SEAT Leon Cupra R Review
Published: 6th March 2005
Seat Leon Cupra
Comfort and Refinement
The Cupra R is a very easy car to access and the cabin is spacious with impressive head, leg and shoulder room in both the front and rear.
Our car was equipped with optional front Recaro seats, which we found to be supportive and the bolsters kept us in place, although for those of us with larger bottoms, rather snug. There is the option for leather upholstery with electric adjustment but we are not too keen on leather, as you tend to slide, when you want to stay put.
The three spoke leather steering wheel is adjustable for reach and rake and the front seats are adjustable for height enabling you to find the perfect driving position.
The level of refinement is high and includes electric windows all round, large front door bins, trip computer, climatronic air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, outside temperature gauge, rpm counter, digital clock, auto lock/unlock doors, child locks, and sports gear knob.
How It Looks - Exterior
The lowered suspension, body kit and 18” wheels filling the wheel arches make the SEAT Leon Cupra R an aggressive predator. We think that the exterior of the car still has great road presence even though it has been around since 2000.
Undoubtedly, the best angle to view the Leon from is its rear. The tail has been set deliberately high with simple styling, a high-mounted, colour-coded rear spoiler and a steeply angled rear window. We love the large, boot-mounted 'S' badge, which doubles as the opening handle and hides the lock. It is damped, so that after use, it glides smoothly back into place. These styling touches make owning a Leon so much fun.
Cupra R models are easily distinguished by their more aggressive styling, deeper roof spoiler, body coloured door mouldings, honeycomb grille and the chromed exhaust tail pipe with SEAT Sport exhaust completing the look.
