Auto Express review of new Leon FR

[Ol' Timer]

The Auto Express site has got a review of the Leon FR.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/motoringpreviews/200849/seat_leon_t_fsi_fr.html

Interesting that they have picked up on SEAT's strange marketing strategy of putting the FR on sale at the same time as they reveal the better Cupra which is waiting in the wings. That must hit sales of the FR as many people will wait to see what the Cupra is like to drive. They also talk about £19500 for the Cupra which is getting up towards Golf GTi prices.

 

[NeilW]

Do you reckon they actually drove it? Doesn't really tell you much apart from what we've already read. It doesn't look too hot in the pictures either.

Wait for the Cupra? Too right!

 

[Ol' Timer]

Do you reckon they actually drove it? Doesn't really tell you much apart from what we've already read. It doesn't look too hot in the pictures either.

Wait for the Cupra? Too right!

I would imagine there is a whole bunch of journalists who fly out to Spain at the same time, all drive the same car, all stay at the same hotel and all come to the same conclusions drinking at the same bar.

I see they state that the Cupra is better looking. Does this mean they have seen preview press pictures – like m0rk – or are they just guessing?

 

[Syphon]

I severely doubt they have seen the Cupra. Also the old "from the VW parts bin" line on the interior. I can't say any of the interior appears on another VW car I have seen.

Scott

 

[Knigh]

I severely doubt they have seen the Cupra. Also the old "from the VW parts bin" line on the interior. I can't say any of the interior appears on another VW car I have seen.

Scott

Following this theme - 200bhp and its not sporty enough. Bet the writer didn't say that when he test drove the Golf GTi!!

 

[Ol' Timer]

Following this theme - 200bhp and its not sporty enough. Bet the writer didn't say that when he test drove the Golf GTi!!

It's not very clearly written but I think he is referring to the interior with that remark:
"However, the inside is bland, with a lot of grey and black plastic from the VW parts bin. It’s too similar to the MPV-like Toledo, and although it’s practical, it’s simply not sporty enough."
Elsewhere in the review he describes the acceleration as brisk. I think he's got his Alteas confused with his Toledos though.

When I bought my Leon Cupra, 180 bhp was considered pretty hot stuff but these days you need 240 bhp to impress. Similarly, only a few years ago 0-60 in seven seconds was supercar territory but these days it is considered a bit humdrum for a sporty hatchback.