SEAT Leon Cupra 300 Drive and Review - A Credible Golf R Alternative for Young Drivers?

[@veefource]

The numbness to the steering could be due to a control module setting called 'straight line running' which is common to many VWAG cars. This enables the steering motor to automatically compensate for camber changes, cross winds and torque steer, but in doing so takes away the interactivity most enthusiasts enjoy. I don't know if most VWAG cars with dynamic suspension also have this enabled by default which could explain the correlation James has found, but it wouldn't surprise me. It can be switched off using VCDS and in my opinion is one of the best tweaks this software can do. Quite why their sporty cars don't come from the factory like this is beyond me.

[@yusafmalik5171]

My assumption would be safety in accordance with having a good brand reputation.

[@josht2454]

An FR 150 or 184 is more suited to younger drivers, a 300 30k cupra is a little of a stretch I think, fantastic car though I want one

Agreed. I own a 2018 Cupra 300 estate with a manual. I don't think mine is for young drivers. I also had an FR 150 lease for 4 years. That is more for young drivers indeed.

[@jameslloydcole8783]

Why do people care about snow, we see it once a year for around 10 minutes.

[@TeacherToolkitDemo]

Because it's potentially dangerous. Some of us live in the sticks and we have young families.

[@RichardADastardly]

Because some people don't live in the south, and from my experience many people who live in London haven't got a clue how to alter their driving behaviour and/or traction control setting when it does eventually snow or the roads are slightly icy.

[@lewisratford2908]

TeacherToolkitDemo I live in the very rural countryside and I’m not basing my decision on when it snows.

[@georgewhiteford9869]

You do realise that you have just preempted a bad winter, don’t you James?

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

@@TeacherToolkitDemo yeah, a 4x4 might give you a false sense of security. it might accelerate better but it stops the same!

[@ll-qf7qf]

you can get these with 4wd, it just comes in the form of an estate.

[@the-boring-car-guy]

S.S. Gill perfect

[@staLkerhu]

So you still can't get the SAME CAR with it.

[@MisteryHatch]

One of these would be my absolute dream obtainable car! Always adored the way these look especially the led running lights. Much more exciting looking car compared to the golf 7 or Audi S3

[@rhyswearne9308]

Picked up mine a week ago. Safe to say I’m glad I changed my mind from a Gold GTI to the Cupra 300, it’s an absolute dream to drive and feels a lot nicer than the Golf.

[@lukewatts3284]

Has it cost much to run?

[@rhyswearne9308]

Not at all mate, depends how you drive it in general of course but there are times when Im getting between 30 and 35mpg daily. The only negative I can think of (and its a small one) is the road noise! With the 19in alloys and wide tyres with low profile you do hear the road quite and lot and feel the bumps too, even with it in comfort.

[@lukewatts3284]

@@rhyswearne9308 thanks mate been enjoying mine a lot the last month getting 27 mpg but sure I will ease off eventually. Surprised how loud sport and cupra mode is with the pops and bangs

[@Wolfpack310]

It has a vaq diff, it is much better than the old xds system u are talking about. This model uses clutches to lock the front wheels. It's like a Haldex for the front wheels

[@matts4744]

I've picked up an FR 1.8 TSI sport and its an absolutely fantastic car. Really good on the insurance as well, if you can find one with the 1.8 tsi engine I'd snap it up!

[@Scala598]

Aren't these a VAQ diff? which makes it a form of mechanical locking with electronic control. Not a much more basic braking lsd imitation

[@emc3065]

Yeah, think he's wrong on this. This has the same diff as the Clubsport, better than the standard GTi.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's very possible

[@becauseiwasinverted7971]

@@JayEmmOnCars yes. I have one. It has a VAQ diff which is essentially the haldex unit from Brog Warner but applied across the front axle rather than for 4WD. It uses clutch plates and a hydraulic pump to load up on or the of the half shafts with an electronic control system. Definitely not the old XDS system that uses the brakes. I'm surprised you couldn't tell when driving. You can stand on the power in a bend and the nose darts to the apex rather than understeer. You can actually dial it up to be even more aggressive through VCDS or an equivalent OBDII device but I've not done it. I think the TCR race car uses the same unit with revised settings

[@Chrissy-H]

Because I was Inverted I use my GTi performance pack for track driving and can confirm the electronic diff is really very very impressive. The line of the car genuinely tightens as it hooks up.

[@bura280]

@@becauseiwasinverted7971 same on my 280 pre facelift, just love the way it corners with the haldex diff

[@Neil-914]

its actually the Golf R engine and turbo. The gti has a smaller turbo and very slightly different engine. S3, golf R, cupra and Clubsport same engine and turbo (is38) S1, GTI, Octavia VRS same engine and turbo (is20)

[@Neil-914]

@Jack ///M240i yes. TTS uses golf R engine and TT tfsi 2.0 uses gti engine 😊

[@kyleb5518]

Ea888 gen 3, same engine, only a different fuleing map and a 3mm larger compressor wheel on the turbo

[@chiel-]

@@kyleb5518 engine is the same turbo is different. Is20 on gti. Is38 on the r/cupra/clusport gti

[@leefoster8015]

It's a FWD mk 7 R or a clubsport without the badge. If you dont care about VW prestige or looks it's this all the way for me.

[@Neil-914]

@@leefoster8015 that's what I said

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thanks for having me for the day and filming some stuff with me! We agreed on most things with regards to this car, a lightly used one can be had for less than £20k now so its a good deal for an ‘all rounder’. If you want perfect steering feel though maybe look elsewhere!

[@thepeller210]

Great car but I disagree with the 'first hot hatch' thing. The insurance on one these days is getting prohibitively expensive. Guys on the forums are getting £1500 quotes at under 30! Probably better sticking to a Fiesta ST first!

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@thepeller210 Not sure about 'first hot hatch' but its been very affordable for me at 23 working full time. Insurance is on the rise due to theft though. Fiesta ST is popular with the yobbos so I'm not sure if that would be too cheap to insure either, but of course personal circumstances make it vary wildly.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The point is before you get to one of these you'd probably have a "mild hatch" like a Focus ST or something. It's not a first car

[@meekyam37]

@@thepeller210 I’d love an ST but find myself in Birmingham and you’ll never know if it’ll be where you parked it on return.

[@Nexus.Achiles]

Great review James, I really enjoy the way you critique a car, that's truly excellent. I've always loved the Cupra's, the stylish alternative to VW and also a performance bargain. I actually own the very first Leon Cupra R 210. Bought it new in 2003, did 290k km with it, still running great, very reliable, cracking car. Kind of barebone compared to modern cars, but I like it.

[@astonishing1964]

Nice car. I'm just weird that 10 years ago when I bought my first car, instead of finance or an old Golf... I bought a mkiv Supra! My recommendation to young petrolheads would be to forget about bhp and get a manual, something interesting (to you), and really learn to drive it. These point and squirt hothatches can be quicker than my current car sometimes, but it's not about how quickly you get somewhere. It's the journey. Just like life. The destination is the same, it's our journeys that are interesting.

[@explosivepig1]

I'm 19, I cannot agree more as I bought, earlier this year, an 1991 mr2 turbo. Genuinely its the most interesting and, of course, the most fun car out of all the others that my mates have. As Jay mentioned, insurance is a lot, but not ridiculous and I'm having an absolute laugh even with using it as what is my (not very practical) daily driver as its my only car.

[@astonishing1964]

@@explosivepig1 MR2 Turbo?! At 19! You legend. Clearly I am preaching to the converted! :D Drive safely! This is the start of a series of interesting cars for you, I feel.

[@explosivepig1]

@@astonishing1964 Its something that I'm taking care of, making my very own and that I never want to sell, it was imported from japan in about 2001~ :)

[@astonishing1964]

@@explosivepig1 nice one. My Supra was a grey import c.a. 2000.

[@69bock69]

mr2 turbo is one of the best cars I've ever had. pop up headlights, t bar roof, mid engine, turbo , looks amazing in the night. and 159mph in standard trim will smoke most limited cars 😉

[@scottharris9755]

I got offered this for 259 up front and 259 a month on lease. Pretty good

[@yasali1412]

What website you use

[@CJ-dl6rn]

Yas Ali Lessing options have some great deals. 2 year lease with £800 deposit, 10k miles per year for £275 a month.

[@JayOfBurn]

Completely agree on the styling point JM. I've always thought the Cupra looks heaps better than the Golf. If they did stick the Haldex system into the hatch rather than just the estate I would have gone for a Cupra rather than Golf R. Good review dude.

[@robinhosleftfoot]

Most people would have chosen the Leon over Golf if 4wd was available in the hatch. That's why VW won't let them make it. Sounds like they are taking same approach with new Leon too

[@pauldavies7251]

It's not 4wd tho, haldex is 99% front wheel drive Power only goes to the rear 2seconds before you hit the trees I've got a tuned golf R & unless you knew differently you'd never say it was "4wd" bcos it's not

[@robertcroft2905]

There's are somewhat of a used car bargain. Plenty available in the 13-15k bracket and after a stage 1 remap you are looking at 350+ BHP.

[@danwright5592]

I seen one advertised for £19,500 with only 17k miles. It was 3 years old and a manual but had pretty much all the boxes ticked. Great deal

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@danwright5592 clutches can be chocolate on these cars

[@paulallwood6033]

I have a Cupra 290 with DSG and so far love it. Mine also has the very good upgraded Seat Sound System with Sub mounted in the wheel well. Definitely has a mechanical LSD as well as if you look at the SEAT brochure under specifications it states Mechanical for the Cupra where as the FR model has electronic

[@TheCinderellaman10]

What's the difference between cupra and the fr model?

[@Gerard_Joling63]

0:57 skodia octavia?

[@lightningthunder5928]

Bram problemin ludinnium?

[@diglet553]

SEATs are so overlooked IMHO. The Leon, particularly this Cupra, is my dream hatchback.

[@lukethekanefan]

I do like the seat formulae they always seem to get the best version of the vag engine with a fwd sporty spin on things

[@HMCarReviews]

The Seat's, in particular a Leon is one of the my favoured cars amongst Enterprise employees.

[@lowiepete]

@JayEmm, I _might_ have the answer to your fuel consumption query. When I first heard this, I double-checked the calendar date. So, my 210bhp car will easily do high 20s around town, but only on cruise control will it do a tad better than 34mpg on a run. Just how dare it drive better than me! The reason being that when you wind up the engine speed, and its attendant heat, you need something to happen to help cooling on over-run. The engine will run a fair way at high revs with throttle closed. What happens is that raw fuel (I understand that as neat, rather than a with-air mix) is drip-fed into the combustion chambers without firing it, and this performs the best heat regulation option - obviously, all the electronics are doing their magic too. It's the main reason that on my R5GTT I can get a lovely, near perfect grey/brown shade, deposit on the exhaust, whereas on the 205GT it remains permanently black and sooty, which grinds my engineering senses to dust! It's probably also the reason why the R5GTT has hot-start issues and needs it carb-cooler to boot. I've come to the conclusion that these days Renault know all there is to know about turbo petrol engines and I doubt much of it is now secret. I have avoided getting a re-map because no-one can seem to answer whether better fuel economy comes because this over-run drip-feed is impacted. That and it reporting itself as a Megane - oh, the shame!

[@robinmarples5198]

Best front end feal megane rs cup, best brakes 308 gti, best engine léon cupra. The civic type r is a so big and vast car I don't consider it in the same kind of car, it is the size a a Renault scenic

[@truejoker6478]

here in denmark we also get the 300 in 4 wheel drive so amazing.

[@spainter1985]

I think these do indeed look a lot better than the equivalent Golf GTI. I wouldn't necessarily say that it's designed for young drivers though, £33k and 300bhp does not make it an option for most young drivers!

[@astonishing1964]

£300/month and no deposit does...

[@spainter1985]

@@astonishing1964 Fair point, but likely to be the same again for insurance, if it's even possible...!

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@astonishing1964 That's a trap I am very weary to not fall into. True luxury is able to afford things and not have all your income tied up in monthly payments. Furthermore, I find it rather tacky to show up in a modern car I am not able to afford (i. e. to buy!).

[@astonishing1964]

@@spainter1985 I agree. Insurance was the reason I didn't get my first car until I was 26...

[@astonishing1964]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X agree with you 100%. Good on you for not falling into the trap; I'm sure you'll do very well moving forwards.

[@alivekicking6247]

I have a 2018 manual Cupra 300 and get 46mpg on a long run. In Cupra mode too.

[@jondonnelly3]

Wow that's well good. Is that using decent fuel

[@alivekicking6247]

@@jondonnelly3 Vpower. Only Vpower. Nothing else.

[@jamesWilliams-pg4ye]

I have the 2019 cupra 290 with the 7 speed dsg and i regularly get 40+mpg on a run. Can get 45 mpg if I try.

[@iMann_iFail]

Jimmy Williams I pick up my 2019 290 - 7 speed, this coming Thursday.. coming from a Cupra R stage 2.. literally can’t wait.

[@thepeller210]

I get the same

[@yasali1412]

I got 2019 cupra dsg I only get about 29mpg and that's driving it normally. What the hell you doing to get 40+mpg

[@jamesWilliams-pg4ye]

@@yasali1412 I regularly do 300 mile drives for work, sitting just below 70 in eco mode I easily get 40mpg. Have seen 45mpg if I'm careful. On the other side I road trip through Wales and get mid to low 20's. 😊

[@thefridge1000]

24mpg is standard for me in eco.

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

You can get AWD. Only on the wagon and only with DSG. 35mpg is the norm even when nursed. It'll run on 95 but sluggish, best on supermarket 99. In black its very understated with few obvious badges and from afar quite discreet. I did get 45mpg in tbe Estate AWD on a 200 mile early morning motorway run keeping it at 68mph. 33mpg is typical for daily use.

[@themanipulator1]

I'd get this car in estate form, just because I love fast wagons. Prefer this to the golf r too

[@robinmarples5198]

For young drivers? Why? First of all is quitte expensive to buy and to run and it s a very quick car so better for rather experimented drivers

[@andreiarama8745]

He had to say : for young clients with rich irresponsible parents

[@robertjusic9097]

I cant even afford the old 2005 seat leon fr and im almost 20

[@BaldBogey]

@John Mitchell I'm 35 and I still have more fun in my Clio 182 than my tuned S3. 😂 I agree power certainly isn't everything

[@cz9860]

@John Mitchell please don't let the kids touch the ep3 or the 197. They are endangered species

[@danielsimmons5222]

Andrei Arama not ever young person gets things paid for by their parents, some people actually work hard to get the things they really want

[@karlblower4019]

May I suggest some research on the product next time 😎

[@kristijandimitrov8305]

its faster than the r

[@Wirefox1]

At the risk of being found offensive, which is not my intention, can I make the point that the handling of any car will be affected by the weight of the driver. And a 24+ stone bloke will certainly make the car feel vague in a corner. The seat Leon is an epic car.

[@JULIANDORMER1963]

If you check specs this car comes with a mechanical lsd as did the original 280 version

[@tonymoss2484]

You don’t need to pay anywhere near that, I just got one a few months ago, £27.5 for the Lux version, leather seats, adaptive cruise etc, all the bells and whistles compared to the Audi it replaced. Loving it. Much bigger boot that S3 or GolfR as well. Good review👍🏻

[@JPOW94]

Do you still have this car? How do you like it

[@tonymoss2484]

@@JPOW94 Yep, still have it, still pleased with the decision to buy it and it has depreciated less than 25% in 3 years which is great value.

[@JPOW94]

@@tonymoss2484 im currently looking at a 19 plate cupra lux 23k

[@Birmingham_racing]

I would buy one in manual just to avoid the dsg farts

[@Carrera-gp9od]

34mpg and 300bhp I’d be well happy with that A few years ago a 300 bhp Impreza would be doing half that figure

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That was an Impreza, they were always thirsty.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

JayEmm on Cars Yeah I was just using that as an example ,performance cars in general have come on leaps and bounds in the mpg department .I had a six cylinder bmw for years too , never ever had any more than high twenties to the gallon even on a run , sounded a lot better than these turbo 4 pots though 👍🏻

[@DSCMBOBULTD]

I've done 11k miles in my cupra and average 26mpg. The only way you're getting 34 is on long motorway journeys

[@jamesWilliams-pg4ye]

@@DSCMBOBULTD you must be do a lots of town driving. On route to work everyday (13 mile) I regularly get 36+. this is before the engine even is up to temperature. Regularly see see 40-45 on a steady 70mph motorway journey.

[@DSCMBOBULTD]

@@jamesWilliams-pg4ye strange my commute is also about 15 miles each way about 70% motorway. I've never seen 40mpg before. Do you drive like a granny by any chance? 😂

[@iMann_iFail]

I’m picking up my 2019 Cupra 290 7 speed this coming Thursday. I’m personally a fan of FWD but if you want the AWD conversion, a company called TSR in the midlands have done the conversion. I’m already looking at the Revo performance package which will take it to 400ps/400ftlbs. I believe it’s diff is a electronically controlled mechanical diff?!..

[@jryalls]

I’d like to see a review of a late model estate 4WD version. Maybe even the the R with the factory 350bhp ABT tune.

[@SmDWeed]

As if you read me... I come from a stage 1 fiesta st and am now looking at this or a hyundai i30n. I am going to look at this type of seat this weekend, anything to look out for? I've here heard about leaky shock absorbers as a common issue, anything else? Also would this car be OK for a small family with 1 child or should I be looking at the estate version? Thanks a bunch!

[@nikolaszikakis1046]

Love your channel. You are one of the best youtube car reviewers in my opinion! Can you do a mk2 leon cupra review/comparison please?

[@chrisogrady28]

Quarter of the price for half the power sounds like a great deal! I’d still prefer a used 1 series though, if a hatch was necessary

[@robinmarples5198]

You will prefer a cupra when you ll go to your different track days

[@chrisogrady28]

@@robinmarples5198 RWD trumps all else for me, I'd prefer a 150bhp NA 118i over a 300bhp cupra

[@robinmarples5198]

@@chrisogrady28 fwd can be great fun and are more enjoyable to start with on a track day

[@StringerBellz]

@Jack ///M240i I'd trade my 118i for this in a heartbeat 😂.

[@ChrisplayThrough64]

Christopher O'Grady behave

[@kyleb5518]

I never realised how much difference living in a nice area makes for insurance, by 23 insurance is so cheap it doesn't matter - and by 19 the first year prices and halved (for scale a Porsche 924 fully comp at 17 is £800 and at 18 fully comp a colt ralliart with declared remap and exhaust is £900

[@temwananinkana3419]

How would these behave if the non adjustable suspension was swapped for softer springs and less stiff shocks?

[@jameslatimer1432]

Hello jay could you get your hand on the new bmw x6 new shape for a real road test many thanks

[@leefoster8015]

Any performance difference with this VS the new Cupra badged version? Guessing speed and economy pretty much the same but any handling differences?

[@ConradAshtonMusic]

Enjoyed that spot on 👍 really fancying one as my next car cause of insurance and cost!

[@FernandoRodriguez-uu6fj]

Please do a Focus ST review!!!

[@carllynch8798]

Might get one of these to replace my R26

[@gaznelson8615]

Hmm not sure on the insurance shout not tried insurance on a cupra r yet but when I was looking around the golf r was anywhere between £400-600 cheaper to insure than the likes of bmw 335d, 530d, astra vxr, focus st, s3's and I'm not in the best postcode aswell. Alot of the safety tech has something to do with it I think

[@jedimanultra]

They do have an LSD (VAQ Diff) which is electronically controlled but is an LSD

[@Rich.Aardvark]

Love the Darts Team shirt

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Theres cupra 290 at the moment for less than 250 a month. Thats tempting....

[@willotoole4118]

Hmm this or a golf GTI or a i30n? Hard choices. Keep up the great content and the great videos

[@UTubeSL]

Yeah all great cars. For me, N for those also going to the track, R for all year round speed. But there are no bad choices, brilliantly!

[@KING0SISQO]

In my order cupra/gti/i30n. But the n being last only because there is no sunroof option otherwise it’s be my first choice

[@Rhowhat]

@@KING0SISQO Annoyingly the i30n does have a sunroof in mainland Europe. My last few cars have either had a panoramic roof or convertible so it does seem like an oversight for the UK market.

[@hensh911]

I've got the GTI performance now and am test driving a Golf R today. The main reason is for the all wheel drive to put the power down. Any recommendations on an alternative that is as well equipped, all wheel drive and practical? I regularly do long trips with 4 adults plus luggage so it's not an option currently to go for a coupé.

[@kevinmiller8256]

juggla343 well they do make this Leon as a 4wd estate, if that takes your fancy?

[@hensh911]

@@kevinmiller8256 My gf really doesn't want an estate, though I like them myself. But yes, worth looking at, thanks!

[@ItsDanLatham]

I've driven a GTI performance alongside this and its a similar sensation, I've also driven my friends Golf R and that definitely puts the power down so much better, but I'd be terrified of theft in the current climate. The equipment levels of the R are usually poor too unless you spend big cash. The golf R is a point and shoot weapon but in the UK it makes you a big target.

[@hensh911]

@@ItsDanLatham Thanks. You're right about the theft factor - I live in London and nearby in Wanstead Golf Rs are a big target, usually through the keyless entry. I'm actually talking to VW about ordering a new R and have it made without the keyless entry to mitigate theft. I usually wouldn't even consider a new car due to the depreciation but with the Golf 8 coming in the Spring and production of the existing cars ceasing in January, VW have big discounts on the 7.5 R making it an option.

[@scotthastings8845]

It’s golf R power without an AWD system, and I’d personally go for a manual gearbox

[@H20-s2t]

i really hate dsg farts

[@callummccubbing4506]

I'm the same with any exhaust pops and bangs. It's so hobboish lmao

[@UTubeSL]

Me too... even the term is unappealing!

[@saturndesigns2339]

H20 I love how it sounds but I hate when I hear it but because it means it isn't a manual lol

[@UTubeSL]

@@saturndesigns2339 haha yes! 🙂

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

Stop crying bitches

[@HarryMcallister]

Most young drivers cant afford this unless they finance it for four years. Also the Insurance would be crazy

[@ItsDanLatham]

They can be had on lease for around £300 p/m with no deposit for 2 years, and my insurance is less than £1k at age 23 - obviously this is subject to your own circumstances and location.

[@daniels1263]

@@ItsDanLatham I’m 19 and can’t even get a quote for it

[@ElevatedEdwin]

For all you 40 year old boring sods saying "not safe for a young driver as they will kill themselves with it" NO WE WON'T. I'm fast approaching 2 years no claims and It still costs me 3k a year to Insure my 2.0 tdi golf so one of these is out of the question for anyone under 21. So calm down no 18 year olds are going to blow past you with a DSG fart in one of these while you're in your superb estate going to golf on a Sunday. (edit: this isn't aimed at everyone who's older just the people that have the mentality of "I don't have a nice car why should a young person have one"

[@ElevatedEdwin]

@@namegoeshere6638 cheers for that mate, didn't know that's how the aging process worked. I thought I was turning 13 next year.

[@MrWolfgang2]

Nice review mate 👌

[@subarnosinha8042]

James, when are you reviewing your BMW 7?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

When I can fit it in, I have been madly busy!

[@level5822]

Lol im buying this same car and nearly the exact same number plate. DF67 EZJ

[@tracktimevideos5164]

Not sure why you say you can only get them as fwd. Also available in AWD.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

In the estate only

[@lukewatts3284]

Can anyone vouch for the reliability? Going to look at one soon and I don't want to get involved with a car I can't rely on. Moving up from my fiesta st

[@madant7777]

Huh?! When did Leon Cupra stop having a mechanical limited slip diff?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I believe it may be an electronically controlled mechanical diff, communications error on my part

[@madant7777]

@@JayEmmOnCars That is correct :-) BTW, should try Cupra Ateca also, there is even a limited edition now.

[@TheMikepike84]

Think you’ve been a bit harsh these cars especially when the newer 290 7 speed dsg spanks majority of its competitors on everyday driving and even the track these are a real real drivers car. However no much can be said about the new 2020 cupra it’s a bloody hybrid with a about 50 bhp less

[@KING0SISQO]

Na they’ll have the 300 in hybrid as well as 250 hybrid and 250 petrol.

[@3nd4tom1c8]

This is not a golf gti, this is more like a golf r

[@johnp6142]

I'm sat at my desk watching this and i just tried to press my brakes at 3:30 for that oncoming car lol

[@dj_paultuk7052]

What you dont get, is the build quality. I had one on a weekend test drive about 6 months ago. I put my hand in the door pocket, took it out and about 3 layers of skin were removed by the razor sharp unfinished plastics. Other than that its is essentially a 2WD version of the Golf R.

[@jameslatimer1432]

I used to work for seat about 28 years ago go and believe me me they were crap seat Malaga seat Crapper ECT come a long way now

[@simonweston33]

Did you say Skodia?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yep

[@richardmelchers2938]

You get VW quality and reliability, well that's reassuring lol

[@davidsomething4867]

That car is 3 years out of date. The MY19 Leon Cupra hatchback has: 287bhp, 7 speed DSG, just under £30k UK base price, haldex type diff on the front not brake orientated Ediff, less pops due to the GPF filter. Get with the times and show an updated model. And as @S.S. Gill mentioned in the form of the ST a 4wd has 297bhp. Not to mention a superb virtual cockpit as standard and whole heap of standard options. And it does share the same engine EA888 although in different tune as the Golf R, Octavia Petrol vRS, S3, Golf GTi.

[@temwananinkana3419]

I wish tbe cupras had AWD

[@camerongoodall4635]

I'm sorry your videos are great but you really remind me off Ricky from trailer park boys in this one 😂

[@benwaldron541]

We've got a Cupra 300 ST 4Drive. Basically a Golf R.....wayyy better looking.....

[@LiveLifeLasting]

Gonna be our future family car when I sell my Z4 35i, best value for that power surely and looks 👍🏻 Same speed like Z4 35i until 200km/h also on German highway, good package overall

[@benwaldron541]

@@LiveLifeLasting do it man! You won't be disappointed!

[@paulskingle9058]

@@benwaldron541 I've had mine for 3 months now and I'm amazed every day at how brilliant it drives and looks

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Very nice in white...!!! 👌

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thanks ! I knew I was going to get the gloss black bodywork done so it had to be metallic white to contrast!

[@chappy2121]

No definitely not for young drivers with barely any experience. With all the safety tech on these they get to a point where the "tech" cant save you and then crash as the driver doesn't know what to do or panics

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Young people can crash anything

[@JonJon-dk3nh]

When can we have a butchers at your Sim rig ?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It had to get sold to fund some things, and I just didnt have the time for it

[@gabrielvanya8245]

A Cupra is always the better Golf R/Audi S3. Same interior quality, quicker on the track and cheaper. BUT, I'd always recommend the 1M (2003-2006) or the 1P (2008-2012) Leon Cupra/Cupra R. They are way cheaper, manual tran., reliable, lightweight, very easy to modify and hella fast.

[@anthonyfoley5576]

Sorry but you're wrong about it not having a mechanical LSD because it does

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes, a miscommunication it would seem

[@2702simmo]

I’m really not a fan of modern hot hatch noise with the instant gear change. Just sounds so dull. Nice car I guess I just couldn’t imagine desiring one That budget opens up so many other cars

[@JayEmmOnCars]

If you look at it from the finance numbers it's a damn cheap car

[@2702simmo]

Yeah I guess so I’m just a miserable old git who likes the older cars , that break down , leak and ruin me financially 😂

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@2702simmo If it makes you feel better, I got rid of this and now drive an old saab (petrol was not ideal for my new job commute) But yes from a finance perspective it didnt cost me much at all!

[@2702simmo]

How’s the Saab? Do you miss the Seat?

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@2702simmo I do miss it, such a great car. But to be honest, the Saab is such great value for money. Obviously much slower and less exciting, but a nice comfy ride and lots of quirks and features make it a nice place to be. Got a video coming up on it soon.

[@stephandolby]

Nice looking car, but those awesome looking wing mirrors are just going to generate a lot of wind noise (though the same could be said for the entire SEAT range).

[@theelectrichobo829]

How wrong you are....no wind noise from mine.

[@tomosjohn230]

34 mpg not good for a hothatch 😂? My st I'm getting 29mpg

[@GerwinKanselaar]

Your logo would look so much better if your tire was black instead of green.. Maybe a little idea.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It was a nod to my old Lotus days - and black on black doesnt work

[@dice1902]

Cupra has the Golf R engine not GTi

[@Roadwarrior92]

Same engine

[@numbereightyseven]

"A slightly odd appetite for coolant" - in a near-new car? I've had Toyotas for 23 years, ranging 2 to 15 years old, and never had any issue as "serious" as that. I want some sort of European car, but just can't get over the Continent's low standards of reliability.

[@ItsDanLatham]

I had to top it up with maybe about 300ml every few thousand miles due to a 'coolant low' warning light, I was told by main dealer several times that there was no issue at all. Japanese cars are infinitely more reliable I grant you!

[@1970boggy]

Jesus, I thought James was going to say 23k! 33K! That’s huge money! Who actually pays these prices? I wouldn’t give 20k for it seriously.

[@saturndesigns2339]

Lol have fun buying such a powerful car for the price

[@1970boggy]

Saturn Designs I have and for less! Bought a new M140i for my wife for 30k Check my channel

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's the finance deal which will be important to 90% of buyers

[@1970boggy]

JayEmm on Cars Absolutely James I completely agree well for mainstream cars, people want a 1k - 3k deposit and monthly of £350 pcm - £500 regardless of car I’m trying to get an Elise 220 s at the moment, they aren’t selling as a. They are to expensive b. you need a massive deposit to get a reasonable monthly c. Luxury car tax. I’m probably going to end up buying cash as I want to keep long term.

[@KING0SISQO]

Mr Boggy robably because they are end of stock. Making way for the next gen. 30k is cheaper than usual. But you’ve got the best of the last gen. it’ll prob hold its value once it’s gone for good

[@alexascs2679]

Great Work on The 5F Jay! He's a Real Beauty Whip all right! I Love My 5F Projects AsF! Keep up the good work AsF!👍🏿Remember Jay, He's a Keep AsF!🇩🇪🇪🇸🎶Spanish Guiatar Sound🎶Ole😎and I'm Your 27th👍🏿up, Plus White Cars, Better than Black Cars, I'm not a Fan of Black Things. ;)

[@ScarletUK2010]

I do feel that this would be extortionate to run for a young driver... maybe those above 23 - not so young any more

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Depends on circumstances I guess

[@ScarletUK2010]

JayEmm on Cars true, still a great car to have anyway

[@cjaoshenyjc7276]

just gives it a little added edge lol

[@Sterre2van...]

I WOULD BUY THE SEAT ITS STILL VW ANYWAY

[@ukwan]

The trick with the VW group is to figure out which platform you want to buy then buy the cheapest one. Because the badge means naff all. Why buy a Lamborghini Urus when you can buy an Audi S6. 😂😂😂 No seriously. 😅

[@bbsheppo]

Easy to lease at £250 per month.

[@ResevoirGod]

@@mattdobbs759 How is it rubbish 😂😂

[@mattdobbs759]

@@ResevoirGod I don't know why I put that, I've got one 🤣

[@lewisratford2908]

They look a lot cheaper inside and outside compared to the golf though - you can see where they saved the money

[@DSCMBOBULTD]

Wouldn't say a lot cheaper. The new version has the digital dash too

[@DSCMBOBULTD]

@@122113314747 especially outside

[@ResevoirGod]

Looks more premium and far better outside, what are you talking about?

[@peterbennpan7288]

For young drivers 🤨............ good luck withthe insurance!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

...addressed in the video

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@122113314747 because people crash their cars and it costs a lot of money

[@ItsDanLatham]

Young not necessarily being 17.. I got this car when I was 22, and the insurance was around £1000 which is very reasonable for a car with this performance near London.

[@inter7373]

Young drivers? I dont think so, Just because cars are cheap to finance it doesnt mean its cheap to insure, Especially for young drivers

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This point is addressed in the video

[@joshuaelliot2020]

21 years old, insurance is 5000 pounds for me. No alternative that!

[@level5822]

Yikes I pay £536 a year for a 1.8tsi Ibiza cupra. 21yr old 1ncb

[@LiveLifeLasting]

Joshua Heron 400 Pounds for a Z4 35i in Germany and I am 34 years

[@joshuaelliot2020]

Get nicked all the time that's why insurance is expensive on new ones of these. And they're fast!

[@jordankirkbride4612]

Did you shop around? One person quoted me 5k (I'm 20) I then looked around and found a company who did the cupra fully comp at 1.3k.

[@jj-tq4hx]

Cheaper at a price because build quality is definitely not at VW gti level. Got to admit though, I wish my Audi A6 3.0 TFSI with slow shifting tiptronic had this Cupras super fast DSG transmission.😒

[@big5th159]

Why am I getting notifications on a channel I don’t follow?