Leon 1.9 TDi Stylance

[Duncanp]

Have been driving one of these today as a courtesy car while mine is in for a service. If anyone is interested, here are my impressions:

Pros:
- Seating is much better quality - not as cheap as previous version.
- Surprisingly good spec on the stylance. Has bluetooth, mp3, parking sensors electric folding mirrors, esp, dual zone climate control
- Feels a little bit bigger, but not a huge improvement.


Cons:
- Steering is so light you can't feel a thing. Horrible feeling.
- Suspension feels a bit lifeless compared to the Mk1 TDi Cupra. It does hold the corners well.
- Visibility is worse, but no big problem.
- The cabin is a bit of mixed bag. Some bits feel nice, other bits, like the interior lights, climate control, some buttons feel a bit cheap.
- The grab handles are not damped!! The shame!
- Rubbish ashtray. But I don't smoke and I think you can take it out and use it as a cup holder.

Big Con:
- The stereo. It's crap. It sounds awful. Even after tweaking hte settings, it still sounds bad. Much cheaper than the Mk1 Leon stereo, but with one big problem - how the hell do you replace it when it takes up the whole console?! It's controls are annoying too.

Don't get me wrong, I do like it. I like it more than the 307, the civic, megane, Corolla, etc... It's much better value than the Golf, A3, 1 series, but it didn't make me go wow. They will have to do something very special to the FR / Cupra to tempt me. Otherwise my next car in a year or so will be either an Octavia or one of the new Civics (which actually look pretty good).

 

[Syphon]

Bluetooth and Mp3 are options (not std. spec)

Scott

 

[Starbank]

The stereo sounds like a pain in the arse!. I'm sure there will be some aftermarket improvements.......pretty please! It's the one thing I didn't check before buying - just assumed it would be OK.

There's not a lot else wrong though really is there - especially if you are picking out things like ashtrays and the lack of damped grab handles!.

By the way, the stiffer sports suspension - which isn't on the Stylance variant - provides much more feedback.

Interesting comments all the same.

Ta

 

[Snoopy]

Big Con:
- The stereo. It's crap. ....but with one big problem - how the hell do you replace it when it takes up the whole console?!

I have seen press pictures with the satnav system in the new leon the same unit as in the mk5 golf so im guessing SEAT do a dash panel that would give you the hole for the satnav unit the same one as used in the mk5 golf you then i guess goto a VW dealer and buy the DIN panel that you can get for the touran/golf to give you a DIN slot.

 

[Jonno]

Test Driven Stylance 1.9 TDI

Hi all

Test drove one on Sunday just gone. I've got to admit I was quite impressed!

I didn't realise how cramped the old Leon was for me. The interior seemed no worse than other manufacturers at this price level and significantly better than a Focus.

Just one ot two constructive crticisms for Seat:

1. The storage for CD's at the rear end of the console has no lid so a potential thieving scumbag could steal your CD's if you were foolish enough to leave them on show. The storage needs a lid to hide them. Perhaps theft from cars isn't a problem in Spain?

2. I have average size feet (Size 10) yet there was no room for my left foot on the clutch rest and when I did try to use it my foot got trapped between the centre tunnel and the clutch pedal which did cause a scary "Oh no I'm stalling in the middle of a roundabout" . Surely a safety issue?

Anyway I'm having another test drive on Saturday to concentrate on this issue.

After all, cars didn't use to have footrests did they? Perhaps it's just a case of adapting the seating position and driving style to compensate.

I know I could get the TDI Sport with DSG but that is out of my price range

 

[jonjay]

Hi all

Test drove one on Sunday just gone. I've got to admit I was quite impressed!

I didn't realise how cramped the old Leon was for me. The interior seemed no worse than other manufacturers at this price level and significantly better than a Focus.

Just one ot two constructive crticisms for Seat:

1. The storage for CD's at the rear end of the console has no lid so a potential thieving scumbag could steal your CD's if you were foolish enough to leave them on show. The storage needs a lid to hide them. Perhaps theft from cars isn't a problem in Spain?

2. I have average size feet (Size 10) yet there was no room for my left foot on the clutch rest and when I did try to use it my foot got trapped between the centre tunnel and the clutch pedal which did cause a scary "Oh no I'm stalling in the middle of a roundabout" . Surely a safety issue?

Anyway I'm having another test drive on Saturday to concentrate on this issue.

After all, cars didn't use to have footrests did they? Perhaps it's just a case of adapting the seating position and driving style to compensate.

I know I could get the TDI Sport with DSG but that is out of my price range

When you say average feet size is 10, do you mean one foot is a size 9 and the other a size 11? HEHE

I prefer the old leon but the new leon is good.

 

[Paulie]

Hi all

Test drove one on Sunday just gone. I've got to admit I was quite impressed!

I didn't realise how cramped the old Leon was for me. The interior seemed no worse than other manufacturers at this price level and significantly better than a Focus.

Just one ot two constructive crticisms for Seat:

1. The storage for CD's at the rear end of the console has no lid so a potential thieving scumbag could steal your CD's if you were foolish enough to leave them on show. The storage needs a lid to hide them. Perhaps theft from cars isn't a problem in Spain?

2. I have average size feet (Size 10) yet there was no room for my left foot on the clutch rest and when I did try to use it my foot got trapped between the centre tunnel and the clutch pedal which did cause a scary "Oh no I'm stalling in the middle of a roundabout" . Surely a safety issue?

Anyway I'm having another test drive on Saturday to concentrate on this issue.

After all, cars didn't use to have footrests did they? Perhaps it's just a case of adapting the seating position and driving style to compensate.

I know I could get the TDI Sport with DSG but that is out of my price range

Borrowed a colleagues A4 Estate a while ago when moving house and had exactly the same problem....no room at the side of the clutch pedal - maybe Seat want people to buy the DSG

Have to agree that there does seem to be more room in the new model though. I'm 6'5" and the old Cupra had JUST about enough leg room. Sat in a new Leon and automatically pushed the seat all the way back...then had to bring it forward some.

Crappy stereo sounds a bit off putting....is it the same system fitted if you go for sat nav?

 

[Gibbo.]

Sorry for the bump,
I'm just doing a few search because i don't know what all the controls do in my 1.9 stylance.
and half the things that have been mention i don't think i even have.

Like the parking sensors for one.

EDIT; just read the comments - Bluetooth and MP3 was optional.

 

[coggie]

Have you read the manual?

 

[Gibbo.]

Didn't get one man,
Hardly got anything information wise when i bought the car.

 

[coggie]

Well, short of listing every single button and explaining what it does...

Which buttons are you unsure of, be sure to describe where they are in the car and any symbols on them.

This thread could prove useful
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=209163

 

[Gibbo.]

Coggie you are my hero,
Every problem i have you're straight there.
Cheers for the link will have a read and will let you know what buttons i don't know what are.

 

[Red ibiza]

You can get a pdf of the manual here,

http://www.workshopservicemanuals.c...seat/Seat-Leon-2006-owners-manual-in-english/

I have a copy if you want me to email it to you.

 

[Gibbo.]

Could i buy one?
Rather have a copy just in case i sell.