Seat Leon 1.4FR 150 thoughts

[robinh73]

I am getting close to changing my company car and have pretty much decided on a Seat Leon 1.4FR 150 petrol jobby. Having come from a world of diesels with pretty good real world economy, does anyone have any experience of the Leon with this engine?

[Terzo123]

I've currently got one at the moment. Bought it after running an A3 with the same engine on a lease for 3 years.

I really like it. City driving is returning about 37mpg, but longer motorway stuff will see over 50.

It's fairly nimble with a decent turn of pace. Build quality and standard of interior is not a patch on the Audi, but it's still decent, plus you get far more toys in the Seat for your money.

There's a big thread somewhere in the VW, Audi, Seat part of the forum on these cars if you do a search.

Around 11k should get you into a 2.5 year old one with low mileage and some warranty remaining.

[anonymous-user]

My Aunt and Uncle are on their third (currently have a 3dr and an estate) they think they are superb and haven't had a bad word to say about them!

[culpz]

Got that engine in my A4. It's good in my Audi, albeit really laggy off-boost, but that will be more down to the cars weight.

Should be pretty perfect for the Leon though. Certainly doesn't feel slow in mine when it's in the right gear and the turbo's spooled up.

[ED209]

culpz said:

Got that engine in my A4. It's good in my Audi, albeit really laggy off-boost, but that will be more down to the cars weight.

Should be pretty perfect for the Leon though. Certainly doesn't feel slow in mine when it's in the right gear and the turbo's spooled up.

Is it not different in the the Leon has cylinder on demand? Tat engine in the audi doesn't, I have an avant with it fitted. Its not too bad. Sluggish when pulling away but ok when moving, its no rocketship though. I have averaged 40 mpg over 5000 miles.

[robinh73]

I have come up with the spec so need to order it shortly as there is a 22 week lead time I believe due to the popularity of the Leon FR with the 1.4 engine. I did drive one briefly and must admit I was really impressed with it. It was so smooth, it pulled deceptively well in higher gears at motorway speeds and the switch from 2-4 cylinders was seamless. I think my main concern was the economy but if it does high 40's overall, then that is spot on.

[culpz]

ED209 said:

culpz said:

Got that engine in my A4. It's good in my Audi, albeit really laggy off-boost, but that will be more down to the cars weight.

Should be pretty perfect for the Leon though. Certainly doesn't feel slow in mine when it's in the right gear and the turbo's spooled up.

Is it not different in the the Leon has cylinder on demand? Tat engine in the audi doesn't, I have an avant with it fitted. Its not too bad. Sluggish when pulling away but ok when moving, its no rocketship though. I have averaged 40 mpg over 5000 miles.

Does the A4 not have the COD? I assumed that it did. It's exactly the same engine though, isn't it? Same power output, same torque figure. I'm not sure why they'd keep the engine the same but not include that technology.

[ED209]

culpz said:

ED209 said:

culpz said:

Got that engine in my A4. It's good in my Audi, albeit really laggy off-boost, but that will be more down to the cars weight.

Should be pretty perfect for the Leon though. Certainly doesn't feel slow in mine when it's in the right gear and the turbo's spooled up.

Is it not different in the the Leon has cylinder on demand? Tat engine in the audi doesn't, I have an avant with it fitted. Its not too bad. Sluggish when pulling away but ok when moving, its no rocketship though. I have averaged 40 mpg over 5000 miles.

Does the A4 not have the COD? I assumed that it did. It's exactly the same engine though, isn't it? Same power output, same torque figure. I'm not sure why they'd keep the engine the same but not include that technology.

Nope doesn't have it, might be due to the engine being mounted longitudinally? no idea really!

[culpz]

ED209 said:

culpz said:

ED209 said:

culpz said:

Got that engine in my A4. It's good in my Audi, albeit really laggy off-boost, but that will be more down to the cars weight.

Should be pretty perfect for the Leon though. Certainly doesn't feel slow in mine when it's in the right gear and the turbo's spooled up.

Is it not different in the the Leon has cylinder on demand? Tat engine in the audi doesn't, I have an avant with it fitted. Its not too bad. Sluggish when pulling away but ok when moving, its no rocketship though. I have averaged 40 mpg over 5000 miles.

Does the A4 not have the COD? I assumed that it did. It's exactly the same engine though, isn't it? Same power output, same torque figure. I'm not sure why they'd keep the engine the same but not include that technology.

Nope doesn't have it, might be due to the engine being mounted longitudinally? no idea really!

Ahh, you learn something new every day

I'm very surprised actually, as it's very good on fuel for what it is. It would be even better with the COD! Dare i say, diesel territory...

[JackReacher]

We have one from new, 3 and a half years old and done 70k miles now. Been very reliable although now some clonking noises from front suspension which need looking into. Over 50mpg is easy achievable on a run, and seen 60mpg a couple of times. I think it handles pretty well and has much better steering than my m240i.

It really is an excellent engine, very efficient but with just enough power and torque to be interesting.

[robinh73]

It is all sounding very promising, so thanks for the input. Just the colour choice now, but thinking the monsoon grey is the way forward.

[robinh73]

So the forms have been completed, the car is ordered. Ended up going for Monsoon Grey with the convenience pack (which adds auto wipers, auto headlights and various interior lighting). Kind of excited as I was genuinely impressed with it on the brief test drive and it will be nice to have a petrol engine after many years of diesel. Plus I cannot wait to get rid of my 15 plate Honda Civic. It has been the biggest disappointment in a car ever. Really would not recommend it anyone.