Certainly, most of what's on offer here can also be had in differently packaged form with sporty estate versions of the Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Octavia. But the CUPRA Leon Estate has a slightly more dynamic look and feel than any of those cars, especially in this updated form. Something that's particularly evident on the road in the 310PS 4Drive model, which offers everyday dynamic usability with plenty of potential for sheer enjoyment. It's way better value than a sporty Golf R Estate. And arguably shades all its rivals in terms of flamboyant cabin design, drive assistance features and standard equipment.
Not everything's great of course. The infotainment system is over-complex and often fiddly to use. The interior doesn't have the sheer quality you'd find in premium brand models. And inevitably, some of the agile sparkiness is diluted if you opt for the now-improved e-HYBRID version. But none of this is really enough to significantly dull our basic approval of this car. If it's engaging twist on the usual Volkswagen Group quick estate confection appeals, we think you'll bond quickly with this uber-rapid Iberian station wagon.

Media system plus with navigation pack - Leon Cupra

KESSY Advanced - Keyless start, keyless entry

CUPRA Leather flat bottomed, heated, perforated steering and gearshift paddles

ISOFIX points in outer rear seats with top tether anchorage points

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

Ambient lighting with glovebox, footwell and single monocolour

18" Machined sport black and silver alloy wheels with 92Y tyres

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Front assist with forward collision warning braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Brake control system - ESC and brake booster

Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control and coming home feature

LED headlights with dynamic turn signals, tail lights, rear fog lights with rear coast to coast lighting

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

Full link smartphone integration with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

CUPRA Leon Estate

1.5 eTSI V1 5dr DSG