Leon 1.4 vs Leon 1.5

[fez001]

Hoping I can get some knowledge share from you useful people on here, as am thinking of taking the plunge into purchasing a Leon but have a few questions that I need to get answered first please.

1. I am looking at purchasing a leon 2017/2018 model either 1.4 TSI Mk3 or the 1.5 TSI Mk3 DSG auto but am not really sure which is the better engine. 1.4 seems to have been around a few years so has a bit of history where as the 1.5 was only released in 2018 which is the year I was looking to potentially buy. From the experience on here which is the preferred? Mileage is mostly around town with weekend trips on the motorway
2. From looking on the previous threads there doesn't seem to be any issues I could find that I should look for other than the sharp clutch. Is there anything else I should be looking for when buying a 2017/2018 leon with around 50000 on the clock?
3. Initially I was after a FR technology pack and then when I look at the specs of the FR 2018 onwards they seem to be the same. Whats the difference between the FR tech and the FR? especially 2018 model ?
4. Should I be weary about a Leon that has been driven only a few thousand miles a year between MOTs. I can only assume this has been used for town driving. Would you guys stay away from something that has not been driven as much
5. What is the regular service interval that people adhere to? Some of the cars I have been looking at get serviced every 2 years. I am one to service every year but is this the expected interval for this car ? every 2 years and is that the recommended SEAT interval? also what oil do you guys use?
6. Looking at the MOT history there are a lot of cars that have advisories on light mist on the shock absorbers. Are these cars to avoid ? Doe it mean the shockers will require changing pretty soon
7. I tried researching on here but didn't get a clear answer as to the timing belt interval change. Some threads quote 5 years according to dealership where as others say not so often. If I buy a seat 2017/2018 with around 50000 on the clock should I be looking to change the timing belt.
8. Lastly there is mention of the MIB2 for Android auto. Do all the 2017/2018 models have this

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[GlekkeMatrak]

Hoping I can get some knowledge share from you useful people on here, as am thinking of taking the plunge into purchasing a Leon but have a few questions that I need to get answered first please.

1. I am looking at purchasing a leon 2017/2018 model either 1.4 TSI Mk3 or the 1.5 TSI Mk3 DSG auto but am not really sure which is the better engine. 1.4 seems to have been around a few years so has a bit of history where as the 1.5 was only released in 2018 which is the year I was looking to potentially buy. From the experience on here which is the preferred? Mileage is mostly around town with weekend trips on the motorway
2. From looking on the previous threads there doesn't seem to be any issues I could find that I should look for other than the sharp clutch. Is there anything else I should be looking for when buying a 2017/2018 leon with around 50000 on the clock?
3. Initially I was after a FR technology pack and then when I look at the specs of the FR 2018 onwards they seem to be the same. Whats the difference between the FR tech and the FR? especially 2018 model ?
4. Should I be weary about a Leon that has been driven only a few thousand miles a year between MOTs. I can only assume this has been used for town driving. Would you guys stay away from something that has not been driven as much
5. What is the regular service interval that people adhere to? Some of the cars I have been looking at get serviced every 2 years. I am one to service every year but is this the expected interval for this car ? every 2 years and is that the recommended SEAT interval? also what oil do you guys use?
6. Looking at the MOT history there are a lot of cars that have advisories on light mist on the shock absorbers. Are these cars to avoid ? Doe it mean the shockers will require changing pretty soon
7. I tried researching on here but didn't get a clear answer as to the timing belt interval change. Some threads quote 5 years according to dealership where as others say not so often. If I buy a seat 2017/2018 with around 50000 on the clock should I be looking to change the timing belt.
8. Lastly there is mention of the MIB2 for Android auto. Do all the 2017/2018 models have this

Thanks in advance for your advice

1. The 1.5 has a longer stroke compared to the 1.4. It'll need less boost compared to the 1.4 to achieve the same levels of power/torque. Might be good for strain on bearings and piston rings in the long term, but not so much that the engine will last you 62k miles longer. Expect better fuel economy with the 1.4 if you drive it like a hypermiler. Also, 1.5 will definitely have a GPF. 1.4 won't, I believe.
2. Honestly, some never get issues, some constantly get issues. Always a case of bad luck. My 1.4 survives me of all people so...
3. Look up some old brochures. Any FR with the options you like will suit your needs.
4. Shouldn't be an issue as long as the gasoline didn't have time to rot after months or years of standing.
5. Mine is coded for service every 15k km (9.3k miles). They base the interval on the location of usage. Dirty environments = 15k, very clean environments = 30k. I use a 5W30 longlife (VW 504 or 507 spec.), which is basically rated for the 30k service interval. Big service = every 2 years for mine.
6. My DCC shocks are still in mint condition after 9 years. Shocks aren't too expensive either so no big deal I think.
7. Timing belt is fit for life. Inspect after 90k km, repeat inspection every year after that if you will, but it should last.
8. If you go for an FR tech with NAV, I think the MIB2 is fitted. These can be updated and upgraded to support full link if they're not already.

 

[Richie101]

I was in exactly the same position as you 6 months ago and chose a 2017 1.4 ACT (150bhp, manual) as I figured any issues with the engine would have been ironed out over time and there is quite a bit of 'chatter' online about kangaroo-ing with the 1.5, especially with the manual gearbox, which was my preference. How prevalent it actually is is debatable as there are thousands of 1.5s out there across the whole VAG group.

Having only owned the car for 6 months, I can't comment on servicing/reliability, but I'm happy with the performance, level of kit and economy which is around 48 mpg with mixed driving. My car is 7 years old with 20k and I've got no plans to change the timing belt. If it was a couple of hundred quid job, like every other timing belt in the world, I'd probably have it done, but at £8-900, I'll take my chances - especially as the warranty period has been reduced from 5 to 2 years.

I will say though, and I can't stress this enough, do a comprehensive test drive including some roads with poor tarmac to see if you can live with road noise and ride quality. It's mentioned in passing in most FR reviews as being 'a bit firm' but the reality, in my experience anyway, is much worse. Anything more than a ripple in the tarmac is transferred straight into the cabin and medium or large hits send a jolt right through the chassis. I have the 18 inch wheels, though I can't imagine it would be much better with 17's.

I took my (Kia Sportage owning) Dad out for a ride just after I bought the car and he said, unprompted, "It's a nice looking car, but it feels like you're being dragged around on the back of a shovel.", and sadly, I'm finding it increasingly hard to disagree.

 

[RUM4MO]

Yes, with lots of pot holes around, both our cars still have their winter wheels/tyres on, and that suits me for now.

My old 2011 Audi S4 with its summer 19" wheels and Pirelli Rossos on are quite acceptable - but that car is quite heavy and these tyres are quite compliant. My wife's 2015 VW Polo 1.2TSI with its summer 16" wheels and Conti is also quite acceptable.

 

[fez001]

I was in exactly the same position as you 6 months ago and chose a 2017 1.4 ACT (150bhp, manual) as I figured any issues with the engine would have been ironed out over time and there is quite a bit of 'chatter' online about kangaroo-ing with the 1.5, especially with the manual gearbox, which was my preference. How prevalent it actually is is debatable as there are thousands of 1.5s out there across the whole VAG group.

Having only owned the car for 6 months, I can't comment on servicing/reliability, but I'm happy with the performance, level of kit and economy which is around 48 mpg with mixed driving. My car is 7 years old with 20k and I've got no plans to change the timing belt. If it was a couple of hundred quid job, like every other timing belt in the world, I'd probably have it done, but at £8-900, I'll take my chances - especially as the warranty period has been reduced from 5 to 2 years.

I will say though, and I can't stress this enough, do a comprehensive test drive including some roads with poor tarmac to see if you can live with road noise and ride quality. It's mentioned in passing in most FR reviews as being 'a bit firm' but the reality, in my experience anyway, is much worse. Anything more than a ripple in the tarmac is transferred straight into the cabin and medium or large hits send a jolt right through the chassis. I have the 18 inch wheels, though I can't imagine it would be much better with 17's.

I took my (Kia Sportage owning) Dad out for a ride just after I bought the car and he said, unprompted, "It's a nice looking car, but it feels like you're being dragged around on the back of a shovel.", and sadly, I'm finding it increasingly hard to disagree.

Yea I think I would go for 17s as I have also heard that ride is a bit rough with the 18s.
With 20k on the clock that's quite low mileage for a 2017. Was there anything specific to look for when you have a car that hasn't been driven as much?

 

[Richie101]

To be honest, I never gave that a second thought. The mileage has been spread evenly over the years (around 3k per year) and the car was serviced every year, so I didn't see that as anything to worry about.

 

[G.P]

I also find FR suspension set up jolts the car rather than been firm and absorbing ruts which unsettles the car through corners unlike BMW/Mercedes setups, I'm unsure i'd have an FR again because of this..

 

[fez001]

Been meaning to get back to this thread as I was on the verge of buying one and then started reading about the dry clutch 7 dsg that these vehicles come with. Further investigation into this and this auto clutch seems to be very dodgy and more a matter of when it will go wrong rather than if. Does anyone have any further comments around this clutch ? Is this something that I should not worry about in a 2017 1.4 tsi model or is it something that is an actual concern

 

[SuperV8]

Been meaning to get back to this thread as I was on the verge of buying one and then started reading about the dry clutch 7 dsg that these vehicles come with. Further investigation into this and this auto clutch seems to be very dodgy and more a matter of when it will go wrong rather than if. Does anyone have any further comments around this clutch ? Is this something that I should not worry about in a 2017 1.4 tsi model or is it something that is an actual concern

Have a read here:

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/443332-is-the-dry-clutch-7-speed-dsg-reliable-now/

Any clutch, manual or auto can be abused by previous owners/poor driving - just have a good test drive, ensure all gear changes are smooth and there's no strange noises.

 

[Mr Pig]

I also find FR suspension set up jolts the car rather than been firm and absorbing ruts which unsettles the car through corners unlike BMW/Mercedes setups, I'm unsure i'd have an FR again because of this..

It's the tyres it's the tyres it's the tyres!

I don't know what tyres you guys have on these cars but I know what it isn't. The suspension tune of these cars is actually really good but the wrong tyres will ruin it. The original fit Bridgstones are bad and can only imagine how much worse a cheaper tyre is.

You want Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 5 or 6. Fit one of these and everything just clicks into place.

 

[Richie101]

It's the tyres it's the tyres it's the tyres!

I don't know what tyres you guys have on these cars but I know what it isn't. The suspension tune of these cars is actually really good but the wrong tyres will ruin it. The original fit Bridgstones are bad and can only imagine how much worse a cheaper tyre is.

You want Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 5 or 6. Fit one of these and everything just clicks into place.

That is good to hear as they are exactly the tyres I was planning to fit next - I currently have Yokohama BluEarth AE51 tyres on the front and I-Link L-Zeal 56's on the rear (Who? Yeah, me neither!)

Do you have 17's or 18's? Looking just now, Asymmetric 6's only seem to be available with a speed/load rating of 92Y XL for 225/40 R18's, which would be about as hard a sidewall as you can get.

 

[Mr Pig]

That is good to hear as they are exactly the tyres I was planning to fit next - I currently have Yokohama BluEarth AE51 tyres on the front and I-Link L-Zeal 56's on the rear (Who? Yeah, me neither!)

PS. Can I ask what speed and load ratings you opted for?

I can't remember. I'd have to go and look a them. Right now I have the A5 on the front and new A6 on the back. Have the A6 on the back of my wife's car, also a Leon FR, replacing the PS4 which is also a very good tyre but I think the Goodyear suits the car better. They work so well I'd bet they did the suspension set up with them.

My car had the Bridgstones all round when I got it, so did my wife's car actually. The difference is night and day. On the Bridgstones the car felt twitchy, especially in corners. Just didn't want to settle. I assumed it was just the car. Nope.

 

[G.P]

It's the tyres it's the tyres it's the tyres!

I don't know what tyres you guys have on these cars but I know what it isn't. The suspension tune of these cars is actually really good but the wrong tyres will ruin it. The original fit Bridgstones are bad and can only imagine how much worse a cheaper tyre is.

You want Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 5 or 6. Fit one of these and everything just clicks into place.

Tyres make a big difference yes, and the ride can be improved selecting a tyre with a softer sidewall, but it's not the tyre's, as my previous Goodyears I had the same issue but just less noticeable..

 

[Mr Pig]

Tyres make a big difference yes, and the ride can be improved selecting a tyre with a softer sidewall, but it's not the tyre's, as my previous Goodyears I had the same issue but just less noticeable..

I can't agree. I don't know which Goodyear tyres you had but the A5/A6 are fabulous and result in the 1.4 FR being one of the best handling and best all round balanced cars I've ever had. The PS4 are also great but just not quite as dialed as the Goodyears and a bit firmer.

The FR is supposed to be a firmer set up but it should not be harsh or crashy. With the right tyres and pressures it should be absolutely fine.

 

[Jason2023]

My 1.4 Tsi 64 plate drives like it’s on rails (17” wheels)….I feel bumps but that part of a sportier set up.

 

[G.P]

I ran Goodyear A5, excellent tyres but the walls could do with been firmer for me when on 225/45R17, I'd recommend them to anyone, Pilot's have weaker walls than the GY so not for me, sidewalls look great apparently however, I've just changed the rear shocks as I felt something was not quite right and that was not helping as the car is now improved, possibly the best its been.

I know your not agree but, I'm sticking with Potenza Sport's as these suit the car best for me, if I was running 18" rims I may then agree the Goodyear's would be better suited. The Potenza Sports also suit the wives Ibiza, they are a very underrated tyre.

I agree, the Mk.3 Leon FR with the 1.4/1.5 engine is one of the better balanced modern front wheel drive cars available due to its weight, just a shame it hasn't independent rear suspension, or our roads were not so unmaintained/poorly repaired..

 

[Mr Pig]

I agree, the Mk.3 Leon FR with the 1.4/1.5 engine is one of the better balanced modern front wheel drive cars available due to its weight, just a shame it hasn't independent rear suspension...

I'm going to stick my neck out here. I've had three Leons with the beam and a Mk7 Golf and 2018 Cupra with Independent rear. I do not think the beam is worse, it's just different. I actually prefer it.