LCR to Mk2 FR TFSI - Advice please?

[RichLCR225]

Hi people, the Mk2 Leon shape has really grown on me over the last few months and it has got me thinking! I wondered if anyone could give me feedback on how they have found switching from an LCR to a 200 BHP FR, what have been the plus points and is there anything you miss about the Mk1 and what made you change to the new model in the first place?

In the real world is there much between the two cars pace wise, I notice they have the same torque output as standard so is in-gear performance just as quick for safe overtaking? Before I test drive an FR myself how have you found the handling and stopping abilities of the standard car?

My car is a 54 plate LCR with 18K miles which I have owned from new. The dealer is advertising brand new FR's for £15,500 so what do you think the price to change would be? I would have to select the 18" alloy option + metallic paint also so that would bump up the FR price a bit.

Cheers

Rich

 

[jonjay]

I dont know because I have a mk1 tdi fr however an educated guess and from test drives the mk2 leon is more refined and better handling. mk1 leon cupra r is faster more powerful. The interior is better quality in the mk1...

 

[wurzel]

I've gone from a Mk1 Leon FR TDI to a MK2 FR TFSI (Before the TDI I had a 180 Cupra)

It took a while for the MK2 shape to grow on my but now I think its fantastic. The interior is quality is every bit as good as a mk1 if not better.

I haven't come across any LCR's wanting to play yet but I don't think you will be disappointed in the performance of the TFSI, you may think it feels a bit slower but in my opionion it will seem that way because the engine is very refined, progressive and power delivery is very smooth (what I'm trying to say is that the turbo doesn't give you a massive wollop as it comes in) It also isn't bad on fuel for a 2.0T and btw its only insurance group 14

The brakes are very good, I haven't driven a LCR for a while but the brakes are much sharper than the mk1 FR TDI. I can't fault the handling although I'm not a racing driver, the ride can be a bit harsh over poor roads but I imagine its the same the LCR.

The Mk2 has loads of nice touches including mp3 player (I've ditched the changer from my mk1), full closure alarm off the remote (inc folding wing mirrors) fantasic seats, the multi function steering wheel is awesome.

I opted for the bluetooth pack (great phone connectivity and gives larger computer) 18"s and convience pack (auto lights etc)

Have you considered a Mk5 golf GTI? I personally prefer the FR as its more exciting to look at etc not mention 4K cheaper but the golf is more refined things like footwell lighting, carpet in the door pockets etc.

The only three things I miss from the Mk1 is the 12v socket in the boot, lockable glove box and fuel economy (that is more of a pertrol vs diesel thing)

hope this helps, go and drive one and see what you think!

 

[RichLCR225]

Thanks for the replies so far. You have been really helpful there Wurzel, I am going to have a look at one tomorrow, it is a 170 TDI but will give me an idea of what goodies the FR comes with.

I would have missed folding mirrors so I'm glad it comes with them and look forward to having steering wheel stereo controls. I have test driven a Golf GTI, lovely car but more than I really want to spend. I would rather have all the best bits of the GTI and a few more goodies and save £5,000, I could always use 1/10th of the amount I save to get a remap on the FR! I imagine a remapped FR would be quicker than an LCR anyway?

 

[carlt69]

I've gone from a Mk1 Leon FR TDI to a MK2 FR TFSI ) It also isn't bad on fuel for a 2.0T a

Hello

What do you mean by isn't bad on fuel, does it actually do over 30mpg??

Cheers

Carl

 

[m0rk]

I think the combined figure is 34.6mpg? which is pretty good.

very different engine to drive (less of a 'blob' of torque that the LCR has). I think on the B road blast the Mk2 wouldn't miss 25bhp that the Mk1 has over it... the chassis is far more competant

I'd look at the tdi though.... when I drove them back to back for a day the petrol was the most fun on the track, but on the road the TDi was better/quicker/easier

 

[wurzel]

Hello

What do you mean by isn't bad on fuel, does it actually do over 30mpg??

Cheers

Carl

my tdi fr managed around 42mpg over 18000 miles, so far over 2500miles my TFSI has averaged 29mpg, on sensible motorway driving I get around 35mpg. Don't think its bad for 200bhp.

 

[wurzel]

Thanks for the replies so far. You have been really helpful there Wurzel, I am going to have a look at one tomorrow, it is a 170 TDI but will give me an idea of what goodies the FR comes with.

I would have missed folding mirrors so I'm glad it comes with them and look forward to having steering wheel stereo controls. I have test driven a Golf GTI, lovely car but more than I really want to spend. I would rather have all the best bits of the GTI and a few more goodies and save £5,000, I could always use 1/10th of the amount I save to get a remap on the FR! I imagine a remapped FR would be quicker than an LCR anyway?

I drove both the TDI and TFSI before I bought mine. The TDI is very good, I just felt the TFSI had the edge on the fun factor and mpg isn't a problem for me at the moment.

REVO remap is around £500 +vat and will give 255bhp... tempting!!

I don't think you'll regret buying an FR with either engine, but it you have the R now maybe the new Cupra will be more what you are already used to?

 

[LEONFRTDI2K6]

Old Cupra to New

Hi people, the Mk2 Leon shape has really grown on me over the last few months and it has got me thinking! I wondered if anyone could give me feedback on how they have found switching from an LCR to a 200 BHP FR, what have been the plus points and is there anything you miss about the Mk1 and what made you change to the new model in the first place?

In the real world is there much between the two cars pace wise, I notice they have the same torque output as standard so is in-gear performance just as quick for safe overtaking? Before I test drive an FR myself how have you found the handling and stopping abilities of the standard car?

My car is a 54 plate LCR with 18K miles which I have owned from new. The dealer is advertising brand new FR's for £15,500 so what do you think the price to change would be? I would have to select the 18" alloy option + metallic paint also so that would bump up the FR price a bit.

Cheers


QUOTE]
In all honesty I used to have a TT Quattro 225 and now I have TDI 170 FR and despite the extra weight of the Leon over the TT the aggressive torque makes it like lightening unlike the TT which you have to wind up to get some pace even though it is 4WD and believe it or not does not handle as well as people think......hope this helps a bit....The New Leon TDI FR is more fun believe me!!
[/

 

[Shaun_E]

I've switched from a Mk1 LCR to a Mk 2 FR TFSI.
Plus points:
More refined
Rides better even on 18" wheels
Handles better (and still very little body roll)
More torque low down (especially from below 2000 rpm)
Very little lag
Traction control less intrusive
more kit (inc. dual zone climate)
More options
Cheaper
No front splitter to hit every speed bump or ramp!

Negatives:
No thump in the back at 3500 rpm :-(
FR isn't as quick accelerating (although not that much in it)
Stupid shaped steering wheel - not designed for my hands!
Surprisingly, mpg not as good (I averaged over 30mpg in my LCR in 3 years, so far my average is under 27 mpg in the FR. On motorways at decent cruising speeds I struggle to get 30 mpg) I guess it might improve as the engine loosens up.

For me it was a good move as I have my Caterham for weekends and trackdays - the FR's improved ride and refinement makes it easier to live with day to day than the LCR whilst still providing a reasonable level of fun when required.

 

[mliley01]

In all honesty I used to have a TT Quattro 225 and now I have TDI 170 FR and despite the extra weight of the Leon over the TT the aggressive torque makes it like lightening unlike the TT which you have to wind up to get some pace even though it is 4WD and believe it or not does not handle as well as people think......hope this helps a bit....The New Leon TDI FR is more fun believe me!!
[/

I too went from a TT to a 170TDi FR.. although mine was a 180 Coupe, FWD (import). The FR is far more fun to drive, and also seems much quicker. The power delivery is almost instant unlike the TT. I was dubious when I swapped and wondered if I would grow to regret losing the Audi, but I can honestly say I am enjoying driving the FR more, even if it is a 5 door deisel hatch against a sports coupe !!!

 

[yell_oh]

Mk1 LCR better than Mk2 FR, don't know about Mk2 LCR

I've driven a Mk1 LCR a fair bit and now own a Mk2 FR TFSI ( I wanted to buy new )

If you like *driving* then you will miss the Mk1 LCR, it is *significantly* faster than the FR TFSI (at least 3 seconds quicker to 100).

The Mk1 LCR also has fantastic brakes compared to the Mk2, which have faded on me more times than I care to mention, often with smoke pouring out from under the front arches. The Mk1 ride is harder, but in some ways more comfortable as it's less bouncy and the thick A-Pillars on the Mk2 make it difficult to see when you're driving hard around twisties.

I have 5000 miles on my TFSI now and still only get 20-22 mpg average.

 

[RichLCR225]

Thanks for the replies again everyone, some interesting reading. Due to a new job my weekly mileage will be increasing from about 100 upto 400 miles so I think that has made my mind up....Leon FR TDI here I come!

 

[Stuart83]

Sweet. I should be putting my deposit down for one tomorrow. Go to http://www.thedealnegotiator.co.uk/. They are the online arm of a SEAT dealership in Surrey. FR TDi list price : £17495. Their price : £15745!!!! BARGAIN! You need the 18" alloys though.....been quoted £16195 for emocion red 07 reg with 18"s.

 

[RichLCR225]

I bet you will be looking forward to 1st March then Stuart for your new 07 FR. By the way do you have any idea how long delivery dates are for a new FR?

I have to agree with you on the 18" alloys option, they look very nice.

 

[Stuart83]

They reckon if I order now I can have one of the "in stock" cars. If i want to spec it up, I can have any spec I want within around 10 weeks. Not too bad. They've apparently got a lot of black and red FRs with the 18"s available for the start of March. Its worth having a chat with them at least Just register your interest on the site tonight and you'll have an email with a quote price and contact details in your inbox tomorrow.

Good luck!!

 

[OLDOILER]

Sweet. I should be putting my deposit down for one tomorrow. Go to http://www.thedealnegotiator.co.uk/. They are the online arm of a SEAT dealership in Surrey. FR TDi list price : £17495. Their price : £15745!!!! BARGAIN! You need the 18" alloys though.....been quoted £16195 for emocion red 07 reg with 18"s.

Thats a VERY good price, but be very clear as to what spec you are actually being quoted on - the convenance pack is a must, should be std. in the build and not extra [bit like the Mini One]

 

[Stuart83]

What exactly is the convenience pack? I've heard of it but never looked into it.

 

[wurzel]

What exactly is the convenience pack? I've heard of it but never looked into it.

auto lights, rain sensing wipers and autodip rear view mirror.

 

[RichLCR225]

Does anyone know what the 'winter pack' option adds to the Mk2 Leon? The convenience pack does sound useful.