2001 Seat Leon Cupra 4 - Driving Impression

The Haldex system adjusts so rapidly to varying levels of grip at each wheel that breaking any of them loose is virtually impossible. Normally, we'd frown on this kind of electronic management, but because of the incredible speed in such atrocious weather, we were rather overwhelmed. Audi touts that the system (which is shared with its TT) can make torque adjustments before the car's wheels have traveled 25 centimeters. It's a unique driving experience, which allows the car to move very quickly and efficiently through truly nasty conditions.

On the open road, the Seat is equally at home. High-speed runs on Italy's autostradas proved entertaining. Seat claims a 235 kph top speed for the Leon Cupra and we saw every bit of that when the road permitted. Anything above 200 kph required patience, but it will get there with a determined driver. Most striking at high speed is the confidence inspired by the Seat's Euro-tuned suspension. The entire American VW line is so severely underdamped that we weren't sure what to expect from the Leon. It was refreshing to be able to cruise comfortably around high-speed bends without wobbling and bouncing. True to the European character of the car, its suspension hid its rather hefty 3,263 lbs well.

Surprisingly, the four-valve VR6 wasn't as big a change as we had hoped. In fact, its power delivery is so similar to the two-valve engine that with the extra weight of the Cupra relative to U.S.-spec VR6-powered cars, the difference was negligible at best. The characteristic torque spike at tip in is still there and the engine still doesn't breathe at high rpm like we would like. While having all that torque down low makes it easy to drive, we inevitably find ourselves in the last two-thirds of the tach when driving hard. More engine speed and better response up high would make a huge difference.

Nearly 200 lb-ft of torque helps the Cupra get to 100 kph (62 mph) in about 7.3 seconds, if you believe Seat. That certainly seems realistic and perhaps even a bit conservative if you ask us. While we didn't have a chance to instrument the car during our short time in Europe, we wouldn't be surprised if a hard launch would lower that number a bit. However, all is still speculation at this point.

That the Leon Cupra is a well-sorted, practical and quick car is not speculation. Why VW doesn't offer this engine and driveline combination in the United States is beyond us. The subtle, yet aggressive lines of the Leon wouldn't be bad either. Bottom line, it's another great car we can't have. Terrific.

2001 Seat Leon Cupra 4