Seat Leon Cupra 290 5 things I like and dislike

[@bigbadryster]

Who has told you that bollocks about 3 launches allowed on the DSG. There is a counter on the ECU but you are not limited to only 3 launches, you can launch it every day for the next 3 years and it wont invalidate your warranty.

[@rcampbell4391]

So number 1 dislike is build quality. Fast forward to 11 mins "it's got reasonable build quality". Which is it?

[@tomwebb5420]

Said both times it’s reasonable so your wrong haha

[@kermitthefrog3685]

The paddles are easily modded. There are tons of options for paddle upgrades

[@henrybreen]

Is it hard to change? Or relatively simple?

[@seb4374]

@@henrybreen can just use stick on extenders

[@OreoChief117]

Excellent video, so useful! Thinking of buying one of these. Thanks 10/10

[@Wetthewhistle]

Can't say I've noticed excessive tyre noise. The steering wheel and paddles are the same across the whole group vw/audi included. The down shifts when you accelerate are like that because it's a hot hatch / performance car. The hard plastics at leg level and below are for durability, if they were soft they'd get ruined. You nailed it when you said you average over 40mpg, buying this car has been a mistake if you achieve that and with the gripes you mentioned. A steady drive for me sitting at 70-75 for 25 miles on the motorway returns high 30's mpg. You must be really driving it like a Sunday driver.

[@MsAgf412]

I drove 180 miles in mine to Yorkshire and only got 38mpg so I agree with you.

[@gordonmccartney5648]

The paddles are horrendous across VAG. Ali express for a set of extensions

[@Tpviper]

Yep, have to agree about the fuel consumption. If you are getting over 40mpg in a hot hatch like this, you are not moving off your driveway. At best, i am getting mid 30s, the odd occasion maybe 37mpg, but if i use it like its intended, not only is it bye bye fuel economy. But also bye bye licence 😁. To be honest if you are buying any hot hatch to worry about fuel consumption. You have bought the wrong vehicle, Simples.

[@gordonmccartney5648]

@@Tpviper totally disagree with the fuel economy comments, i can manage over 40mpg when i want to just take my time and not hoon it into my work. when the weather is poor and raining i find my cupra pointless to throw around as it just cannot grip. whole point on hot hot hatch is to be able to do just about everything.

[@Tpviper]

@@gordonmccartney5648 Gordon, i feel you have made a mistake buying this hot hatch. Although, i have to agree with you on the wet weather issue.

[@KKaybe97]

As someone who came from a top spec Audi A3 1.8 Quattro, the build quality isn't that bad in comparison, the car handles and feels a lot better to drive in my opinion, the DSG box feels better than it did in my 65 plate A3, DSG works better with more power so it suits the Cupra very well. Paddles are the exact same as on my Audi too, with the same plastic. Honestly I think I've upgraded on the car, the interior may be slightly less premium but I'm also only paying £30 more for the equivalent of an S3, driving is so much more fun and connected to the road. You're complaining about thing you should expect in a hot hatch, they have 19 inch alloys what do you really expect about road noise? Get some 18s if it bothers you that much. Loving the videos though, keep them coming.

[@joep7644]

Are you in a lux? If so, is it worth it over the standard interior?

[@KKaybe97]

@@joep7644 I've not got a lux mate, mine was already built when I enquired as someone cancelled. I think the lux just has things like heated seats, wireless phone charging etc overall feel is the same I think

[@joep7644]

@@KKaybe97 Ahh ok mate! I'm in two minds right now to either wait 12 weeks for a lux or get a standard in half the time and cheaper monthlies (leasing)...

[@ryansm81]

@@joep7644 I went for the normal option. I really didn't want many of the extras on the Lux, I don't particularly like leather seats, much prefer the normal ones that don't get overly cold or hot in various weather unlike leather. Wasn't bothered about electric adjusted seats, wireless charging and the additional winter pack stuff. The only consideration I would have for the Lux is the adaptive cruise control, if you regularly do long motorway journeys it's really good. As I don't though, normal it was! Loving the car so far!

[@joep7644]

@@ryansm81 cheers for the reply pal, I've just opted for the non lux myself this morning now...I think the keyless entry on the lux puts me off a little when it comes to thefts. Looking forward now to getting into my first cupra!!

[@bigup7777]

Are you sure the tyre noise isn’t the soundaktor coming through the speakers? In Cupra mode the fake sound is really bad. I’ve had to use Carista to turn it off.

[@danic2305]

What is Carista?

[@ritchiemclean]

Pick up my new cupra next week. Was between a cupra and a golf r. Went with the cupra because in my opinion it has slightly better looks and it's a rarer car. So many golf r's going about

[@magillas8511]

Got mine for 3 months now and this car is absolutely amazing

[@ritchiemclean]

@@magillas8511 just over 2 weeks since I've picked it up and I'm in love!

[@bafattvahetere]

@@magillas8511 But it's still a VAG , isn't it?

[@toadscrote123321]

Just got my new one last week. Have to say I don't have the kickdown issues with the dsg in Comfort with half throttle. It'll hold the gear within reason so dunno if something has been changed since you filmed this. I tend not to use the paddles but I know what you mean about how small they are, kinda pointless but I think the glue on extensions for the get in the way of the control stalks. Found myself flashing lights by mistake when trying to use them. The tyre roar is really bad though yeah. Totally agree on the modes, I tend to drive in comfort most of the time and jump to Cupra if I want to give it some. The sport setting never gets used. Mpg is very impressive as you said, I don't think I'm any worse off than I was with my 1.4 FR I had previously

[@nickcc20]

Alan Marshall I am changing my 1.4fr for a cupra 290, I was worried about the mpg, your comment has helped me.

[@toadscrote123321]

@@nickcc20 you will use a little more fuel, certainly I do but I'm mainly around short distances and not on 50mph journeys very often. But that particular day I took it a long run it was fantastic.

[@chrisroden4098]

I’ve done 43,000 miles in a 290 Black and 1600 in a 2019 Cupra 290, paddle extensions are a must - you can source copper....I disagree with the tyre wear and I actually think they grip far better than the P-Zero’s on black edition , I’ve had no build quality issues in 2.5 years and think the 2019 is improved over previous post facelift, agree on the comfort DSG spec but think in Cupra the change is incredible

[@jamesyeadon1998]

Chris Roden hi Chris I know this comment of yours was 5 months ago but I wondered where I could source copper paddle shifters from?

[@thomashudson4733]

The leasing deals are incredible at the moment

[@stevekiel82]

I am always quite critical of car reviews, the obvious being it's only one persons impression and interpretation of a car but, this is a good, genuine and honest review. A coupe of points if I may, tyre noise, what brand does the 2019 come with? I have the 2018 300 which came with Continentals and to be fair on some road surfaces are quite noisy but nothing compared to my previous car, a 2015 Octavia vRS on Bridgestones it was awful! You mention the plastics, I have found that to be the case across most brands. The places we least see or touch is where they can save a few pennies because basically will the customer really care or notice, I don't but I get your point. My car is a manual so the DSG box I can't comment on other than it would certainly annoy me! The most annoying thing I noticed within minutes of picking up my car was.....No bloody sunglasses compartment!!!!! My Octavia had a nice felt lined compartment and the Leon has nothing, it's the small things mate isn't it :-) :-)

[@ZG0002]

Not a mention of the cup holders? They drive me mad in my FR.

[@kermitthefrog3685]

agreed. the cup holders suck. They need the flappy thingys

[@ashleyharris5248]

I’ve just got this car and it’s brilliant but the only problem Is the small paddles but other than that there’s nothing wrong with it.

[@chrisjgill75]

Great video. Is it true there are no upshift 'farts' from the DSG box anymore?

[@ScottyJC07]

Chris Gill they are there but more muted. Mine has about 500 miles on and it’s getting slightly louder but they are nowhere near as loud as they were on previous versions.

[@thepeller210]

I've got 4500 miles on mines now, the 'farts' are nowhere near as loud as the old 290, I can get mine to fart on full load upshifts.

[@Emil-fx7pg]

The Cupra ST 2019 has dual gpfs and does not have any real Dsg farts. The hatchback is way better

[@stevenvater8720]

I wonder what the seats will wear like over 70k?

[@UOcUKBoomy]

Tyre noise? Try a Brabus 453 Smart! I got used to it in the same way people start to not notice the planes when they live under a flight path by an airport.

[@jamestcuk1026]

Can you do a similar review to this one on the golf gti you have?

[@wayne_coleman]

Yeah will do.

[@seugnimod9g]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHu8dqOrYs5ngJo

[@robinhosleftfoot]

@@wayne_coleman You ever driven the Cupra R? Wonder if it is better to drive than the standard Cupra?

[@ollie1186]

I don't know where he gets the good fuel economy from I drive mine reasonably hard and get 30mpg. But then u get this car what's the point driving it like an old woman. Lol

[@src2251]

Hi , I have the same cupra but on the digital dash I don't have wee coloured cupra logo on any of the dash configurations.?? How do you get it on? Any help would be great!🙂👍

[@bafattvahetere]

Buy a real Cupra 2021.

[@src2251]

@@bafattvahetere shite, too slow! Just a big square box! Less bhp!😀🤭😏😏

[@uzayr2450]

What tyres do you get on them?

[@ryanlane5662]

As standard continental Sport contact

[@yajohny]

Buy next tires Michelin PS4S. Much quiter and overall better than Conti.

[@xiiEllisHDx]

I mean don’t most people down shift on overtakes anyway🤔most semi auto cars will down shift when you put your foot down abit

[@ScottyJC07]

How on earth are you getting over 40MPG haha?! Even driving carefully I’ve never been close to that. I’ve had 35 at an absolute max

[@ryansm81]

I get around 40mpg also on longer (sensible) runs...the 7speed DSG does seem to be better on MPG than the old 6. Also I found that if you go into individual setup via the Cupra button you can put the engine into economy mode which helped also.

[@ScottyJC07]

Ryan Smith I did wonder about eco mode. My old golf R had it and I wondered if it existed in that settings. Will give that a go on long journeys 👍

[@Wetthewhistle]

He's bought the wrong car if he gets over 40mpg. My commute is 25 miles on the motorway I sit at 70-75 on cruise control and get high 30's mpg. He must be driving like a Sunday driver 24/7. Its a hot hatch not a feckin eco car.

[@Tpviper]

Have to agree Scotty, mine is the same low to mid 30s at best. Even when i first got it brand new, gentle throttle for the first 250 miles i was only getting 39. So where he gets 40plus from, god only knows.

[@ernestlipa666]

You mentioned you cant activate the launch control more then 3 times? How would they know ? Would it just come up when they service it ? Thanks

[@stevekiel82]

Yes it does. It's recorded in the DSG's ECU so they will know mate as certain functions are changed/disabled and leave a code in the live log.

[@ihkjghiughiouhoiho]

Hi their, just a question if you don’t mind answering, I have a Leon FR 2.0 DSG paying £354 a month let alone just for the car, are you paying a similar price for the cupra or is their a huge difference?

[@wayne_coleman]

I'm paying 244 a month on a personal lease hire.

[@george957]

Mine was £1k down and £299 a month x 35, 3 year lease, 10k per annum mileage, tax included, got a black 19 plate lux with winter pack (heated leather bucket seats) and wireless charger

[@DudeMcDuderson]

£270 pm. 6 month down, 2 year, 15k miles per annum.

[@bbsheppo]

Had my 290 lux arrive yesterday on a 2 year lease and paying £255 a month.

[@NikitaSmithUK]

2k down and 231 pm, 8k miles per annum on a 2 year lease for a Cupra Lux. Got it in May and loving it ❤️

[@seugnimod9g]

Thanks for the vid! About annoyance no 1, I think that if you compare to the same build of VW or Audi, you're paying around 8K€ less. I think that is a great price difference when comparing it with its "Brothers". About annoyance no 2 I can understand you because I also thought that was going to happen, but when you floor it in an auto, there is no way to tell it you want to race or not. I would just put it in manual and use shifters. Keep the videos coming, mine arrives next week :)

[@cupra2Jock.]

Very good capable cars, id recommend a manual to anyone thinking of getting DSG. These handle better than golf rs and s3s look better than them and move quicker when stock. Off the lights...i only had a few goes from stand still, most my races already rolling or in 3rd gear down lanes.

[@asmaxxfz6]

1 mil=1.6km so 40 miles to the galon: 64km to the 3.8L so You had fuel consuption under 6L in Cupra? As it correct? Wow owsome ! Hard to believe

[@antop4597]

I dont know what mode you have the car in when you overtake, but every time i overtake even in comfort it won't kick down unless I use at least 60% throttle..... in sport/cupra it will kick down with about 30% throttle.... I also don't know where you're getting your tyres from for 800 but if that's what you pay you're getting robbed lol

[@30NLF]

I agree with the tyre noise. Some surfaces are a joke!

[@izhaarjamil8110]

How's the car like on fuel? Is it economical on the motorway?

[@richraah9590]

iv got a 290 and i have 0 tyre roar, if you have shit eco tyres youll get tyre roar, but on a performance car you should have good tyres on them for handling and comfort

[@scotwilson4169]

This car seems to get great fuel consumption. I'm going to be changing my e90 325d (3.0) at some point and I originally thought I would go up to 330d just to stay with diesel but still have an engaging fast car to drive. Fyi no I absolutely wouldn't get a 2.0 diesel because they're way too slow and I'm not driving boring cars yet at 23😂 I do over 10k mile per year so normally I'd go diesel, but these 3.0 diesels are only OK on fuel. I'm getting 41-44mpg when I'm driving normal/hard sometimes, so really not that good. Can go up to 47-47mpg at speed limit on longer motorway run. Add to that I put premium in because its older and I wanna look after it, and I drive it harder so the DPF doesn't block up, I'm pretty sure my fuel bill will be about the same. So getting a 3 year old cupra I'd put probably 50/50 premium and normal unleaded, same as I do in my motorcycle. So there's no more than 10mpg in it, and I could get regular fuel as well (I never buy cheap supermarket fuel regardless), seems like a no brainer to me. Looked at the golf R and S3 as well but you're looking at £4k more for a used S3 and there are just too many golf R's on the road driven by dickheads.

[@namboozleUK]

I got mine last week and I must say I agree about the throttle response. I went to overtake a car and I put my foot down a bit, instead of a nice gradual build up which you'd expect, the box changes down with a big delay and then flies off. Regarding the paddles, these are the same as in the Golfs. They are not great, I got some extensions from eBay for £30, well worth it!: i.imgur.com/XeacGLs.jpg

[@ysfh]

namboozleUK Great photo! Where did you get the paddles from?

[@namboozleUK]

@@ysfh rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F152749599016

[@seugnimod9g]

They look pretty good! Thanks for the link

[@ysfh]

namboozleUK much appreciated thank you!!

[@MsAgf412]

If you want to make it use the torque to overtake go into individual mode in settings and set engine mode to economy

[@gordonmccartney5648]

The torque is 295lbs no?

[@stevekiel82]

Close enough, Leon Cupra is 380NM standard so 280ftlbs of torque.

[@KING0SISQO]

The 300 claimed to have 295lbs of torque

[@sinuheolveraaguilera5423]

I dont think the sound of the exhaust is false, they sound really loud!

[@DaleSteel]

The estates aren't as loud

[@DaleSteel]

Build quality and interior trim quality are different things. The build quality is good. The trim quality no so good. I never found either to be an issue but it was a new car when I had it

[@waseem6252]

i think someones gave you the keys to the wrong car mate🤦🏾‍♂️

[@danic2305]

Buy an Aston Martin.

[@djc226]

Number 6 dislike, you are the issue to this car

[@eylon100]

The best hot hatch? Do u know to M140i with 360 HP and 500 Nm with six cilinders 3.0 liter engine ? This is called a hot hatch and not this grandma 2 liter 4 cilinders car

[@KING0SISQO]

I’ll see you in the ditch a few seconds later when you’ve lost control in the wet trying to be clever

[@xylon-twitch7362]

Plot twist: You own none of them.

[@Evowar05]

The 3-time launch control is a myth that is incorrect.