The 178bhp 1.8-litre turbo engine of the petrol Cupra has a nice growl to it, little throttle-lag and a hefty punch. The variable-assist steering feels satisfyingly weighty, though it lacks detail, and it's complemented by an effective ESP and stiff suspension. At eight-tenths the Cupra is perfectly capable and fast. But push on, and switch the ESP off, and the Cupra turns scrappy, the damping struggling over anything but smooth surfaces.

Meanwhile, the joint range-topping 158bhp diesel Cupra alternative is a simply devastating overtaking tool thanks to a mighty 243lb ft of torque delivered at just 1900rpm.
But there's a dilemma. Pitched below the Cupra models, the 'warm' FR versions (148bhp petrol or 128bhp diesel) are better resolved. Less power and greater suspension compliance make for a more entertaining drive. There's little 'real-world' performance difference, and the saving of around two grand makes the FRs the pick of the range, though they're by no means the class leaders.