Driving

WHILE the Cupra doesn’t quite manage to hit the mark for driving fun, the BMW proves that modest power doesn’t need to be an obstacle as long as the chassis is up to the job First impressions suggest that the suspension is similarly stiff, but the damping feels more sophisticated here, so on sections of road where the Leon jiggles, the 118i rounds off the high -frequency bumps much better The suspension itself is better insulated from the cabin, too, so it’s quieter when cruising

When you want to drive more keenly, the BMW is the more engaging choice The front end turns in more enthusiastically, the car is lighter in direction changes, and the front-to-rear balance feels more even overall than in the slightly nose-heavy Cupra The one area where there’s room for improvement is the steering While the rack is certainly direct, the combination of a fat, squishy steering wheel rim and little impression of the front tyres loading up

Performance

Sporty-sounding three-cylinder adds to car’s character, while front-drive chassis is engaging