Cupra is much more than just a badge

Sporty aspirations very much on show, writes Rob Auchterlonie

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Back in the day, Cupra was just a trim level on a SEAT, offering the promise of a little more prestige than the standard offering.

I fell for it - I had a SEAT Leon Cupra because it was a more affordable option than a Golf GTI, and just as good.

But not any more. The badge now adorns a standalone range of Spanish machines, offering buyers something with a stylish and sporty image.

There are obvious links with the VW parent company, as much of the underpinnings and components are shared across the group.