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Seat Leon FR TDI

Latest diesel aims to transform Spanish brand’s acclaimed warm hatch

Seat Leon FR TDI

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Otis Clay

January 2010

in the world of sport, there’s no shortage of great all-rounders. Take England cricketers Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff, for instance, or Italian bike racer-cum-rally driver Valentino Rossi. But what about cars? Is there a hatchback that puts a smile on your face, yet won’t cost the earth to buy or run?

Well, SEAT thinks it has the answer, with the latest version of its sporty Leon FR TDI. It’s available in an eye-catching shade of orange, and is powered by parent company Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel – the same unit as in the Golf GTD.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the SEAT Leon

 

Sitting below the hot Cupra in the Leon line-up, the £18,990 FR has been designed to blend punchy performance with 50mpg economy. Does it deliver? We got behind the wheel on UK roads to find out.

The Leon is getting on a bit now – it launched in 2005 – but a facelift has freshened things up, with new bumpers and headlights, plus silver mirrors, a mild bodykit, twin exhausts and front foglamps. Optional black 18-inch alloys and that Lamborghini-style Lumina Orange paint make it stand out more.

Inside, material quality has been improved – gone are the tough plastics of the previous model – while there’s a classy touchscreen centre console display for the optional sat-nav, along with full iPod integration and Bluetooth. Standard equipment also includes firm sports seats, plus cruise and climate control. The driving position is comfortable and widely adjustable, although thick windscreen pillars at the front and rear hamper visibility.

Smoother

Twist the key and it’s clear that the new common-rail engine is much smoother than the outgoing Pumpe Düse unit. There’s none of the usual clatter – just a quiet hum. And on the move, it gets even better. Producing 168bhp and 350Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, the TDI delivers lots of on-boost punch and real flexiblity. That means 0-62mph in only 8.2 seconds, as well as impressive response in third and fourth gears – so much so that you barely need to shift down to overtake on a B-road.

The diesel doesn’t thrive on revs in the same way as the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version of the FR, and while the TDI unit is smooth, it’s still gruffer. But short-shifting through the light and precise six-speed manual gearbox is still fun, and rewards you with incredible pace.

A long top ratio adds to the appeal, and while some roar from the 225/45-section tyres detracts from the newcomer’s cruising ability, you won’t have to stop often for fuel on long journeys. SEAT claims 53.3mpg on the combined cycle, and that seems perfectly realistic. On our mixed route of motorways and back roads, we averaged 47mpg – extremely impressive given the performance on offer. Even more remarkable is the 139g/km CO2 output, which means annual road tax of £110 and an affordable 18 per cent company car tax band.

The FR gets the thumbs-up when the road turns twisty, too. While the steering feels a little numb, it’s accurate and well weighted, allowing you to attack corners. Agility is strong and body roll is kept in check by the sporty suspension, which is slightly softer than the outgoing model’s. As a result, the ride is much more comfortable, even if it’s still firm. Factor in a price tag that undercuts a Golf GTD by £4,000, and you’re looking at a great all-rounder.

Rival: VW Golf GTD
With the same punchy engine as the Leon, the GTD delivers the pace you expect from a diesel GTI. A well judged chassis gives decent comfort and strong driver appeal. But the Golf is pricey, at £23,035.

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5 Comments

Now you are talking!

Yesterday I commented on the ever so boring Focus re-vamp that is still a year away. The Leon is 5 years old, but still looks fab, especially with its recent facelift. With this new diesel it promises to be a superb car for anyone who enjoys driving seriously. I own an FR550 with the old diesel engine in and once warmed up it's fantastic, so I have no qualms about buying this model when the time comes. My other half has an Ibiza with the CR 1.6 engine and if this Leon is anywhere near as quiet as that one, I will be well happy! Fantastic value for money too and very good residuals. Why pay VW prices when you can get a Spanish version that looks better, has more equipment and gives you a whole lot of money in your pocket? The saving on purchase will run the thing for 3 years!!


Heather

By Debbie312 on 12 January, 2010, 4:39pm

We have an FL FR TDi on order for March, it is an improved product the engine feels smoother than our FL BMW 118d. The test drive against a 120d Coupe the FR TDi was so much more fun and felt quicker as well even though it was 7Bhp down. Seat have done a cracking job on the facelift and taken a competent product and improved the weak areas ie the engine, suspension and interior. Looking forward to going back to a Seat Leon after a 6 year abscence.

By JezyG on 13 January, 2010, 9:37am

Great engine

I have owned 2 seats in the past decade and i thought they were solid reliable cars,but the latest range of seats are so ugly.The previous Leon was a much smarter looking car.
The VW oil burner under the bonnet is a great engine,but the current leon now looks dated and will look ancient in 5years time.
If i wanted a cheap performance Golf i would buy an Octavia Vrs TDI its more subtle,better built and spec'd.

By nickbsmooth on 3 February, 2010, 3:45pm

2.0CR TDi FR

But it's still a Skoda...;-)

I took delivery of my face-lifted Leon 2.0CR TDi FR just before Christmas and it generally rocks!

I had a Passat for a few years before which was admittedly a cut above in the interior finish stakes but I knew it would be. That's not to say there's anything wrong inside the SEAT - it's actually very nice - things are just a little bit "plastickier". The other minor gripe is that it doesn't have many storage nooks and crannies (e.g. sunglasses holder, change holder) but maybe I have just been spoilt by a VW!

That's the negatives out of the way. The rest is ALL good. Ride comfort is excellent (17" rims) and performance great fun. When you boot it in 4th the kick in the pants is ace and it ghosts past dawdlers on the motorway with just a little extra toe pressure. I also read somewhere that it produces more torque than a Porsche Boxster (don't know if that's true, I've not tried it yet!)

It's great to drive around town too and plenty roomy inside, even sat behind me (6'3"). The boot's not huge but it's not meagre either (compared to, say, a Volvo C30) and the split rear seats offer the usual flexibility.

It's cheap to run too (I think I get about 40mpg) which in a 2.0 motor that get's you to 60 in 8.1s is pretty impressive.

So, all in all, I can thoroughly recommend the Leon as a top notch, exciting all-rounder. It even looks cool in white.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/newreviews/242725/seat_leon.html#ixzz0eYjxZmpf

By MrPooks on 4 February, 2010, 9:53am

2.0CR TDi FR

But it's still a Skoda...;-)

I took delivery of my face-lifted Leon 2.0CR TDi FR just before Christmas and it generally rocks!

I had a Passat for a few years before which was admittedly a cut above in the interior finish stakes but I knew it would be. That's not to say there's anything wrong inside the SEAT - it's actually very nice - things are just a little bit "plastickier". The other minor gripe is that it doesn't have many storage nooks and crannies (e.g. sunglasses holder, change holder) but maybe I have just been spoilt by a VW!

That's the negatives out of the way. The rest is ALL good. Ride comfort is excellent (17" rims) and performance great fun. When you boot it in 4th the kick in the pants is ace and it ghosts past dawdlers on the motorway with just a little extra toe pressure. I also read somewhere that it produces more torque than a Porsche Boxster (don't know if that's true, I've not tried it yet!)

It's great to drive around town too and plenty roomy inside, even sat behind me (6'3"). The boot's not huge but it's not meagre either (compared to, say, a Volvo C30) and the split rear seats offer the usual flexibility.

It's cheap to run too (I think I get about 40mpg) which in a 2.0 motor that get's you to 60 in 8.1s is pretty impressive.

So, all in all, I can thoroughly recommend the Leon as a top notch, exciting all-rounder. It even looks cool in white.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/newreviews/242725/seat_leon.html#ixzz0eYjxZmpf

By MrPooks on 4 February, 2010, 9:55am

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FIRST OPINION

    Diesel hot hatches are nothing new – Citroen’s ZX Volcane began the trend in the Nineties. But the Leon FR TDI is one of the best yet. As with the basic hatch, it’s practical, good looking and easy to live with. Yet the new common-rail diesel adds storming performance, amazing economy and low emissions to the mix. While the chassis isn’t quite as sharp as that of a Ford Focus or as refined as a Golf, it serves up real thrills. What’s more, with a wide range of colour and wheel choices, owners can make their car really stand out. But the icing on the cake is the bargain price tag.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £18,990
    Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power/torque: 168bhp/350Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
    Top speed: 133mph
    Economy: 53.3mpg
    CO2: 139g/km
    Equipment: Electric rear windows, climate control, cruise control, alloys
    On sale: Now
     
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