Is 400bhp The PERFECT POWER For a FWD Hot Hatch? *REVO Stage 2 Cupra 290*

You join me today for my first drive in a Cupra 290! This specific car is one of REVO's development cars, currently running their 'Stage 2 Performance Pack'. Power sits at an impressive 400bhp, and today I discuss whether that is the PERFECT power output for a FWD car.

Check out REVO:

---

Music:


---

What I use to make my videos:


---

You can also find me on:

Snapchat - @lukepapworth

---

Thanks for watching! :-)

[stuartrees]

There are things that can be done to mitigate the spinning which It doesn’t seem they have done! Lovely car

1. Dogbone mount / powerflex lower engine mount.
2. Strutbrace
3.ps4s tyres
4.dampers and springs etc

Having had a Golf R and Cupra, On a roll the cupra will likely beat the other two cars! In the real world your rolling more than you are stopping.

[formentorvz]

Slightly cheaper is a big understatement. I bought my well equipped Cupra 300 new for 28.000 €. A comparable spec Audi S3 would have cost me at least 45.000 €. Golf R around 40.000 €. Until the end of 2018 you could get all of those cars without the particular filter, 10 more hp as standard and with a manual gearbox, so 2018 is the best model year for all these Volkswagen group hatches. Remember that in case you are looking into the used market.
400 hp is already too much in the Cupra if you ask me. With good tires and a dry road you can absolutely put the stock 300 hp down and have fun. As seen in the video, you can not do that anymore with 400 hp. Rather spend that money for a really good exhaust system, premium audio equipment or a nice wrap. If 400 hp was the perfect output for a FWD car, the Honda Civic Type-R would have that instead of 320. The lap times speak for themselves. Nice to see a Cupra on this channel again nonetheless :)

[pokest]

As an owner, the standard power is enough. You will need very sticky tires and aggressive suspension geometry to be able to use much more than standard power. And that's on a smooth as silk road or fast track. In street and curvy bumpy b roads, you'll struggle a lot putting the power down.

[Jackthompson]

People starting to wake up to how underrated these are. Quicker than an s3 and R around a track that’s for sure and cheaper & more engaging to drive. No brainer for me

[haz_raf]

I’ve got a Leon Cupra 280 with stage 1 ecu tune, APR intake, Ramair elbow and intake pipe, Powerflex lower engine mount insert, and PS4s all round. The tyres make a lot of difference, and the engine mount insert 👌🏼

[Buddha.supercars]

old video but still gold.
Couldn’t agree any less, the likes of VW, AUDI ect people pay for the brand more than the performance

[iMann_iFail]

I’ve just purchased my third Leon Cupra 290 Lux.. I just keep going back to them. I’m looking to go with the stage II Revo package, so glad you did a review on the performance.

[brendan]

I have a cupra running about 400bhp, if you strap decent tyres to it and ease the power in it puts it down fine.. if you pin in at low speed then obviously it will spin or traction control will cut it. Just drive it properly 🤷🏼‍♂️

[krismorrin]

I’m getting my Cupra 280 booked in for stage 2 soon.. can’t wait 😁

[dacarch]

I own a FWD drive 2018 Cupra ST 300, manual (only way to go if you want to be in control), and have it stock so far. I take it to my local track fitted with Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires mounted on matt black lightweight OZ Racing rims (which are the same ones fitted on the car on this video). I also use a Schroth 4 point Harness to better feel the car. Like some comments below, I think 300 hp is enough power (especially with the right tires) to have loads of fun without breaking the bank. Having said that, my next upgrade will be brakes.

[RevoHQ]

Great video, Luke. We're glad you enjoyed the Cupra. When it grips, it rips😉

[wezznsb]

I drive my cupra 290 stage 1 at 365 ps on track with nankang ar1 ... its fabulous 😊

[georgel]

I've got a mk7 gti PP, no point even remapping it because you can't exploit the power it has on public roads. Pilot sport 4s are incredible though

[dominicwilliams]

My 290 spins like crazy on front wheels, can’t imagine how stage2 would be better

[raulvladddd]

Got a Cupra 280 manual with a full BullX resonated exhaust with sports cat downpipe, and I thought mine was quiet haha, not anymore.
However, stage 2 on stock downpipe and 400bhp it's a bit of a stretch, nor is it a full stage 2 bolt-ons wise. Downpipe is a must, especially if it's an OPF car which is the biggest restriction overall.

Cool to see some Cupra love anyhow!

[connorhird]

Mines stage 2, you're just planting the right foot when you really have to modulate throttle in 1st and 2nd. Rolling this smokes sooo many cars

[terrymolloy]

Tyres tyres tyres, .you would be putting front tyres on it every time you drive it 😜

[josefinkjellsson]

I have a Cupra 2015 hatch, with Revo stg 2 ECU and TCU, but I put together my own performance pack, a lot cheaper and a lot better since I’m running 100-200 @7.94 ( valid on dragy ) and none of Revos cars are even close, so Revo should use me as a consultant and pay me accordingly 😜 but they have good software, I’ll give them that😊👍🏻

[kieranmanners]

That with a billet stainless steel dog bone insert would be a weapon, i added one to my modified octavia vrs estate and has made a massive difference to wheel hop and wheel spin. Granted mines 307bhp n 490nm torque but i can imagine it would help alot

[lewis]

Dog bone mount needed on this best upgrade for it by fa