Mk3 Seat Leon FR Model Confusion

[dr_gn]

All, further to this thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I think I've decided to narrow the search down to a Mk3 Leon FR, as a slightly cheaper alternative to an equivalent Golf.

Question is, there seem to be a lot of variations on the FR engine range, which is causing me some confusion, particularly between the 1.4 and 1.5 engines. The performance figures don't seem to match the power outputs, especially with reference to the specs given in Auto Trader adverts. Another example is in the Parker's guide, where the 1.4 engine isn't mentioned at all under the options for the mk.3:

https://www.parkers.co.uk/seat/leon/hatchback-2013...

I'm looking for 0-60 in about 8 seconds - I think that's the 1.4 TSI FR version, but not sure.

Was this version available with DSG, if so, is it reliable - indeed how is reliability for the whole car with that engine?

Looking to spend <£10k on a hatchback version, with ideally less than 50,000 miles.

[dr_gn]

alock said:

To add to the confusion, the higher powered FR models had the better fully independent rear suspension, where's the lower powered ones didn't.

As things stand, I could find a great car on A/T, but not know what it's performance actually is. The same model type can give different figures depending on where I look (even on Auto Trader, their spec list gives totally different figures for identically named cars).

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

both the 1.4 and 1.5 were available in different power outputs.

The one you want is the higher 150PS output. As well as having more performance this is the COD/ACT - cylinder on demand - engine than can run in 2 cylinder mode. So more performance and more economy. win, win. Yes these are available with the DSG gearbox, manual is more common though.

The independent rear suspension and bigger brakes you get on the models over 180PS, thats the 1.8/2.0 petrol FR, 184 diesel and the cupras

There was a facelift in 2017. The smaller front fogs, bigger nav screen and electronic handbrake identify these.

I ran a 184 diesel for 3 years and 50K miles, manual though, No experience of the dsgs

Edited by Drive Blind on Friday 8th March 12:04

Thanks, so overall, the 1.5 TSI FR (150 ps) is the one to go for, either manual or DSG? Was that available only after a certain year?

What about the sub-variants of the FR, like ECO etc? Any real difference in performance?

Thanks.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

changeover from the 1.4 to 1.5 was 2018 i think.

having a quick shufty ont 'trader I dont think you will get what you want for under £10K, 150bhp FR, dsg, under 50K miles.
Loads more to choose from if you go manual.

Thanks both.

Manual isn’t a problem really, but would be nice.

I’ve also read about the 1.5 ‘kangarooing’ issue.

So a pre-18 1.4 (150 ps) TSI FR (or variation on FR) is the one - I think.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

Can you get by with only 3 doors? Again this opens up more options.

I like this one > click

facelift, 18's, got the super rare alcantara seat option. Colour will be marmite tho

or this one

18s plus looks like its got the convenience pack = auto lights. wipers, auto dimm rear view mirror. Pre 2017 so £30 road tax.

Yes, definitely need the 5 doors (family of 4, son is 6’).

The red one looks spot-on apart from slightly high price. Would that have the cylinder cutting feature?

Thanks.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

yes, the red one is the 150 model with the cylinder cut feature.

Very odd - when I put all the relevant filters into A/T, or even put a few keywords into the Leon search, that one never appears.