Great vid as usual Gaz ! Pretty much sums up my thoughts on my Cupra 290 ! I adore mine with each passing day.....never missed my GR Yaris since I've had it ! Its a great all round package and proper value for money with all the VAG underpinnings, build quality and mechanicals ! Basically a front wheel drive Golf R ! Ps.....Get that rattle sorted ! 😉
Great run through! My 19 plate 290 not long went back to the lease company and I miss it every day. Interestingly mine popped and banged much more in sport mode than it did in cupra.
I have a 2014 Cupra Ibiza. Miss the android auto and apple carplay, but there's good aftermarket options. Mine has the 7 speed DSG, which is economical and also slows the car down nicely without having to use the brakes so much. Would highly recommend it as road tax is very low, bodykit blows the Leon and polo gti out of the water and 0-60 is good at around 6.5 secs.
I’ve got the Carly device but I’m probably just going to leave it all as it is I think. Good to know it can be turned off though if I decide to do it later on 👍🏻
Just a random question if the oil is low does the car tell you on the dash or not? I check it anyway but just wanted to know if it tells you along with coolant i have a 290 cupra 18 plate
Having a 280 manual for more than 4 years now. Not as exiting than my old megane 3 rs 265 cup but what a daily...hard to have more for the price. Maybe the 308 gti...
Definitely recommend for a hatch back doing a res delete it'll make it dsg fart a lot. If you have an estate (like myself) the res delete alone isn't enough, you also need the golf r estate 7.5 exhaust fitted (direct replacement no valves) to get them, or an aftermarket exhaust. This only applies to non-gpf variants e.g. if you have a copper badge and black calipers it'll be a lot lot quieter.
@@CarFocused Yeah I also got an estate (67) to avoid the GPFs which arrived late 2018. It sounds so good with the golf r exhaust and Res delete. If you're near by feel free to see the differences between the sound and setup of the estate and hatch :)
Great car, nearly went for one after a test drive but picked the Clubsport instead. I recommend Revo map, really changes the car and you don’t have to put the foot down all the time.
Very similar to the Clubsport in terms of power but you get the full amount all the time in the Cupra don’t you, whereas the Golf utilises overboost doesn’t it for like 10 seconds or something? Golf interior is a bit better though.
@@CarFocused yes, it’s 265 with a ten second over boost, now running around 360 bhp with the map. It’s was purely down to looks and sound for me. I’d intended to get an RS after driving several MK3 STs for 5 years but they were selling for crazy money at the time.
@@samtheman407 actually - it hasn’t 😂 I thought the resonator was meant to be at the back just behind the back box, but it’s actually towards the front 🤦🏼♂️ Seems my system is totally factory.
I drive a 2019 4-drive ST which has 7 gears, are you sure yours only has 6? Seems odd. I've done about 15k in 2.5 years and average low to mid 30's MPG driving around day to day, and have seen 50+ on a run. If there's one thing that bugs me, it has to be the windscreen wipers which are so ineffective at motorway speeds. Mine doesn't have heated seats so presumably these were an option. I disagree with it needing to be FWD for it to be fun - the speed I can take off from a standstill is mental, and it rips through the lanes. Once the warranty has expired I must take it for a track day to see how it compares to an Impreza I owned.
Hi mate, yes they revised the DSG box with the introduction of the 290’s in late 2018 / early 2019 - making it a 7 speed. They also updates the virtual dashboard too I believe. Heated seats are part of the winter pack which also includes heated headlight washers.
Yea fairly big power is easily achievable with a simple map, but I’d probably just lose my license to be honest so might just leave it for the time being 😂
Dont bother with cupra mode. Just use sport or individual, the fake noise is horrible but you get all the same joyful noises from sport minus the fake sound pumped in. I'm going to get the auto gear change in manual mode mapped out so I have complete control then. Edit: My 2019 290 has a GPF, but after 30k miles it sounds as loud as this one and has no res delete either. Completly stock.
Drove one while back in Grey only thing it lacks is the sense of speed you could be doing 90 and feel like your doing 40 was expecting to be put back in my seat but It doesn't really do that. Got abit boring
@@CarFocused I had it in cupra mode I had high expectations for the cupra but it was abit underwhelming, remember getting back into my 125d and had a bigger smile on my face, each to there own
I'm moving from my Cupra 290 to the M140i, for the price range its an amazing all rounder. My Drawbacks for the car from 22k miles of use: - Sometimes the DSG gearbox does bog down randomly 1 out of 10 kickdowns lets say and makes you think the car is broken or something but its normal - God knows why Android Auto and Carplay isn't wireless.. you have to attach the wire. - The wheel hop is insane if you dont have dry weather + warm tyres and most important of all good tyres, you almost can't put down your foot under 30mph without wheel hop. - Iv tried lots of different original cables and a brand new phone sometimes Android Auto disconnects randomly, reconnecting fixes it. - MPG for me anyways has always been 26 or less, but hey its smiles per galon in cars like these. - Res delete is a must for a little more louder pops and bangs and beautiful louder pur even in comfort when accelerating.
Thanks for the comment mate. My mpg seems to be quite good - but I do a 25 mile each way commute on the motorway so just stick on in cruise at 75mph. Usually get around 36mpg. Wheel hop - I never boot it in first, only when rolling from second onwards, so guess I’m avoiding it this way. The CarPlay cable does suck, would be nice to be wireless but I guess the car is showing it’s age a little in that respect. Hope you enjoy the M140i mate, great cars 👍🏻
Got to agree the FWD/ Wheel hop lets it down, feathering the throttle allows me to control it with PS4S tyres on. The dogbone mounts help, makes it vibrate a bit more on idle ive heard but on whilst they settle in. Enjoy the M140i, something I'd like to try.
I had a Cupra 290 manual but sold it a few years back due to my circumstances at the time. I fancy one of these dsg ones, just scared I will miss changing gears manually.
@@CarFocused Good to know. These cars are rocket ships. If I bought a manual I would likely uprate the clutch. They don't handle the standard power too well. Love the sound and speed of dsg gear changes though.
In this week's Auto Express magazine they have a short review of the Seat Leon towards the back and they don't like the interior quality of its fittings. Would explain your rattling dashboard Gary.
Apparently the rattle I have around the virtual cockpit is a bit of vag issue - it’s been known to happen on the Golfs too. Our Audi on the other hand is the most well put together car I’ve ever owned!
Yes car focused
Great vid as usual Gaz !
Pretty much sums up my thoughts on my Cupra 290 ! I adore mine with each passing day.....never missed my GR Yaris since I've had it ! Its a great all round package and proper value for money with all the VAG underpinnings, build quality and mechanicals ! Basically a front wheel drive Golf R !
Ps.....Get that rattle sorted ! 😉
You know it mate! I think it’ll be booked in soon to have the rattle sorted 😁
Great vid Gary….. enjoy 👍🏼
Cheers pal 👍🏻
I've recently got a pre face-lift 290 black edition. I'd recommend a map as it really wakes the car up. Loving it so far.
Ahhh the video I’ve been waiting for. CUPRA 300 friends🤓🤓
Rattle friends 😂
Great run through! My 19 plate 290 not long went back to the lease company and I miss it every day. Interestingly mine popped and banged much more in sport mode than it did in cupra.
Found that myself
My Golf GT had a rattle i could never find, i sold it after 9 months, i bet that was what was rattling on that car 🤣
Mine was a rattle behind the dash binnacle which was fixed under warranty 👍🏻
Seat have come a long way forward in recent years, the MPG figures are really impressive for a 300bhp car....I likey 😎
They certainly have mate. Never thought I’d own one tbh!
I have a 2014 Cupra Ibiza. Miss the android auto and apple carplay, but there's good aftermarket options. Mine has the 7 speed DSG, which is economical and also slows the car down nicely without having to use the brakes so much. Would highly recommend it as road tax is very low, bodykit blows the Leon and polo gti out of the water and 0-60 is good at around 6.5 secs.
What mpg you get
I have a rattling noise in the door. But it developed in the last half year after 2 ½ years of usage 😅
I had my dash rattle fixed and it’s so much better now 👌🏻👌🏻
@@CarFocusedhow did you fix it ? Can it be done with DIY?
OBDeleven OBD2 device helps with turning the soundaktor down notches or fully off
I’ve got the Carly device but I’m probably just going to leave it all as it is I think. Good to know it can be turned off though if I decide to do it later on 👍🏻
Just a random question if the oil is low does the car tell you on the dash or not? I check it anyway but just wanted to know if it tells you along with coolant i have a 290 cupra 18 plate
Yea it will do mate but it’s never wise to let it get that low…
@@CarFocused yes totally agree pal thats for the quick reply and keep doing what your doing!
Having a 280 manual for more than 4 years now. Not as exiting than my old megane 3 rs 265 cup but what a daily...hard to have more for the price. Maybe the 308 gti...
Looks really smart mate 👍 glad to see it's not only Ford that have issues with cup holders 😂
😂 I now have 2 cars with shit cup holders 🤦🏼♂️😂
@@CarFocused at least you have one good one in the Seat I guess 😁
You've done alright there Gary, mate. Looks like it caters for your needs. Enjoy buddy 👍
Apart from the rattle - it’s been spot on 👌🏻
That would do my head in
I have same combo as you, Focus mk2 RS and Leon Cupra SC 290 DSG. How you compare it? Focus more fun, cupra is faster and more daily?
Focus more special & engaging. Cupra more practical, and more daily. RS & Cupra both fun 😃
I like these motors, looks a little subtle which is a good thing and a bad thing, the seats put me off, how do you find them?
They’re ok, but not massively supportive considering how capable the car is. They’re sufficient though.
@@CarFocused cheers
love to have one of these, great looking cars :)
It’s a weapon mate!
Perfectly fine daily when you need but when you need it. That's what a hot hatch should be
It’s pretty much perfect tbh mate 👌🏻
Definitely recommend for a hatch back doing a res delete it'll make it dsg fart a lot. If you have an estate (like myself) the res delete alone isn't enough, you also need the golf r estate 7.5 exhaust fitted (direct replacement no valves) to get them, or an aftermarket exhaust. This only applies to non-gpf variants e.g. if you have a copper badge and black calipers it'll be a lot lot quieter.
Fortunately mine is a pre GPF car - one of the reasons I wanted a 300 hatch. It actually sounds really good as standard I think 😃
@@CarFocused Yeah I also got an estate (67) to avoid the GPFs which arrived late 2018. It sounds so good with the golf r exhaust and Res delete. If you're near by feel free to see the differences between the sound and setup of the estate and hatch :)
Hi do you know what year the ambient lighting started at ?
I’m not too sure but mine is a facelift car with the standard virtual cockpit so maybe it started with this revision?
@@CarFocused okay thankyou anyway 👍🏽
I can recommend Total VAG in Leighton Buzzard for servicing etc mate. Top guys there.
Love the virtual dashboard Gary. Does the sat-nav receive up to date traffic info and also how much is the road tax ? Thanks Gary 😀😀👍👍
Hi mate yes it does give live updates on traffic etc. As for tax, I can’t remember 😂
Great car, nearly went for one after a test drive but picked the Clubsport instead. I recommend Revo map, really changes the car and you don’t have to put the foot down all the time.
Very similar to the Clubsport in terms of power but you get the full amount all the time in the Cupra don’t you, whereas the Golf utilises overboost doesn’t it for like 10 seconds or something? Golf interior is a bit better though.
@@CarFocused yes, it’s 265 with a ten second over boost, now running around 360 bhp with the map. It’s was purely down to looks and sound for me. I’d intended to get an RS after driving several MK3 STs for 5 years but they were selling for crazy money at the time.
I've just bought brand new a35 AMG and I have the exact same noise coming from my passenger door card, driving me insane
So annoying isn’t it!! Even more annoying when it’s brand new I bet!
This is v.nice Gary. Would make a great upgrade from my mk 7.5 Fiesta ST3 😀😀
I recommend it mate, very good car!
It’s sounds like it had a res delete the overrun sounded like mine
Totally standard mate 👍🏻 No GPF on this as it’s early 2018
Update - just had a look and it has been deresonated 🤦🏼♂️
@@CarFocused thought so mate
@@samtheman407 actually - it hasn’t 😂 I thought the resonator was meant to be at the back just behind the back box, but it’s actually towards the front 🤦🏼♂️ Seems my system is totally factory.
280 puts powers down the best id avoid a remap it seriously reduces power usability unless you live in a hot dry climate then a remap can be justified
Mpg is pretty good my st mk4 only get 27 on a good run
Doing something wrong....my ST will comfortably hit high 30's low 40's on a run.
You should be able to do better than that mate…
Great video will send that 2 my godson who has just bought 1 he might find out a few things he doesn't know they r a fast car I must say
👌🏻👌🏻
I got one 4 months ago upgraded from my mk 7 fiesta st . Lol fuel I am on 28 mpg think your driving gentle or the auto gets insane fuel savings ?
Probably mate. Mid 30’s easy on a steady commute in mine!
I drive a 2019 4-drive ST which has 7 gears, are you sure yours only has 6? Seems odd. I've done about 15k in 2.5 years and average low to mid 30's MPG driving around day to day, and have seen 50+ on a run. If there's one thing that bugs me, it has to be the windscreen wipers which are so ineffective at motorway speeds. Mine doesn't have heated seats so presumably these were an option.
I disagree with it needing to be FWD for it to be fun - the speed I can take off from a standstill is mental, and it rips through the lanes. Once the warranty has expired I must take it for a track day to see how it compares to an Impreza I owned.
Hi mate, yes they revised the DSG box with the introduction of the 290’s in late 2018 / early 2019 - making it a 7 speed. They also updates the virtual dashboard too I believe. Heated seats are part of the winter pack which also includes heated headlight washers.
Would you remap it? Should make around 360bhp
Yea fairly big power is easily achievable with a simple map, but I’d probably just lose my license to be honest so might just leave it for the time being 😂
Gary just curious to know if you think the Cupra could stay with your previous rs mk3 when driven hard?
Standard Mk3 - definitely. Tuned Mk3 - not sure…
is this 2013 ????
Why do you say that?
Dont bother with cupra mode. Just use sport or individual, the fake noise is horrible but you get all the same joyful noises from sport minus the fake sound pumped in.
I'm going to get the auto gear change in manual mode mapped out so I have complete control then.
Edit: My 2019 290 has a GPF, but after 30k miles it sounds as loud as this one and has no res delete either. Completly stock.
Drove one while back in Grey only thing it lacks is the sense of speed you could be doing 90 and feel like your doing 40 was expecting to be put back in my seat but It doesn't really do that. Got abit boring
I actually mention this in the video - you get this in comfort mode. But in Cupra mode using the paddles you do get the sense of speed 👌🏻
@@CarFocused I had it in cupra mode I had high expectations for the cupra but it was abit underwhelming, remember getting back into my 125d and had a bigger smile on my face, each to there own
@@nathand2400 your 125d has more torque that's why, stage 1 on a cupra and it's a different animal
Looks faster than the RS?
I think it is mate…
I'm moving from my Cupra 290 to the M140i, for the price range its an amazing all rounder.
My Drawbacks for the car from 22k miles of use:
- Sometimes the DSG gearbox does bog down randomly 1 out of 10 kickdowns lets say and makes you think the car is broken or something but its normal
- God knows why Android Auto and Carplay isn't wireless.. you have to attach the wire.
- The wheel hop is insane if you dont have dry weather + warm tyres and most important of all good tyres, you almost can't put down your foot under 30mph without wheel hop.
- Iv tried lots of different original cables and a brand new phone sometimes Android Auto disconnects randomly, reconnecting fixes it.
- MPG for me anyways has always been 26 or less, but hey its smiles per galon in cars like these.
- Res delete is a must for a little more louder pops and bangs and beautiful louder pur even in comfort when accelerating.
Thanks for the comment mate. My mpg seems to be quite good - but I do a 25 mile each way commute on the motorway so just stick on in cruise at 75mph. Usually get around 36mpg.
Wheel hop - I never boot it in first, only when rolling from second onwards, so guess I’m avoiding it this way.
The CarPlay cable does suck, would be nice to be wireless but I guess the car is showing it’s age a little in that respect.
Hope you enjoy the M140i mate, great cars 👍🏻
Got to agree the FWD/ Wheel hop lets it down, feathering the throttle allows me to control it with PS4S tyres on. The dogbone mounts help, makes it vibrate a bit more on idle ive heard but on whilst they settle in.
Enjoy the M140i, something I'd like to try.
Very under looked car only herd good reviews over previous cupra cars could see myself buying into the brand.
They’re good value too compared to VW.
I had a Cupra 290 manual but sold it a few years back due to my circumstances at the time. I fancy one of these dsg ones, just scared I will miss changing gears manually.
I don’t think you will miss it mate. DSG makes life so much easier too, and the option to use manual mode does give you some engagement at least.
@@CarFocused Good to know. These cars are rocket ships. If I bought a manual I would likely uprate the clutch. They don't handle the standard power too well. Love the sound and speed of dsg gear changes though.
@@Kenny.1979 my manual farts on gear changes...just have to rag the bollocks off it for an hour🙂
In this week's Auto Express magazine they have a short review of the Seat Leon towards the back and they don't like the interior quality of its fittings. Would explain your rattling dashboard Gary.
Apparently the rattle I have around the virtual cockpit is a bit of vag issue - it’s been known to happen on the Golfs too. Our Audi on the other hand is the most well put together car I’ve ever owned!
@@CarFocused vag? Volkswagen Auto Group 🤔
nice gazza how much are these to buy
Around 20k mate 👍🏻
Mine averages in eco on the motorway about 40-45mpg, but as soon as I play it drops to about 11-15mpg