SEAT LEON 2.0 16V T FSI Cupra 5dr (2007)

Clearly a mid life crisis

I saw a boat once that had the name 'My mid life crisis' on the side, and if people named their cars then I'd probably do that with my Seat Leon 2.0 FSi Cupra. I'm happy with my mid life crisis, and my darling wife humours me. And what a beautiful way to pretend to be young again. I did a lot of careful research before getting the Seat Leon - which I suppose isn't very like a younger man! I wanted a fun car but really didn't want it to be breaking down all the time, and I wanted it to get more than 30 miles a gallon. The Seat Leon did those things on paper, and so far at least it's doing them all in reality.

I hardly drive it like I imagine some owners do, so it's probably getting a relatively easy ride, but I certainly have some fun in it from time to time, and really any drive is a pleasure, even the simple things like whooshing away from the lights and overtaking in pretty much any space available.

It's probably not a car for an inexperienced driver, all in all. Many years ago I used to do delivery driving, and when you've been speeding round in a van trying to get your deliveries done on time then anything else is a bit of a doddle. But the combination of loads of power and a pretty restricted rear viewport in the Seat Leon will probably confuse a lot of people. It needs some getting used to.

It does slip about a little bit when the rain starts and if it's a bit muddy, it's hardly one for all conditions, just pay attention and behave yourself when it gets slippy out.

It's been great for reliability and power so far, but this adventure may have to end on account of the firmness of the sports suspension, and my ageing back. I can't realistically drive my Seat Leon for more than a couple of hours without some serious gip arising. The seats are generally supportive and very good at keeping you in place round the corners, but the ride is just a little too firm. I'm looking at some BMWs that seem to get a better fuel return and obviously are built with a bit more comfort and luxury in mind. I think I could get a decent mix of mid life crisis and mature respectability that way!