Hot-hatch diesels head-to-head

A row has been brewing in the Auto Express office, so we decided to settle it in the only way we know – with a road test head-to-head.

The trouble started when Volkswagen’s Golf GTD joined our long-term fleet. Road test editor Ross Pinnock looks after the hot diesel and has been impressed with its heavyweight performance, flyweight fuel consumption, stylish looks and classy interior. However, colleague Graeme Lambert thinks there’s an even better contender in the office car park.

The SEAT Leon FR features the same 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine as the VW, so also packs a decent punch, but has price on its side. Graeme thinks this advantage should have the Golf on the ropes, and that its racy looks could deliver a knock-out blow. To settle the argument once and for all, we set up a bruising twin test. In the red corner, wearing silver wheels and weighing in at £24,185 is our long-term VW Golf GTD. And in the orange corner, wearing black alloys and weighing in at £19,490 is our SEAT Leon FR.

Which one would find itself sprawled on the canvas, and which one will end up wearing the hot diesel champion’s belt? Seconds away, round one…