Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

SEAT Leon Cupra (2014-2021) review - design

Still a sharp-looking car even this close to its end date. Top-spec Cupra R models somehow defy the questionable copper accoutrements

Evo rating
  • Underlying technical make-up impressive; excellent engine, brakes and chassis tune
  • Feeling its age inside; still not the most playful of hot hatchbacks

If the interior reveals the Leon’s age, its exterior design by contrast has aged remarkably well. The crisp, confident lines remain from its original form in 2012, but they’re now augmented with up-to-date LED graphics, aggressive detailing and an overriding sense of good proportions.

Arch-filling wheels and tyres go a long way to lending the Leon Cupra its aggressive looks, and we’re a real fan of the ST estate in particular – it has a low, lean look to it that makes a Golf R estate look rather dull. We'd go for bright colours, though – while some may enjoy the subtlety of the Leon line-up, SEAT does offer some striking shades that really bring out the slashes and cuts in the bodywork.

Advertisement - Article continues below

​This is all especially impressive considering its successor, the all-new fourth-generation Leon has already been revealed, and looks no more contemporary or premium despite its even crisper LED lighting graphics and new proportions.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST – front
Reviews

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback

Leicestershire tuning firm ZeroNine has given the last-of-the-line Focus ST a new lease of life with a series of performance upgrades – and Ferrari 59…
14 Nov 2025
Four brilliant used V8 Jaguars for the price of a new Volkswagen Golf
Used Jaguars
News

Four brilliant used V8 Jaguars for the price of a new Volkswagen Golf

Jaguar’s next era looms with the all-electric Type 00, but these used supercharged V8 icons are hard to ignore in a soulless EV world
12 Nov 2025
Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf GTI Edition 50 fighter
Cupra Leon VZ TCR
News

Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf GTI Edition 50 fighter

The most hardcore Leon since the Sub8 of a decade ago comes with removable rear seats
13 Nov 2025