Cupra Leon long-term test: report 4

The car Cupra Leon 2.0 TSI 300 DSG VZ2 Run by Mark Pearson, used cars editor

Why it’s here To find out if this ultra-sporty Cupra Leon can cut it against some seriously good hot-hatch competition

Needs to Prove it’s more than just a pretty face. It must be both tremendous fun to drive and able to cope with all the usual work and family duties 

Mileage 3142 Price £35,575 Target price £35,229 Price as tested £36,155 Official economy 37.2mpg Test economy 34.9mpg 

30 November 2021 –  Putting the boot in

For a 155mph hot hatch, my Cupra Leon does the mundane very well. With a snug sports seat, a distinctly sporty engine note and nicely responsive steering, it always gives you a sense of its potential, even when you're travelling at urban speeds.

Indeed, I can think of few other cars with similar performance that are as easy to drive and own yet still offer that vital ‘sense of occasion’.

A recent trip to the tip highlighted its flexibility, too. There’s a little lip to load things over and a small step up rather than a completely flat boot floor when the rear seats are folded down, but neither of those stopped it swallowing a huge quantity of unwanted household goods.

You see, my car may have all the sporting addenda of a fast and virile hot hatch, but it has the heart and stomach of a mighty practical Leon. As all-rounders go, then, it's pretty great.

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