Tuesday 1st November 2005

Turbocharged Leon launches

SEAT underwhelms with top-level model

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SEAT Leon 2.0 TFSI

SEAT has released details of the new Leon 2.0 TFSI, which it describd as its "most powerful model in the new range so far".

The hottish hatch offers 183bhp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine and acceleration to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds before hitting a maximum speed of 137 mph. SEAT reckoned it has a relaxed, flexible delivery though, with 199lb-ft of torque available from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm.

One trim level is available with the 2.0 TFSI powerplant: Sport. Standard equipment includes twin-zone climate control, front fog lights, CD player with eight speakers, front and rear electric windows, tinted windows, twin exhaust pipes and cruise control. Safety highlights comprise six airbags (driver, front passenger, front-seat side and curtain), tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, ABS and ESP.

Visually, the £15,995 2.0 TFSI shares its design cues with the other Leon Sport model, the 2.0 TDI PD 140 PS. This means 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/45 tyres, sports suspension and sports seats, although its TFSI badges, located beneath the side indicator repeaters, distinguish this model from its diesel sibling.

Against the current competition, it's all a bit underwhelming though. Let's hope SEAT's "so far" comment hints at better things to come.

[kaivaksdal]

Surely Seat have missed a big opportunity here? Why on earth would they want to launch the "Sport" with a de-tuned TFSI lump? Waste of time, if you ask me.

Here's hoping that the 240bhp Cupra (due around June) brings Seat back up to the mark - Octavia VRS, Astrax VXR, Golf GTi, Focus ST etc etc etc.

[huge]

I think on the whole I agree with the comment posted,but am I alone in thinking that seems like a lot of car for the money ?I know todays benchmark seems to be around 220 bhp for a "hot" hatch,but as an introduction for some people,I think it will sell well.VW's sister cars make a habit of being very good for less money,that seems to be their "Unique selling point "

[Tripps]

kaivaksdal said:

Here's hoping that the 240bhp Cupra (due around June) brings Seat back up to the mark - Octavia VRS, Astrax VXR, Golf GTi, Focus ST etc etc etc.

The Golf is the reason I beleive, the Cupra-R was a better looking, better handling (considering the poor chassis) version of the Mk4 Golf and no doubt stole sales, the market has hotted up now and no doubt VW want their own hot hatch at the head of the sales table. Same for the Octavia vRS, as that also seemed to be capped.

What details are on the new Cupra at the moment? I'm currently erring towards the Focus ST, but could be awayed...

[225]

Dont forget all that this is not intended to be a GTi/VXR rival, there is still the FR badge to come (equivilent of current cupra) which I would imagine have the 197bhp version then the cupra version (the "R" has been dropped and the cupra is now the top model) which will be even more powerful.

Both of which are not released until next year.

[Tripps]

225 said:

Dont forget all that this is not intended to be a GTi/VXR rival, there is still the FR badge to come (equivilent of current cupra) which I would imagine have the 197bhp version then the cupra version (the "R" has been dropped and the cupra is now the top model) which will be even more powerful. Both of which are not released until next year.

Ah so the old Cupra, which was 180 bhp is the FR with 200bhp, while the Cupra-R is a Cupra, which with a similar power hike will be 235/245 bhp.

Think I'd be sesnible this time and not go for the top of the range model, 200 bhp through the front wheels is plenty really, as long as you can still disable all the electronic aids

[mightymouse]

Must admit am looking at the 2.0 diesel version as my next set of wheels.
Looks like good value giving more bang for your buck.

[225]

Tripps said:

225 said: Dont forget all that this is not intended to be a GTi/VXR rival, there is still the FR badge to come (equivilent of current cupra) which I would imagine have the 197bhp version then the cupra version (the "R" has been dropped and the cupra is now the top model) which will be even more powerful. Both of which are not released until next year. Ah so the old Cupra, which was 180 bhp is the FR with 200bhp, while the Cupra-R is a Cupra, which with a similar power hike will be 235/245 bhp. Think I'd be sesnible this time and not go for the top of the range model, 200 bhp through the front wheels is plenty really, as long as you can still disable all the electronic aids

Well my old cupra R was remapped to 270 odd bhp and so long as you didnt floor it first and expect to get lots of traction.
The new TDi is a great engine (wel for a derv ) and a remap should get torque by the bucket load.

[Tripps]

225 said:

Well my old cupra R was remapped to 270 odd bhp and so long as you didnt floor it first and expect to get lots of traction.

You weren't trying hard enough Mine would go lary in third, even with ESP on at times, but it did take a bit of provocation.

I was once experimenting with its torque steer handling late at night, when spotted by a hidden police car, thankfully they were very understanding and just asked me to watch out for police cars next time I wanted to practice

This time, I've definitely got to stick to the sensible(ish) option though, the rate the old one went through front tyres is to much for me justify as a runaround otherwise!

[geofflowe]

I know someone with around 177 BHP & 320Lbft torque from a PD130 TDi............good fun!!

[Stuart J]

Our Octy 110 tdi mapped to 164 bhp with 393 N/m of torque.

all the Vag cars will benefit from "a man who knows"

[vlad]

The current 150 bhp 1.9pdi diesel is excellent with the 180bhp 286 llb/foot torque re-map from superchips.
Change from 5th to 6th at 100mph and feel it pull!
I have lower stiffer eibachs and 18" wheels which all help.
Still get 58 mpg at 60 mph!

[zevans]

Some observations as an ex-Leon owner...

When I was buying mine it seemed like a more rounded package than the competition, including the VWAG competition. I suspect this is the same - down on power but up on chassis, so to speak. At the time the Mk IV Golf was current, which is desperately floppy, so I suppose with the new allegedly much tighter Golf the picture has changed a little. (Dunno what the new A3 is like either!)

I believe Seat have had their wrists slapped by ze Germans for being a bit too good in the past...

I'm selling mine because I can outdrive it too easily these days (and as you can imagine, swapping between a RWD rotary and a FWD diesel is less than pleasureable, good as the Leon is.)

Also, the map doesn't let you throttle and brake at the same time, which is unhelpful in a FWD in the wet when trying to go round corners quick. I dunno if the same is true in the petrol versions. I expect if I'd bought the Cupra I'd now be turning it into a track car rather than selling it, because you really can't fault them for the price.