Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Leon 2.0T FSI FR

SEAT's Leon FR is a performance bargain: cheap to buy and run, fast and well built

Pros
  • Value, FSI engine, grip, body control, driving position, cabin layout, attractive styling
Cons
  • Firm ride, some cheap interior plastics, can’t match ST’s performance, rear seat access, dark cabin, boot

When it comes to giving the FR a racy appearance, SEAT’s designers have a big advantage. Due to the standard Leon’s long and low, coupé-like shape, even the base model looks sporty.

There’s plenty of pleasing detailing, with the teardrop headlights, stylish tail clusters plus hidden rear door handles, and the FR complements these with unique bumpers and subtle badges. The Leon is undoubtedly an attractive machine and, having been designed uniquely as a five-door, its rear doors are integrated very well indeed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The low roof does mean access to the back seats is tighter than in the Focus, but once inside, space is virtually the same. However, the boot isn’t great; a high lip hampers the 341-litre bay.

All the buttons on the simple dashboard are located close to hand and the cabin is very driver focused. There’s an excellent range of seat and wheel adjustment, while the FR’s sports chairs are comfortable and supportive. The only problem is the blind spots caused by the A-pillars. The robust build quality is impressive, although some of the plastics are rather brittle and the dark cabin feels a little claustrophobic.

However, driver enjoyment is key here, and the Leon scores well thanks to the chunky steering wheel and spot-on seating position. Once on the move, the firm suspension makes it clear this is a tighter offering than more basic variants. Body control impresses and, crucially, the wheel responds well to inputs, while front-end grip is strong.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Sportage

2021 Kia

Sportage

57,091 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,600
View Sportage
500

2022 Fiat

500

15,903 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,000
View 500
Qashqai

2020 Nissan

Qashqai

21,631 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £15,300
View Qashqai
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

44,361 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,800
View Tucson

The FR doesn’t have the same delicacy to its steering as the ST, though, and its chassis is never as communicative or adjustable. Unlike in the Ford, small throttle adjustments or steering corrections are not followed by an instant reaction. But the Leon is a stable, balanced and reassuring hatch – although it’s not a smooth-riding one.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is where the FR really falls down. We can make allowances for sporting cars, but the SEAT doesn’t have the ST’s compliancy, is hard on country roads and can get crashy in town – so comfort isn’t a strong point. The brakes are firm underfoot, and the Leon stopped from 60mph in 36.6 metres – just over a metre longer than the Focus. Acceler­ation was less competitive, too. While peak power is delivered nearly 1,000rpm further down the rev range, the FR’s smaller engine offers 25bhp less, and also trails by 40Nm in the torque stakes.

Given that the Ford has a five-cylinder engine, we’re surprised the SEAT is only 19kg lighter. This, combined with the power deficit, means the car was 0.8 seconds behind in the 0-60mph sprint, while at the test track the gap grows to 3.4 seconds by 100mph. Still, in real-world terms the FR copes well, and is less than a second slower than the ST in each of the in-gear increments.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The engine is punchy and flexible, but lacks the five-cylinder Ford’s warble and, strangely, doesn’t have the same raspy exhaust note as the Golf GTI. However, with stability control, six airbags and a CD player all standard, the £16,995 price means the Leon offers excellent performance per pound.

Details

Price: £16,995
Model tested: SEAT Leon 2.0T FSI FR
Chart position: 2
WHY: It’s a tradition that SEAT offers its FR models in petrol and diesel guises. The 168bhp Leon 2.0 TDI costs £17,495, but we test the £16,995 197bhp 2.0 turbo FSI. The use of the VW Golf GTI’s engine and some of its underpinnings bodes well.

Residuals

Our experts predict that the Leon FR will retain 48.7 per cent of its value over three years. That’s just over three per cent more than the Focus, and the SEAT is set to be worth £8,277 at the end of that period.

Servicing

Three checks on these two cars cost roughly the same amount. But the Leon needs to visit the garage every 10,000 miles to the Ford’s 12,500 miles, while SEAT has a smaller dealer network, too.

Tax

Not only does it cost less to insure, but the FR is also cleaner. It’s six tax brackets below the ST; add the cheaper list price, and the SEAT is a far more tempting fleet buy. Higher-band owners save £675 annually.

Insurance

Cover is always a consideration with performance cars, and the FR has a big advantage here, as it sits in group 14 – three below the ST. So the Spanish machine is £227 a year cheaper to insure: a big saving.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,400
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,131
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
17 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025