But it needs it for there are some fierce rivals clustered around the £30,000 price point. It's got more torque from ts more powerful engine and an interior that no longer feels so ruthlessly built down to a price. This latest Cupra though, takes things a stage further - and gets four wheel drive if you order it in ST estate guise. The previous Leon Cupra 280 was an absolute belter of a car and makes a great used buy. All bulging biceps and attitude, the Leon Cupra has us all in a bit of a spin.

These days, the Leon has stepped out from the long shadow cast by the Golf GTI and has got a bit Rafa Nadal on us. Same engine and running gear, same great way it went up the road - you just paid less. Okay, so you had to put up with an interior that was notably less attractive but in the way it drove it was pretty much identical. Backgroundįor about as long as many of us care to remember, a SEAT Leon Cupra was a cheaper way to get into a Golf GTI. As a one car solution, this one's got legs. It can get to 62mph in well under 6 seconds, return around 45mpg, seat five and, thanks to recent price cuts, prices start from no more than about £30,000. There's a choice of hatch or estate, plus the option of 4WD. Looking for something fast, practical and which won't send you to the wall financially? The mighty SEAT Leon Cupra could be the answer.

Seat media system plus update