A bad review of the Leon FR

[Ol' Timer]

Carkeys have a road test of the new Leon FR by David Finlay. There are some positive points but he is very critical of the way it drives and rides. It's not the first time he has criticised SEATs for this – it seems to be a pet hate of his.

http://www.carkeys.co.uk/road_test/seat/10921.asp

 

[Cupra_power]

Quite a damning report on the suspension set up.

 

[m0rk]

I can see where he's coming from.....

It wouldn't suit my gran to drive, but it is a sporty car, so the ride and suspension is never going to be a match for a luxo barge.

that said - the ride is a damn sight better than the outgoing mk4 platform based Leon

 

[Tallpaul]

So how exactly is the ride inadequate on a dual carriageway?

His back to front style of writing is particularly irratating. I'd discredit his opinion based solely on that!

 

[siwel]

I've just read some of his other reviews he seems to be against cars with tougher suspension, his comment on the EVO VII:

"Monstrously quick though they were, they were also exceptionally awkward to drive on normal roads. Too stiff, too jarring, too obviously designed for track days."

He seems to miss any level of appreciation of what the car he is driving was intended for. An evo that is stiff and jarring and design for track days what a surprise. He does like the Evo VIII however as they made the suspension softer, probably because too many people are now buying them who want a soft wallowly ride and have no intention of ever taking it out on a track.

 

[loonymoon]

I've just read some of his other reviews he seems to be against cars with tougher suspension, his comment on the EVO VII:

"Monstrously quick though they were, they were also exceptionally awkward to drive on normal roads. Too stiff, too jarring, too obviously designed for track days."

He seems to miss any level of appreciation of what the car he is driving was intended for. An evo that is stiff and jarring and design for track days what a surprise. He does like the Evo VIII however as they made the suspension softer, probably because too many people are now buying them who want a soft wallowly ride and have no intention of ever taking it out on a track.

Horses for courses... most reviews say the Ibiza suspension is a mite to stiff too but I find mine fine - but then I can't STAND wallowy cars....eurrrgh I'd rather feel the bumps than get seasick

This guy must like old ford Granadas or something...!!

 

[fivetones]

Horses for courses... most reviews say the Ibiza suspension is a mite to stiff too but I find mine fine - but then I can't STAND wallowy cars....eurrrgh I'd rather feel the bumps than get seasick

I was just about to say the same thing. I remember the Ibiza (130 Sport) getting a slagging for the stiffness of the suspension when it came out too.

I like suspension like that. Though the stupid tractor-like ride height of most Seats isn't going to help with that perceived "wallow". Once you get over the initial lean it's acceptable....just.

Not something we could fix on our Ibiza (lease car)...the Leon FR on the other hand will be ours to do with what we like.

 

[Chri5B]

The new issue of Evo has a review of the petrol FR. Reviewer said that whilst it was sofer than the Golf GTI it was still a good ride, though they want to try one in the UK to make a final judgement. I think it got four of five stars and the review was generally good.

 

[Chri5B]

I was just about to say the same thing. I remember the Ibiza (130 Sport) getting a slagging for the stiffness of the suspension when it came out too.

I like suspension like that. Though the stupid tractor-like ride height of most Seats isn't going to help with that perceived "wallow". Once you get over the initial lean it's acceptable....just.

Not something we could fix on our Ibiza (lease car)...the Leon FR on the other hand will be ours to do with what we like.

You like to lose your teeth when going over a crisp packet then?

 

[Ol' Timer]

Just to add, there is now a video of the test available:

http://www.carkeys.co.uk/video/seat/10924.asp

A bit of information about David Finlay here:

http://66.249.93.104/search?q=cache...+btcc+2004++finlay&hl=en&gl=uk&ct=clnk&cd=1#6

 

[Syphon]

Vid doesn't work for me

Scott

 

[Tam]

Vid doesn't work for me

Scott

ditto

 

[Carnivor]

it started for my, but gave in after 5 seconds, cba to wait then.

 

[Ol' Timer]

Vid doesn't work for me

Scott

It automatically opens in QuickTime on my Mac and plays OK once it's fully buffered.

You're not missing a lot though – it's much like the written review but with some shots of the car rolling round cones on the test track and driving on the open road. He moans about the 'appalling visibility' and recommends that you don't drive it after a full meal!

 

[m0rk]

That due must eat loads then

I had:
1x Burger
1x Chickem Breast
1x Tuna steak
1x Serving Pasta Salad
1x Serving Salad
1x Serving Potato Salad
1x Cheesecake Pudding
1x Chocolate cake Pudding

Then went round the track for 2hrs

And I do have a weak stomach

 

[Ol' Timer]

There's a brief 'First Drive' test on the Autocar site now:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/FirstDrive_Summary.asp?RT_ID=221540

 

[carl4x4]

I can sympathise a little with the ride, but you soon get used to it to be honest. Reviewers probably drive lots of cars a month so I guess only things that stick out as diferent from the rest get remembered...