The engine, a development of the same lump used in the more expensive and less powerful 230PS 30th Anniversary Edition VW Golf GTi is a highlight. What it lacks in vocal talents it makes up for with a broad spread of power, an absence of turbo delay and the theoretical ability to crack a combined 34mpg.
Like the Golf and unlike the Vauxhall Astra VXR the Leon can even be driven smoothly and quickly without the violent wheel-tugging antics powerful front-engined cars can suffer, but this same characteristic is also why to some the Cupra doesn’t at first feel subjectively quicker than its FR sibling.
The price premium is further justified by a long list of standard equipment: xenon lamps, climate, cruise and grippy sport seats are all standard.
And that’s before you consider the cost per mile figure of just 34.1p – which makes a compelling case for the Cupra to be our favourite hot hatch.
