New Leon - choices choices

[Eriedor]

Hi all,

Looking for some of your wisdom to help me decide which leon to get.

I can't decide between:

Leon FR TFSI
Leon FR TDI
Leon Cupra

Looks-wise there isn't anything in it, plus I'm hoping to put the BTCC kit on it - out of interest how much would that set me back fitted? (does colour affect cost?)

I was set on getting the FR TFSI but it seems the popular choices here are the FR TDI and the Cupra. What is everyones motives behind the TDI (is it because it seems only white leons come in cupra or tdi's?)

Thanks

 

[Ithaca]

FR TDI tends to be picked becasue of the decent fuel economy and the fact the engine is bloody brilliant. But depends if you can live with a diesel, they are not to everyones taste.

 

[QuietQuackers]

I'll be the first of many to say Cupra

 

[phil3012]

It depends what your budget is and what mileage you do.

FR TDi not driven one, but people say really good economy and impressive performance to boot.

The FR and Cupra mpg wise not much between them, but compared to the TDi will hit you in the pocket, you're looking at early 30's mpg tops on a run. If you run them on 97+ RON as recommend this about 5 pence more a litre than normal unleaded.

Between the FR and Cupra there is a massive difference as it more than just a more powerful engine. Drive them back to back and see if the Cupra justifies the extra 2.5 grand, I thought so. If buying used though I think it would be the Cupra any day as they can be picked up fairly cheap in comparison to the new cost.

 

[Mr Cellotape]

When you drive make sure you drive both on the same route with a mixture of back roads, motorways, good road surfaces and poor road surfaces.

PS rev the Cupra as far as you can get it on the back roads and get the TDI into 4th early and boot it.........bet you buy the Cupra

 

[Eriedor]

What can I expect from the Cupra over the fr tfsi?

Just checked insurance quotes and there isn't actually that much in it so quite tempted by cupra now.

The whole diesel being much cheaper than petrol is a bit of a false economy imo. Using parkers figures of 35 mpg tfsi vs 47 tdi you're making a saving of around £200 a year at 10k miles, I'd much rather get an engine based on its performance merits and ignore the small economic merits.

 

[phil3012]

What can I expect from the Cupra over the fr tfsi?

Just checked insurance quotes and there isn't actually that much in it so quite tempted by cupra now.

The whole diesel being much cheaper than petrol is a bit of a false economy imo. Using parkers figures of 35 mpg tfsi vs 47 tdi you're making a saving of around £200 a year at 10k miles, I'd much rather get an engine based on its performance merits and ignore the small economic merits.

The Cupra is faster, better handling and smoother ride than the FR and also the whole feel of the car is more responsive.

You wouldn't see 35 mpg out of a Cupra unless on a long run. There are plenty of threads on the mpg of the TFSi vs TDi. My TDi is a different design engine to the FR but both are 170 PS, I am seeing about 20 mpg more than the Cupra even though mine isn't run in yet, thats at all speeds.

The other thing to look at is resale, the Cupra and FR aren't in demand at the moment and fuel will only go one way, that's up in price. The FR TDi might work out better from that point of view.

I personally on 12K miles a year got rid of the Cupra for a diesel. Cost wise I worked it out as about £400 a year saving on fuel (road tax is also less on a TDi). Plus I don't have to continually fill up with fuel, range of a Cupra is about 300 miles and 97+ RON can be a pain to buy at times.

 

[Carr20vt]

Go for the Cupra. You buying new or used Eriedor?

 

[rllmuk]

I'd have got a Cupra if they did DSG on it - as they didn't, I didn't. The FR is still a good car, but 2nd hand you may as well go for a Cupra.

 

[the cat]

My Cupra is currently at the garage having an alloy refurbed. I have an FR TDI as a courtesy car so I've just effectively driven them back to back.

The FR has only done 400 miles and feels a bit tight. That said, my Cupra seems much faster
(obviously) but even in gear, has better brakes and rides and handles better.

Driving the FR in a steady fashion (68mph, motorway to work) has returned 44mpg. On the same route, the Cupra does 28-30mpg. That said, I recently had the Cupra to York and did
38mpg over 80 miles by driving like a granny at 60mph (not recommended).

Overall, the FR feels like a fine car but I'm so looking forward to picking up the Cupra this afternoon...

 

[Eriedor]

I'm buying used, plan was to spend around £11k, which is bang on price for a FR TFSI with DSG gear box and 10k miles.

However I quite like the leon in white which seems to only come in TDI and Cupra, (neither of which have the DSG though which I like the sound of - however never used one)

My issue with the cupra is it pushes the price up towards 14-15k, at which point I think bugger it I'll go another 2k and get an 07 audi TT


Bah i just can't decide!!

 

[Dave_88]

Id buy a second hand Reference Sport tdi and get it re-mapped. Same power more or less as FR tdi and just as fast but better MPG!! Thats what I did plus cheaper on insurance

 

[phil3012]

I'm buying used, plan was to spend around £11k, which is bang on price for a FR TFSI with DSG gear box and 10k miles.

However I quite like the leon in white which seems to only come in TDI and Cupra, (neither of which have the DSG though which I like the sound of - however never used one)

My issue with the cupra is it pushes the price up towards 14-15k, at which point I think bugger it I'll go another 2k and get an 07 audi TT


Bah i just can't decide!!

I think you can get any Leon white, I deffo seen a petrol FR in it and 99% sure I've seen other models as well. White was introduced quite late on though, it may have been an MY08 change.

You should be able to get an 07 Cupra for under £14K my old one is up for that at a main dealer (has been for months).

17K would get you an older Mk.2 TT demand seems to really have fallen for the 3.2 in particular at the moment. But that would bring with it a whole new set of running costs...

 

[Eriedor]

I'm sure white FR TFSI's do exist, just not on the second hand market it seems.

A white cupra 07 for 13.5k I would snap up.

What's peoples opinions on the DSG gearbox?

 

[Chan_P1_TDi_FR]

if you planning to tune ur car go for the cupra. you can take the car to about 300bhp with about £1k.
With the FR TFSI ur looking at about 240-260bhp, then you'll need a turbo upgrade to go higher.
The TDi FR, not great gains from re-maps atm, but with future DPF delete re-maps, your looking at about 230-240bhp. Not bad considering it's a diesel, plus you get improved economy from removing the DPF. but a uprated clutch may be required.

I'm currently getting the rest of the car sorted before i look at touching the engine.

If u drive a lot of miles then the TDI FR will suit you. i'd say anything more than 12k miles a year and the TDI will pay for itself. if you round about 10k miles a year then the cupra will be the car for you. as for budget look for a slightly older cupra with warranty and it might be in the right price band.

 

[Eriedor]

Wasn't planning on tuning the car tbh.

 

[Carr20vt]

I'm sure white FR TFSI's do exist, just not on the second hand market it seems.

A white cupra 07 for 13.5k I would snap up.

What's peoples opinions on the DSG gearbox?

Not interested in Luna grey?

 

[jcp]

I would heartily reccomend the FR Tfsi with the Dsg gearbox- I suggest you drive one for long enough to get the feel of the gearbox. I find it remarkably good and quite a significant buying point.
The diesel thing is a must for high mileage and probably for towing- but I think you have to like them.
The Cupra is an attractive proposition but for me the Dsg on the Fr is decisive- it is a pretty quick car by any standard.
I would like the aluminium susoension arms that the Cupra has which I suspect are the secret of its apparently good ride on 18" wheels-does anyone know if they are a practical upgrade for an Fr?
White is an 08 option on all but the K1 and Why are the special Leons either manual and or Diesel like K1s or Fr550s?

 

[spenny2004]

from my experiences i would recommend the fr tdi, i have had a diesel mk4 ibiza cupra and now my fr tdi. I drive fast petrol cars at work and i still prefer my tdi, not as fast but much easier to drive, cheaper to run and much better pick up when you are moving

 

[MUFFIN]

I'd buy a cherished K1 in Candy White..