Considering SEAT purchase

[HSVGTSCoupe]

Hi guys,
I'm selling my much loved & insanely quik HSV GTS Coupe (Aussie 420bhp beast) and going to get a more "responsible" car for the next 12 months while saving some £££. I was looking at Golfs etc but noticed & drove a Cupra R at a local dealer. Nice car, great driver feedback & quite responsive. What's the drum on these cars? Wot are the potential pitfalls (if any) and wot sort of ££ should I be parting with for the various aged models. Anything is going to be a power let down from my Monaro but this at least looks like an enjoyable & non chavvy alternative.
Any help appreciated.
Julian

[edc]

Look through the past threads on www.seatcupra.net

[hsvgtscoupe]

Thanks mate.. perfect site; hope to join the fray in the near future.
JH

[Adycav]

I too currently own an LCR. I'm fairly impressed with it but it's not perfect. Build quality could be better - the interior plastics are a bit cheap and mark very easily, the red paint will probably flake off from the Brembos and I have found that the paint is not particularly resistant to stone chips. It's fairly practical but rear space is a little tight.

Performance is pretty good (I've got the standard earlier 210bhp version). Handling's OK but I find that it just lacks that extra bit of finesse compared to the very best front-drivers (Integra Type R, Clio Cup etc.). It's far better than these two at long-distance cruising however - excellent seats, reasonable ride at speed, good refinement, decent hifi (6 disc as standard I believe).

I agree with Mungo in that tyres are probably the biggest expense. Servicing is always reasonably priced and I get excellent service (Leicester) but apparently dealer service can be patchy.

Oh, and around town fuel consumption is not too good but I suppose you are used to that!