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Motability

Seat Leon Hatchback 2.0 TDI FR

For:
Strong, flexible engines, while sharp handling and impressive composure make for a fun drive. Prices are tempting, too.

Against:
The ride is overly firm, and road noise filters through to the cabin. Some rivals are faster.



Performance

The FR is available with two engines, the 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo from Volkswagen's Golf GTI and a 168bhp diesel. In petrol form, there's plenty of urge, even at low revs, and strong pull all the way to the red line. The diesel doesn't have the same linear power delivery, but is still usefully flexible. The Cupra adds a bigger turbocharger to the FR's petrol engine to give 237bhp. There's a bit more lag, but its pace is blistering.

Ride & handling

Seat is VW Group's sporty brand, so the hot Leons have a stiffer suspension set-up than their Golf GTI or Skoda Octavia VRS stablemates. This provides excellent body control and composure through corners, and there's tenacious grip and sharp steering. The downside of this sporting bent is that the Leon's already uncompromising ride is even firmer.

Refinement

The petrol engines emit a pleasant rasp under acceleration and are hushed when you settle to a cruise, while the diesel never lets you forget which fuel to put in - yet it's still far from unrefined. Wind noise is minimal at the national limit however, road noise finds its way into the cabin. The six-speed manual gearbox has a positive action.

Buying & owning

The FR gives you a lot of dash for minimal cash, undercutting most key rivals on price. The Cupra is pricier, but the power hike justifies it. Residuals are reasonable, although no match for those of a GTI, and insurance groups are also low given the pace on offer. Fuel consumption does suffer if you use the performance to the max, but go easy on the throttle and you'll get a reasonable return.

Quality & reliability

All the controls operate with precision and the cabin feels solidly built, but some of the materials used look a little drab compared with the best rivals'. Most of the mechanicals are shared with the latest Golf, so should prove trouble-free, while Seats tend to perform well in customer satisfaction surveys.

Safety & security

Like the rest of the Leon range, the FR and Cupra models come with a comprehensive list of safety equipment. Twin front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard, while an electronic stability control system is on hand to help should you get into difficulty. As a rule, VW Group cars are hard to steal.

Behind the wheel

Supportive sports seats with big bolsters hold the driver in place through corners. The dashboard has a logical layout, and there's two-way steering adjustment and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Less impressive are the thick, sweeping windscreen pillars create large blind spots when you're exiting junctions.

Space & practicality

There's plenty of head- and shoulder room for four six-footers, as well as ample legroom in the back. Some practicality has, however, been sacrificed at the altar of style. The Leon's boot is generous enough, but its entrance is awkwardly shaped and there's a high load lip to negotiate.

Equipment

The sporty Leons are generously equipped, with dual-zone climate control, electric front and rear windows, electrically adjustable and foldable door mirrors, a trip computer and cruise control all fitted as standard. There's also an MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel-mounted controls, while options include automatic wipers and lights and satellite-navigation.

Running Costs

Town mpg

36.2

Out of Town mpg

56.5

Average mpg

47.1

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12

CO2 Rating (g/km)

161

Insurance Group

12

Typical Insurance Quote

£518

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

42

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£355

Pence Per Mile

42.32

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£842

Servicing Intervals

10,000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 2yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1968/4

Fuel Type

Diesel

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

168/4200

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4315

Width (mm)

1768

Height (mm)

1458

Boot Space (min ltr)

341

Boot Space (max ltr)

1166

Turning Circle (m)

10.7

Towing Weight(kg)

1400

Kerb Weight (kg)

1331

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