Cupra Leon/VW Golf: comparison test | autozeitung.de

VW and Cupra have each built excellent compact sports cars based on the modular crossover (MQB). Who puts the 300 four-cylinder turbo in the best spotlight in terms of points in the comparison test? VW Golf GTI Clubsport or Cupra Leon VZ?

Cupra Leon VZ and VW Golf GTI Clubsport in a comparison test

Not only since the Cupra became its own brand has its hot hatch been reaching for the gold medal among the most sporty models of the VW Group: The Cupra Leon can now look back on a career spanning more than 20 years, which initially began as the Kiti Leon Cupra. . Even then, the benchmark was the VW Golf GTI, but in 2002 it was in an identity crisis. At that time, the abridgement of the story had reduced to an excellent line of equipment that did not differ much from the most bourgeois examples. It is not known if the hot breath of his Spanish brother warmed him too much. The fact is that both compacts now (again) develop a full range of power. The Cupra Leon competes in the comparison test as the 300 hp (221 kW) VZ Cup, whose identical motorized counterpart from Wolfsburg (which is not yet the recently presented facelift) has the addition “Clubsport”. Also interesting: Tips for our products on Amazon

Leslie & Cars drives the VW Golf R (2023) in the video:

Driving dynamics: VW Golf GTI Clubsport thanks to semi-slicks at the front

In the comparison test, the battle between Clubsport and Cup Racer (“Cupra”) initially turns into a minority group. Here 300 hp (221 hp) can let off steam on the front axle to their heart’s content. And the VW Golf GTI Clubsport shows you where to go thanks to the optional 19-inch semi-slicks. With playful handling and plenty of good-natured grip, he sets the fastest times on the handling course and completes the slalom at high speed. It always remains neutral and avoids denigrating the trend-stealing situation. Tough thing to crack for the Cupra Leon VZ, which lacks a high-performance drivetrain and has a few extra pounds on its ribs. But the Leon performs well and always stays within striking distance of its competitors – very similar in temperature, but not quite as bilious. The Spaniard, on the other hand, is very happy with his (optional) Brembo brakes, which use useful meters and a few points from VW.

What connects them both is their essence. The VW Golf GTI Clubsport is less fun to drive than the numbers suggest and the Cupra Leon VZ is less hot than it promises. But that’s complaining too much, because both cars are impressive with their well-coordinated features. Steering, differential lock and ESP do what they are supposed to do. If you turn off the second one, you get full control over the athletes that are easy to handle. Drive influence in steering is limited here and there, and the lock does a very good job here. However, you should carefully consider if you really need half slopes, because the benefits are limited for driving on the race track, and the disadvantages are quickly apparent on wet roads.

Engine/transmission: Based on the same engine, stalling

This chapter of the comparison test ends with a shock – not surprising, given the same power package under the hood, one can imagine, because the engine of the fourth generation EA888 with 300 hp (221 hp) and 400 Nm provides propulsion for both. And yet the two are collecting their points in different disciplines. The VW Golf GTI Clubsport remains true to its high level of driving dynamics and shines with high values ​​for acceleration and top speed. The latter benefits from the performance package (3950 euros), which gives the Golf a top speed of up to 267 km/h. Cupra Leon VZ, which is always limited to 250 km / h, scores points in terms of efficiency and, with its average consumption of 7.6 l, even comes close to the WLTP factory specifications. The GTI guzzles half a liter more fuel on our test cycle of about 100 km. However, you should remember that with both athletes, more Super Plus is processed in the combustion chambers when properly installed. When it comes to power delivery, smooth running and gear ratios, the rivals are second to none. The drive train looks round, balanced and very powerful on both sides.

Driving comfort: Nothing comes for free here either

Things are very difficult in this discipline of comparative testing. Both make you comfortable with excellent sports seats that hold well and do not tire you even on long journeys. Passengers travel more comfortably in the front and rear of the Cupra Leon VZ. It’s a shame that the Leon loses a few points when it comes to ergonomics: the loading sill is four centimeters higher, and there are no seat pockets or nets in the back, while the VW Golf GTI Clubsport offers three pockets for each seat. Acoustic measurements should be viewed with caution: If you open the flaps, the Wolfsburg with the optional Akrapovic exhaust system always sprays so clearly that any measured values ​​are a waste. Thanks to highly adjustable fluids, the two rivals manage a certain balancing act between dry and stiff and tight and taut. The Spaniard looks the gentlest shade – empty and burdened. Although the Leon has adaptive DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) on board as standard, Volkswagen charges 1045 euros for it.

Body: Cupra Leon VZ with more knee room and load volume

Despite having the same platform, the Cupra Leon VZ is almost ten centimeters longer. This benefits especially the rear and luggage compartment, where the Spaniard offers a few centimeters more knee room and a few more liters of luggage. However, both can make good use of the space. But such are the pitfalls of the operation. The extensive use of touch control surfaces and the integration of many functions into the touch screen lead to more frustration than joy. The fact that VW has now announced its role back is at least a step in the right direction. The Cupra is also set to follow suit when the already teased Leon facelift launches. This helps you decide on current models, but it doesn’t help much.

On the plus side, the Cupra Leon VZ is definitely better equipped, which puts it ahead of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport in terms of perceived value. This also shows itself to be processed frequently in the comparison test, but it cannot hide its shortcomings in the choice of equipment. By the way, if you want to use your car as a trailer, you will not be happy either: the trailer bug is not provided. If you can do without it, you can expect a payload of around 500 kg with the GTI and Cupra.

Ambience/Cost: VW Golf GTI Clubsport more expensive overall

Payment is usually made at the end. But in this, the winner of the property rating, Cupra Leon VZ, consolidated its overall victory. The price point is similar to that of the VW Golf GTI Clubsport, but when it comes to depreciation, fuel costs and standard equipment, the Spaniard is ahead of its German competitor and thus wins the comparison test with a 21-point lead.

Technical data and measured values ​​for Cupra Leon VZ 2.0 TSI & VW Golf GTI Clubsport

Results in points

Sven Kötter

Our conclusion

The Cupra Leon VZ 2.0 TSI beats the VW Golf GTI Clubsport with what should be its own weapon: balance. While the club’s sports car is entirely dependent on driving dynamics, the Leon in Cup trim combines driving dynamics with more everyday usability. This has a lot to do with the choice of tires – and it’s an expensive pleasure. Anyone looking for more efficiency and lower prices will probably find what they’re looking for on the corporate shelf one level down. But the most important thing remains: both are fun.