Cupra Leon Estate VZ1 - long-term review

British winters are mostly damp and mildly unpleasant, averaging 2–7°C across the UK. We are rarely set up for extremes, just endless cold, wet, gritty miles, which is precisely why the country grinds to a halt when a snow shower arrives. So how well equipped is our Leon to handle a British winter?

For a start, the creature comforts help. The heated seats and heated wheel get properly warm, quickly. When I say properly warm, I mean hot. The leather rim peaked at 47.5°C on my budget infrared thermometer. You can almost hear your fingertips sizzle. The three-zone climate means rear passengers are not forgotten, and previous-generation Leon owners will be envious to learn the touch-controlled climate sliders are illuminated now, an infuriating oversight put right. Thank you, Cupra.

On these short, grey days the Matrix LED headlights are excellent. They give significantly improved visibility at night without dazzling oncoming traffic. Better still, they are standard on the VZ models now, which is exactly the direction lighting tech should be heading. With LED headlights getting ever more retina-burning, I would love to see this tech on cheaper cars in future. It is a clear step forward for safety.

In true cold-month preparedness, we have swapped our Bridgestone Potenza S005 summer tyres for a set of Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3s, tyres that promise strong wet grip, aquaplaning resistance and snow performance. They carry the 3PMSF symbol, which means they are certified for use in snowy conditions. Handy for a UK snow shower, and even better for my upcoming trip to the Alps. Summer tyres tend to harden below about 7°C and lose grip, whereas all-seasons use a more balanced compound and extra sipes to provide more bite in slippery conditions. You can use all-seasons, well, all year, though in dryer, warmer months expect a touch of mushy turn-in, reduced braking performance and higher wear compared with a high-performance summer tyre.

There is no dedicated snow or ice drive mode in the Cupra, but 4Drive left in Comfort should give an upper hand in traction management when it is slippy.

One small annoyance: the exterior boot release is a small rubber button tucked under the right light cluster. In winter it’s gritty, wet and awkward, so cue cold, dirty fingers. Thankfully the virtual-pedal hands-free opening makes life easier when both hands are full.

So, the Leon feels suitably prepped for a British winter. It warms quickly, has decent night vision, grips better on cold, wet roads, and carries the family clutter without drama. Its Achilles heel is perhaps those 19in wheels and the modest ground clearance, which will never get along with February’s potholes.

Next time we'll see if it keeps its composure when the miles get long and the temperatures get properly low. To the mountains!