every had work done always said you need a downpipe at stage 2 ?

[@TheCinderellaman10]

Exactly, even some stage 2 setups with a downpipe might not make 400

[@DaleSteel]

What tyres on this? P4s on mine stick a treat. One of these like for like will dust a golf R and golf R owners can't stand it

[@seanhollett8422]

Giggling like a school kid! lol

[@BurekSaSirom5]

Meaby know is that resonated or non resonated milltek opf?

[@MrCheeseman1982]

Following

[@Landsammal]

Don’t think it has a resonator if there is the opf in these

[@BurekSaSirom5]

@@Landsammal just chack on milltek side first, they offer it. Also know that opf cars come with no resonator, but this is so quietly that think meaby they buy resonated version..

[@user-fr5rd1sz5d]

All I know is thanks to being only 2WD and light, Cupras with such power can run 100-200 times in less than 10 seconds!

[@eklipse47]

mine does 9 flat

[@scott7010]

Think the record is sub 6s for a cupra

[@calvinpas3384]

my friend did 7.98 on draggy

[@strikeeaglemodels1588]

I think 400bhp in a FWD car is to much.About 300BHP is spot on.I had a GTC VXR which was 270BHP and that used to spin though 1st,2nd and a bit of 3rd 😊👍

[@user-ef7qh6qm5w]

Lol my dad literally said these words

[@AutoVidzzz]

These newer cars have much smarter front diffs and the torque release is much more gradual. They can handle it alot better.

[@kierranjones7131]

I have a Cupra 300 377bhp trust me it's not haha as Duncan said about the modern diffs are perfect for it I've had no compromise in drivability and the car put the power down even in 2nd perfect 👌

[@GhostStPatrick_]

@@kierranjones7131 exactly this. These do put the power down surprisingly well. 1st and 2nd it will most likely spin. After that it hooks up and goes, very quick cars. The original comments were referring to an old VXR which is no comparison to the modern VAG group cars at all. Look how well the new FWD cars are now putting their power down. Technology and hardware has improved massively.

[@GhostStPatrick_]

@StrikeEagleModels your comparing an old heavy Vauxhall against a modern light-ish hatchback with an electronic VAQ Diff which helps these cars massively. 400HP is the sweet spot on these cars. As long as you do some suspension mods when at or above this power you will reap the rewards massively.

[@giorgostzavaras5686]

Are you and holly still together? Don't think I've seen her in a while

[@richardsealey3626]

Chloe.

[@arifazar786]

With our UK roads and no clever front suspension like Honda with dual axis or Renault with perfohub, Ford with what was RevoNuckle.. its pretty much spinning its wheels majority of the time.. without any serious suspension mods..

[@asaarvi159]

They have VAQ diffs bro.

[@GhostStPatrick_]

Nah your competley wrong. I’ve got one tuned to 400bhp. It spins in 1st and 2nd from a standing start that’s it. The VAQ E diff does a pretty good job, after that it hooks up and goes. Rolling start from 3rd gear they are animals.

[@arifazar786]

@@GhostStPatrick_ I'd like to try one one day over the revo nuckle/dual axis front diff setup just to see.... is it the same diff in all vat front wheel drive setups. ?

[@GhostStPatrick_]

@@arifazar786 revo aren’t all that to be honest. TVS software is miles better. Also smaller tuning companies in the UK such as Unicorn get the most out of these cars. Yes the VAQ E diff is found in the Leon cupra, golf GTI PP, golf GTI TCR.

[@jdizo4136]

@@GhostStPatrick_ how bad is it in the wet tho ? Looking into getting one

[@snapsyphotoboothhire]

I’ve owned both, Cupra is awful in the wet

[@victorbuzatu2459]

Ford Focus ST > Cupra and is manual so FOST FTW !

[@Liamd330]

😍😍😍😍

[@tonylyons2414]

A golf R similar power would dust this,400hp in a FWD just don’t put the power down,damp or wet roads & your spinning everywhere while the golf R is gone

[@george98prince]

In a straight line off the line that’s it. Everything else the cupra wins

[@GhostStPatrick_]

Yeah off the line that’s it. Rolling race in 3rd gear bye bye Golf R. Mines tuned to 400bhp with suspension mods, lowering springs, hybrid power flex lower engine Mount etc. It spins in 1st and 2nd from a standing start. On a rolling start it absolutely destroys golf R’s. Drivetrain loss plays a huge factor which is why cupras are so underrated. The VAQ E diff actually does a decent job in putting the power down. Also it’s a good engaging drive not just point and shoot with 4WD drive cars.

[@DanTheManc1981]

I've owned both. A 400bhp Cupra is a lot faster than a 400bhp Golf R. Obviously from a dig 4WD is always going to be faster but the Cupra is such an underestimated car.

[@RevoHQ]

Cupra wins 🤷‍♂️

[@arronlowley5659]

if i had all of the ea888 gen 3 2.0 infront of me, id choose the cupra or gti clubsport any day of the week. your comment on the drivetrain is pretty irrelevant, there are hundreds of stage 3 cupras running in the mid 500s on standard diff, no issues, drivetrain is not a weak spot, youve more chance of the s3/r haldex failing due to the crappy filter buildup they suffer with.

[@tonylyons2414]

I do enjoy the videos but the giggles kill me bro 😬

[@Roger-ff3cu]

Stupid speeding

[@ruisilva3317]

He was doing a maximum of 55mph

[@checkyourself164]

Lots of bad drivers in the comments claiming that stock 290 is unusable rofl. Those people should have bought a Golf R and leave the FWD stuff for the DRIVERS