Quality first; our Leon felt really well bolted together. The doors shut with a weighty clunk, Cupra seats hugged reassuringly and delivered ache-free journeys, and the controls were well thought-out and easy to use. It felt like you'd been granted a permanently free upgrade to business class - and all for ΂£17K.

As spring became summer and the track season got into its stride, my regular journeys varied to take in evoactive events. The A413 between Aylesbury and Buckingham en route to Silverstone provides a ribbon of tarmac ideally suited to showcasing the rapid cross-country abilities of the Cupra; it was much more in its element there than on the track. Quick directional changes and tight cresting corners helped demonstrate just how adept the 'R' is and what a driving hero it makes you feel.

The ESP traction control 'off' button remained unused on the road as the system never impeded my driving enjoyment - its strategy seems very well judged.

By August the gearknob paint started flaking badly. It seemed I wasn't the only Cupra owner to experience this flaw as several evo readers e-mailed to confirm the same.
Another common niggle amongst my fellow 'R' drivers was dodgy radio reception. This was fixed when my local dealer replaced the aerial at the first service.

September provided proof of further wear, with the front Pirelli P-Zero Rossos and brake pads in urgent need of replacement. Admittedly a stint at the Bedford Autodrome accelerated the process, but 10,000 'evo' miles seemed reasonable for the tyres at least.

Our Cupra went in to SEAT Milton Keynes three times over the six months for service, brakes, and finally to sort a pesky engine diagnostic warning light which would disappear and re-appear when it felt like it. SEAT MK was everything a main dealer should be - polite, efficient, and GN03 came back valeted each time. How refreshing.

Time always seems to fly when you're working to monthly deadlines as we do, but it feels like the Cupra has only just arrived, and it's certainly too early for its return. I guess that was the feeling this little ΂£17K bargain regularly delivered. So easy to live with. Get in, drive, smile.

At no point did I look at the diary and start pondering what my next long termer might be. As an all-round 'budget' performance package, I reckon it takes some beating, especially since SEAT recently brought out the 225bhp Cupra R...