Is the Tuned Leon Cupra R Wagon Better Value Than an Audi RS3?

What's so shocking about that? Well, most of the performance hardware was there even before the letter R was added - 300 horsepower 2-liter turbo, AWD for the ST (wagon) version, track brakes and tires. You don't even get more power, like with the Cupra R from one generation ago.

The axiom that gets tested in this review is this: with a cheap engine remap from ABT, the Cupra R ST is better value than the Audi RS3. According to Carwow, the price difference between these is almost £10,000. And jumping straight to the point, we want to talk about engine and performance. As many of you are well aware, the RS3 sports a unique 5-cylinder turbo engine pushing 400 HP. But with some new software, the Cupra R makes 350 HP, which takes advantage of using AWD and a 7-speed DSG, just like the Audi.

Using specialist timing gear, the reviewer measures the RS3 from 0 to 60mph in 4.2 seconds while the Cupra is only 0.2s slower. And when it comes to the way they drive, it's actually the Spanish car that offers a better connection to the steering system.

Since you're buying a hatchback instead of a normal sports car, you'll probably want to hear about the differences in practicality too. Overall, the Cupra feels a bit airier and sports a larger wagon-sized trunk. But you probably knew that already. Also, it should surprise you that Audi makes a fancier-looking interior.

With so many small things in its favor, you'd imagine the SEAT would be declared the winner here, but the Audi is just a more enticing and unique ownership prospect. If it's the value you're after, you can probably find a slightly used, low-mileage ST 300 with the AWD for about half the price of the Audi. Job done!