Seat Leon MK3 1.4 v 1.8. Anyone driven both?
Discussion
Hi all, I've been doing some research on the 1.4 v 1.8 petrol models and wondered if anyone has driven both?
Naturally I'm leaning towards the 1.8 and read that the multi link rear suspension and bigger brakes on the 1.8 contribute to a slightly better ride and handling. Does anyone know if this really is the case in the sense of real world driving?
As far as I can see, there aren't too many 1.8s around so perhaps a slightly rare breed and some 1.4s can be taxed for just £30 which is always appealing.
Would really appreciate any input you may have, cheers
Naturally I'm leaning towards the 1.8 and read that the multi link rear suspension and bigger brakes on the 1.8 contribute to a slightly better ride and handling. Does anyone know if this really is the case in the sense of real world driving?
As far as I can see, there aren't too many 1.8s around so perhaps a slightly rare breed and some 1.4s can be taxed for just £30 which is always appealing.
Would really appreciate any input you may have, cheers
Edited by BlackyHammer on Wednesday 19th February 15:44
I've owned a Leon 1.8 FR for 5 years now. Can't really fault it for what it is. Fast enough for me. Averages around 42 MPG. Handles tidily.
With regards to the engine I haven't driven the 1.4 but it seems a very popular engine. The 1.4 and 1.8 make the same torque (184 lb.ft). One thing I would say is that the 1.8 is very smooth and pulls cleanly all the way to the rev limiter. I've heard from other people that the 1.8 keeps pulling all the way whilst the 1.4 can get little breathless at high revs - no idea if this is true or not. Might be worthwhile joining the Leon owners forum in the UK and asking a few questions.
Just to add that the brakes are really good on the 1.8. I think I read somewhere that the 1.8 uses the same disks / callipers as the Golf GTI.
With regards to the engine I haven't driven the 1.4 but it seems a very popular engine. The 1.4 and 1.8 make the same torque (184 lb.ft). One thing I would say is that the 1.8 is very smooth and pulls cleanly all the way to the rev limiter. I've heard from other people that the 1.8 keeps pulling all the way whilst the 1.4 can get little breathless at high revs - no idea if this is true or not. Might be worthwhile joining the Leon owners forum in the UK and asking a few questions.
Just to add that the brakes are really good on the 1.8. I think I read somewhere that the 1.8 uses the same disks / callipers as the Golf GTI.
My last car was a Leon FR 1.8tsi DSG, I only got to test drive a 1.4tsi 150 before I bought it (my car came directly from Seat at 6 months old). My 1.8 rode a bit better on broken roads (both cars had 18inch wheels), was a lot smoother esp higher in the rev range, revved more freely and had a much more linear power band, also sounded nicer. Could easily do over 40mpg on a run as well if wanted. Had a loan 1.5tsi 150 Golf for a couple of days when my new Polo GTi went on for a few faults a few days after getting it (so driving my Leon was still fresh in my mind) and my Leon was a lot more responsive and yet refined than the Golf from an engine POV.
Annoyingly the 1.8 seems to be much rarer too when browsing the classifieds or maybe they are simply holding their value better and not being let go as easily as the 1.4, who knows.
Positive to hear the 1.8 has reasonable comfort esp with the state of UK roads, Leon seems to be more driver focused which is a good thing but can impact the ride comfort etc
Positive to hear the 1.8 has reasonable comfort esp with the state of UK roads, Leon seems to be more driver focused which is a good thing but can impact the ride comfort etc
VR99 said:
Annoyingly the 1.8 seems to be much rarer too when browsing the classifieds or maybe they are simply holding their value better and not being let go as easily as the 1.4, who knows.
Positive to hear the 1.8 has reasonable comfort esp with the state of UK roads, Leon seems to be more driver focused which is a good thing but can impact the ride comfort etc
Yes they are hard to find, no dealers had any when I was looking to buy mine though I picked my car from the list SEAT send the dealers of used cars (less than 6 months old, run by SEAT themselves from their UK HO in Milton Keynes) and I did have a choice from about 4 1.8 ones so they are out there, also the VW dealer I chopped mine in at sold it after about 3 days so there does seem to be a demand for them. Mine was a black SC FR Titanium with the winter pack, convenience plus pack etcPositive to hear the 1.8 has reasonable comfort esp with the state of UK roads, Leon seems to be more driver focused which is a good thing but can impact the ride comfort etc
I ran the diesel 184 FR for nearly 3 years.
The upgraded suspension setup is most noticable on our B roads IMO
There's a B road near me which one of the utility companies dug up and badly filled back in a trench about 500m long.
A car with a solid rear beam is all over the place on it, the Leon (and any other car with independent rear suspension) soaks it all up so much better.
Yes, the 180/184 Leons have the bigger brakes front and rear, 312mm at the front.
When I was looking for my 184, there were a lot more 150's available.
I'm guessing it's the perception from the majority that the extra 30bhp, brakes and suspension isn't anything worth paying extra for.
The upgraded suspension setup is most noticable on our B roads IMO
There's a B road near me which one of the utility companies dug up and badly filled back in a trench about 500m long.
A car with a solid rear beam is all over the place on it, the Leon (and any other car with independent rear suspension) soaks it all up so much better.
Yes, the 180/184 Leons have the bigger brakes front and rear, 312mm at the front.
When I was looking for my 184, there were a lot more 150's available.
I'm guessing it's the perception from the majority that the extra 30bhp, brakes and suspension isn't anything worth paying extra for.
On Honest John owners report
1.4 - 45mpg
1.8 - 37mpg
I have a 2018 1.4 (150) that has averaged 45mpg & that includes a lot of journeys under 5 miles. Long journeys are at 53mpg+.
I seriously considered a 1.8 for the better rear suspension and bigger discs (312 v 288). When I was looking for a car I found 15 1.4s and only one 1.8 within 60 miles of home.
1.4 - 45mpg
1.8 - 37mpg
I have a 2018 1.4 (150) that has averaged 45mpg & that includes a lot of journeys under 5 miles. Long journeys are at 53mpg+.
I seriously considered a 1.8 for the better rear suspension and bigger discs (312 v 288). When I was looking for a car I found 15 1.4s and only one 1.8 within 60 miles of home.
Does anyone know if there is a spec available for the Leon 1.4 ecotsi or 1.8 tfsi that includes leather seats? I'm considering a Leon or Volvo V40 next....Leon is my overall preference based on owner reviews and reliability ratings but none of them appear to have leather seats as an available option so assume this was never offered by Seat. I'm not actually bothered that seats should be leather but comfort is a priority.
VR99 said:
Does anyone know if there is a spec available for the Leon 1.4 ecotsi or 1.8 tfsi that includes leather seats? I'm considering a Leon or Volvo V40 next....Leon is my overall preference based on owner reviews and reliability ratings but none of them appear to have leather seats as an available option so assume this was never offered by Seat. I'm not actually bothered that seats should be leather but comfort is a priority.
I think leather seats were always an optional extra on the Leon until after the facelift in late 2016, I know the later FR Sport has leather as standard and maybe the Excellence trim as well.TBH the leather is the Leon isn't great, I've seen an FR Sport and Cupra in the showroom with it and I personally preferred the standard FR seats with the leatherette side bolsters (I'm not a huge fan of leather seats in cars so my opinion of the SEAT ones might be a bit biased) and the winter pack (so heated seats amongst other things).
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