Leon Cupra vs Golf R - I can't decide

subzeero

Active Member
Dec 24, 2015
28
0
birmingham
I've owned a few Seats and I like them (currently driving an Ibiza Cupra '13), I've had my eye on the Leon Cupra for a while now but my head has been turned by the Golf R and I'm having trouble deciding. I decided I would test drive the golf before I went and bought the leon, just to be sure, and I left with a huge grin on my face so I'm now pretty confused. Although the steering did feel a little heavy the pull on that thing was insane. I've only driven the cupra ST and the sales guy was less 'encouraging' when it came to putting my foot down so not sure I pushed it as much as I should have, but the difference felt pretty big in the Golf. The price difference isn't all that much, probably £3,000ish - depending on deals and extras. It's also worth bearing in mind that the depreciation is probably better for the golf.

I've done a fair bit of reading and it seems they are fairly evenly matched and if anything the Cupra is faster on the track. However, that 0-60 in 4.9 on the Golf is very tempting and I kind of feel I might be disappointed if I opt for the leon instead.

Anyone made a similar decision or have experience/opinions of them both?

Additionally, the S3 is the same price as the golf at the moment, which is also tempting.
You should go test out the m135i its an absolute beast. You will forget about the other 3 straight away :D
Iv ordered the 290 myself over the golf r only reason being that in my area you see a golf r on every corner and I wanted something unique. Im still yet to see a cupra on road havent seen a single one to be honest. I would of went for the 135 myself but the insurance is extortion coming over 5k because of my age.
 

f0cker

Active Member
Feb 15, 2016
8
0
The only thing with 1 series for me is it's damn ugly, so I've been discounting that from the start. Though the coupe looks nicer.
 

MATTCR

FR
Mar 6, 2007
1,525
1
UK
Keep seeing this utterly bizarre comment, are you sure it was a Leon mk3 you sat in? It really cannot be called appalling, it's hardly that different to the VW or Audi.

All of them are various bits of plastic and leather, it's not exactly Rolls Royce vs Nissan Micra.



Yeah and what? it's my opinion, if you disagree UNLUCKY. Douche.
 

Mr Mustard

Active Member
Jan 24, 2015
151
29
South East
The S3 has that 'minimalistic' look in common with the Leon, which I prefer over the far to busy look of the Golf.

Sure the Audi has a better quality interior than the SEAT but it's not night and day.
 

f0cker

Active Member
Feb 15, 2016
8
0
I think the golf r looks a bit too plain from the front myself, it could look a bit meaner. I kind of like the 3 door s3, but the problem for me is that I need a 5 door and I don't really want an estate like the sportback which IMO doesn't look as nice. Haven't had a close look at it in person yet, but planning to test drive one soon.
 

GrahamFR

Now AMG Powered
Dec 10, 2008
4,239
6
Barnsley or Burton
My one and only comment on this thread is do not consider the initial cheapness of the cupra as a positive, you must include for depreciation, for instance, second hand cupra's are going for less than £20k, the same price as mk6 R's, never mind the mk7s.

Which will explain why on pcp the golf is not that much more than the leon.
 

f0cker

Active Member
Feb 15, 2016
8
0
I'm leaning towards the golf at the moment. With a couple of minor mods the front looks much nicer to me. I usually stick with standard, but may have to make an exception in this case. I need to convince the wife now as it's her least favorite lol.
 

Matt280

Active Member
Jan 14, 2015
148
0
My one and only comment on this thread is do not consider the initial cheapness of the cupra as a positive, you must include for depreciation, for instance, second hand cupra's are going for less than £20k, the same price as mk6 R's, never mind the mk7s.

Which will explain why on pcp the golf is not that much more than the leon.

I considered this in buying mine and agree to a certain extent but the Golf R I looked at is not going to be worth £9.5k more than my Cupra (the price differential at purchase!) in three years time. Going on the basis that the Cupra will lose over 50% of its value, this would mean a 3.5 year old Golf will need to be worth getting on for £20k to get your extra outlay back.

This is on top of the fact that there are Golf R's everywhere and they will all be 3-4 years old at the same time.

Not trying to say the Cupra is 'better', simply it worked for me. Oh, and I love mine and that's the most important part.
 

Curtly

Active Member
Jun 5, 2015
893
19
Essex
True, the real cost in motoring is depreciation and not how expensive the car is in the first place
 

GrahamFR

Now AMG Powered
Dec 10, 2008
4,239
6
Barnsley or Burton
I considered this in buying mine and agree to a certain extent but the Golf R I looked at is not going to be worth £9.5k more than my Cupra (the price differential at purchase!) in three years time. Going on the basis that the Cupra will lose over 50% of its value, this would mean a 3.5 year old Golf will need to be worth getting on for £20k to get your extra outlay back.

This is on top of the fact that there are Golf R's everywhere and they will all be 3-4 years old at the same time.

Not trying to say the Cupra is 'better', simply it worked for me. Oh, and I love mine and that's the most important part.

im not saying the golf is cheaper, in fact judging by your figures id say they may work out roughly the same, given that 3 year old golfs are £20k http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...default&postcode=S75 4RS&model=golf&logcode=p

hell this 4year old mk6 gti is £19k http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...wagen&search-target=usedcars&page=1&logcode=p

im just saying, dont start your car choice by saying oh the leon is cheaper... cos at the end of the day, it isnt. Oh and before someone points out theyre mk6's yes I have the power of sight but the 7R isnt 3.5years old yet [B)]

But, you are correct, cheap lease deals on golf R's mean they are bloody everywhere, which is why you should take your money and go order a edition 40 ;)
 

Mr Bigglesworth

Active Member
Dec 13, 2008
385
0
Herts
I considered this in buying mine and agree to a certain extent but the Golf R I looked at is not going to be worth £9.5k more than my Cupra (the price differential at purchase!) in three years time. Going on the basis that the Cupra will lose over 50% of its value, this would mean a 3.5 year old Golf will need to be worth getting on for £20k to get your extra outlay back.

This is on top of the fact that there are Golf R's everywhere and they will all be 3-4 years old at the same time.

Not trying to say the Cupra is 'better', simply it worked for me. Oh, and I love mine and that's the most important part.

9.5K difference at purchase is impressive and would definitely help a decision. For the specs I've been looking at , i difference is more like 5k-6k if I was to pull the trigger. And 50% depreciation - depends on if you you are talking from RRP or what you paid (i.e. discounted new purchase) - think the latter is probably about right.
 

Matt280

Active Member
Jan 14, 2015
148
0
im not saying the golf is cheaper, in fact judging by your figures id say they may work out roughly the same, given that 3 year old golfs are £20k http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...default&postcode=S75 4RS&model=golf&logcode=p

hell this 4year old mk6 gti is £19k http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...wagen&search-target=usedcars&page=1&logcode=p

im just saying, dont start your car choice by saying oh the leon is cheaper... cos at the end of the day, it isnt. Oh and before someone points out theyre mk6's yes I have the power of sight but the 7R isnt 3.5years old yet [B)]

But, you are correct, cheap lease deals on golf R's mean they are bloody everywhere, which is why you should take your money and go order a edition 40 ;)

Valid points, I agree although I'm not sure that £20k is a valid price for 3 year old golfs. There are very nice looking, average mileage cars on there for £15k as well and they are asking prices. I was working on prices paid.

Another key consideration I found is simply how the car feels when driving. I know the obvious benefits of 4wd but all I have owned always either feel a bit numb or you have to drive them so hard before they come alive that it's not practical on the road. Hence I would have bought a Golf GTI (and I very nearly did!) before a Golf R.
 
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