Inevitably, any SEAT product will find itself in comparison with its contemporary Volkswagen, so compared to SEAT Leon Cupra Mk2, its closest Volkswagen relative is the excellent Golf GTI Mk5. Both share the same platform and release new products at the same time, although Leon endured a longer time. They are all powered by a 2.0-liter engine, despite being 237bhp TFSI in Leon and 197bhp FSI in Golf.

Without guessing which of the faster prizes, Leon sent 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, compared to 7.4 seconds for golf. In fact, the strong performance of Cupra has reached the advantage of Mk5 Golf R32, and its 3.2-liter V6 engine can produce 247bhp. However, in all other respects, this model is very different from Cupra, and examples with reasonable mileage are much more expensive.

Click here to buy your next used car from Autocar

In the first round of Leon Cupra, things are not that simple except when it comes to golf GTI as usual. In short, Golf is easier to drive than Cupra-more grip, more energy, and more engagement. It is also more expensive. Generally speaking, you can buy a 100,000-mile 2007 GTI for £5,995, but you can buy a 2009 Cupra for 70,000. of course there are exceptions.

For those who want to buy second-hand thermal hatches, it is this price advantage and at least the stronger performance on paper that gives Cupra an advantage over GTI. Leon is also a good-looking car, which is also relatively rare. Even more rare is the 2008 Cupra K1 special edition, although the price of this model varies greatly. At the same time, if you like tuning, Cupra can carry out some powerful power upgrades. How about getting a reliable 350bhp by upgrading from Revo Stage 2? It uses all standard internal components and adds induction kits, upgraded catalytic converters and intercoolers, and related software. This sounds interesting, but here we are interested in the standard Cupras, why not, because the factory specification model is still an interesting hot incubator.

It was launched in 2006 and sits above its Leon FR equivalent hatch. The FR uses the same 197bhp 2.0 FSI engine as the Golf GTI and can be said to be a closer competitor to Volkswagen. It is more valuable than both cars, but the extra charm of the Cupra is more attractive. The standard package on Cupra includes 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirrors, grip sports seats and white dials. Under the body, the steering knuckle and rear wishbone compression parts are made of alloy instead of steel, and the unsprung weight is reduced by 7.5 kg.

The aforementioned Cupra K1 special has an improved rear spoiler and an oval central exhaust pipe. More rarely, low-mileage examples in good condition may one day attract some collectors.

Together with other models in the Leon series, Cupra was remodeled in 2009, when it received a larger tailgate and cleverly modified styling. Well-built, reliable, fast and good value for money-just like a used thermal hatch, the Leon Cupra Mk2 meets all the right requirements.

How to buy one in your garage

Expert opinion

"We are experts in the Volkswagen Group and are responsible for everything from daily maintenance to performance upgrades. I am passionate about Leon Cupra. Since its release in 2006, I have been studying this model and have never encountered any serious problems. Cupra's The 2.0 TFSI engine is bulletproof and very adjustable. It is equipped with a K04 turbocharger, and its recirculation valve is installed on the outside for better cooling. On Leon FR and Golf GTI using the K03 turbocharger, the valve Installed on a turbocharger and will experience thermal failure. My favorite Mk2 Cupra is the K1 Special Edition. It has a great body kit and a cool central exhaust. I would love to have one."

■ Engine: Carbon deposits in the intake port can cause performance problems and failure of the runner dampers in the intake manifold. It helps to remove the intake manifold every 70,000 miles and remove the deposits. The timing belt is best replaced every 60,000 miles or five years. The cam chain stretches, so listen to the rattle: replacement is an expensive six-hour job. Older or high mileage cars may wear out the high-pressure fuel pump lifter bucket due to worn injectors or contaminated engine oil.

■ Transmission: to ensure smooth and quiet changes. Otherwise, there is no serious problem.

■ Suspension, steering and brakes: common problems include broken rear springs, leakage of rear shocks, and disassembly of rear shocks. The front top mount is corroded and jammed, making a harsh noise when you turn, and the front spring will break in time. Other weaknesses include worn-out anti-roll bar end links and ball joints and jammed rear trailing arm bushings. Blurred steering is most likely caused by worn lower arm bushings. Check that the inner surface of the brake disc is not severely rusted.

■ Body: Rust is rare, usually related to accidents. Check the sun-bleached headlight lens. Ensure that the door locks and windows are working properly, because repairs are expensive.

■ Internal: The air conditioner condenser is broken, so check if the dual zone system is blown cold. Make sure that the leather on the steering wheel is not peeling off.

The problem of carbon pollution (see "Engine" on the left) is not uncommon. As a direct injection engine, Cupra injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This can cause carbon to accumulate in the fuel injector nozzle. In addition, because there is no fuel in the intake port, the intake port may be stuck with carbon. The result is unstable operation and reduced power, so test it thoroughly.

£2500-4499: Choose early Cupras that are 100,000 miles long and in average condition.

£4,500-5,999: A neater car with a history of good service, such as the 88,000-mile 2008 K1, which costs £5,000.

£6,000-7499: The mileage here is lower, including the 2007 Cupra, with a mileage of 57k miles and a full service history of £7,000.

£7,500-8,999: A newer car (usually 2008-09) with a mileage of about 70,000 miles and a long history.

9000-10999 pounds: the cleanest, low-mileage Cupras.

Seat Leon Cupra, 2008, 51,000 miles, £6,995

This neat bike owner Cupra with a history of service is reasonably priced. We are in a dilemma between it and the precious 2009 private sales of 70,000 miles and FSH. So we need to see and drive both.

Seat Leon Cupra and Cupra R Mk1-Used car buying guide

The most commonly used hot hatch in summer-from only £2,000

Used car buying guide: Renault Twingo RS

I don't know why Le Seat cupra does not look like Volkswagen. Well, I know, but I won’t tell you. Well, I might tell you. Cupra has the same designer as Lamborghini.

Carbon deposits are a problem with any direct injection engine. You can wash/spray walnuts for a small amount of money. My advice? Read other people's buying guides. This is naff (this is always the case for this website and anything you use).