SEAT Leon Cupra 280 – review

Hot hatches don’t come much more powerful or as entertaining as the SEAT Leon Cupra 280.

And that’s saying something, because it’s up against its cousin, the VW Golf GTI, the Ford Focus ST, Vauxhall Astra VXR and Renaultsport Megane 265.

Powered by the same 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine as the VW Golf R, the SEAT has an impressive 276bhp on tap.

However, unlike the Golf R, it doesn’t have all-wheel drive. Thankfully, a limited slip differential helps to direct all that punch through the front wheels pretty successfully.

The engine is mated to a six-speed DSG auto box or manual. My test car was fitted with the DSG which is a fraction faster than the manual, reaching 62mph from rest in 5.7 seconds (5.8 in the manual), but believe me, it feels faster. For the record, the Cupra 280’s top speed is 155mph.

A discreet button in the centre console just below the infotainment screen allows you to choose one of four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Cupra or Custom.

Comfort is plenty fast enough for everyday driving, but select Sport or Cupra and this svelte, sporty hatchback becomes a bit of a beast.

The suspension firms up (even more), it revs harder and the exhaust note becomes far more sporty, even popping on the odd gearchange too. Not quite as exhilarating as the Golf R, but getting there and great fun.

The Cupra 280 looks stunning, especially in metallic Nevada White. If anything, it looks a little understated.

It sits lower than the standard Leon, has a sporty body kit, twin oval exhaust pipes wide alloys and LED headlights, but it certainly doesn’t scream “hot hatch”.

Inside it’s pretty much the same story, apart from subtle badging on the seats, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and sports dials on the dashboard, it’s not obviously special. That said, I’d prefer it that way rather to too boy racer.

Smooth and powerful, the turbo engine is a peach and the 280 can be as eager or effortless as you like whether you’re driving on demanding A roads or in the city.

SEAT claims the Cupra 280 is capable of 44mpg. In theory I’m sure it is, but realistically it’s closer to 30mpg, especially given the temptation to use all the performance.

Unlike some hot hatches it’s a practical everyday transport. My test car had five doors and there’s a decent amount of space in the rear and boot.

The kit list is already generous, but my car came loaded with optional extras, including Metallic Paint, the Leather, Safety Pack and Driver Assist Packs and SEAT Sound System, all adding £3,205 to the basic £28,865 price.

Summary: The SEAT Leon Cupra 280 is an exceptionally good looking, well built sports hatch offering a competitively-priced, tempting blend of power, poise and practicality.

Twitter: @garethherincx