Leon FR vs Golf Gti

[sk4tec]

Hi guys,

(this is some general questions on the Leon FR not really FR vs GTi but forum wont let me edit the title - sorry!)

I'm doing some research. I currently own a Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 petrol. Lovely car, 36K and nothing has gone wrong. It's got loads of kit but is a bit on the slow side! Most of all I want is an auto car with some performance.

The seat FR DSG is the only VAG car that is reasonably affordable.

Questions:

1) How does the drive compare with the GTi? More or less sporty? Anyone done a back to back drive?

2) How reliable are the DSG transmissions, are the mechatronics issues a thing of the past?

3) I'm only looking at petrol (my Golf MK IV TDi 150 went wrong all the time) is the TFSi reliable? I'm not expecting Mazda reliability but something 'reasonably' reliable.

4) Does the FSI engine still need high octane fuel to go into stratified mode?

5) The facelifted car has the 210 bhp engine from the mk VI GTI is it worth waiting for one of these. I have noticed the interior seems revamped.

 

[Lukeyx]

I have the FR (DSG) brilliant love the DSG box, soo smooth cannot feel the gear change or anything. As far as I know the FR and GTI are near identical. I only ever use V power in mine.

Have you not looked at the Mazda 3 MPS? Supposed to be good cars too from what ive heard might get a better deal?

 

[G.P]

Hi guys,

(this is some general questions on the Leon FR not really FR vs GTi but forum wont let me edit the title - sorry!)

I'm doing some research. I currently own a Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 petrol. Lovely car, 36K and nothing has gone wrong. It's got loads of kit but is a bit on the slow side! Most of all I want is an auto car with some performance.

The seat FR DSG is the only VAG car that is reasonably affordable.

Questions:

1) How does the drive compare with the GTi? More or less sporty? Anyone done a back to back drive?

2) How reliable are the DSG transmissions, are the mechatronics issues a thing of the past?

3) I'm only looking at petrol (my Golf MK IV TDi 150 went wrong all the time) is the TFSi reliable? I'm not expecting Mazda reliability but something 'reasonably' reliable.

4) Does the FSI engine still need high octane fuel to go into stratified mode?

5) The facelifted car has the 210 bhp engine from the mk VI GTI is it worth waiting for one of these. I have noticed the interior seems revamped.

Just like the A3 IMO the Golf suffers with it's seat/driving position been not quite right.

 

[tonto]

i find the Leon 10 x better than the golf!

i find the seating positioning and cabin space / feeling and design in the Leon so much smoother and more relaxing!
i could sit in the leon for a big drive and not start to get pissed off with it. the golf on the other hand, i think they havnt quite got it right.

i think externally, the outside of the leon looks better too! abit sharper from the front end imo, ever seen an FR or Cupra come up behind you in the rear view? it looks awesome imo. a golf, doesnt do it for me.

quality, and reliablility, well its the same thing. so you wont have any troubles trying to decide which one is better in that department lol.
and finally, i still put the golf Gti in the boy racer category! the Leon is under estimated.

 

[jezyg]

Hi guys,

(this is some general questions on the Leon FR not really FR vs GTi but forum wont let me edit the title - sorry!)

I'm doing some research. I currently own a Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 petrol. Lovely car, 36K and nothing has gone wrong. It's got loads of kit but is a bit on the slow side! Most of all I want is an auto car with some performance.

The seat FR DSG is the only VAG car that is reasonably affordable.

Questions:

1) How does the drive compare with the GTi? More or less sporty? Anyone done a back to back drive?

Pre FL has a much harder ride and lighter steering, FL is closer suspension and steering not quite as sharp but very close. GTi also more refined.

2) How reliable are the DSG transmissions, are the mechatronics issues a thing of the past?

Mechatronics can still be an issue as a rule of thumb make sure you have a warranty can be reliable but when the go wrong cost ££££££££

3) I'm only looking at petrol (my Golf MK IV TDi 150 went wrong all the time) is the TFSi reliable? I'm not expecting Mazda reliability but something 'reasonably' reliable.

Like any make/model you get some good and some bad un's. Overall seem pretty good newer 211 engine seems more reliable so far. But both are pretty trouble free overall. Depends on age and how they have been treated.

4) Does the FSI engine still need high octane fuel to go into stratified mode?

Only the Pre FL EA113 although still runs ok on 95. The FL EA888 is just as happy on 95 as 97

5) The facelifted car has the 210 bhp engine from the mk VI GTI is it worth waiting for one of these. I have noticed the interior seems revamped.

FL interior is a step up exterior changes are subjective I much prefer them. Biggest change is the more compliant and slightly softer suspension along with interior mods. 211 engine is slightly more economical and has more low down pull. I would say test drive both if you can find then petrol FR's are quite rare!!

 

[GainfulShrimp]

IMHO it's worth getting a facelift version just for the ride quality. The pre-FL FR is a real bone shatterer, unfortunately (I had one and had to upgrade the suspension at great expense as I couldn't take it after a while). If looks and individuality come into the equation, get the FR over the GTI every time.

 

[G.P]

IMHO it's worth getting a facelift version just for the ride quality. The pre-FL FR is a real bone shatterer, unfortunately (I had one and had to upgrade the suspension at great expense as I couldn't take it after a while). If looks and individuality come into the equation, get the FR over the GTI every time.

Once you've lived with a Subaru any Seat is far from a bone shatter. . .

 

[Justa]

IMHO it's worth getting a facelift version just for the ride quality. The pre-FL FR is a real bone shatterer, unfortunately (I had one and had to upgrade the suspension at great expense as I couldn't take it after a while). If looks and individuality come into the equation, get the FR over the GTI every time.

I've actually been pleasantly surprised by the ride in my 57 plate FR !

I was expecting it to be awful and yes its firm but not bone shattering - maybe its because mine only has 17" alloys and I don't over inflate the tyres..

 

[Justa]

oh and just to add my FR rides 10x better than the 320d msport I used to own - that was just terrible !

 

[sk4tec]

Thanks for the input guys. The 3 MPS is a good car but the CO2 is too high and I want an auto. I'll keep you posted with my progress!

 

[tony323ci]

Seat great
Golf GTI chav
MP3S jap crap

end of

 

[robin cur]

Seat great
Golf GTI chav
MP3S jap crap

end of

Funny isn't it how the jap crap has 6 cars in the top 6 in the 2011 JD power survey and first seat is at 46 with the Leon, and in the manufacturers 1st and 2nd are japs and seat well no surprise there then number 21
After the last of my 3 cars being in the VW group the next one wont be.

 

[tony323ci]

statistics

Still love Seat the best

 

[Lukeyx]

Seat great
Golf GTI chav
MP3S jap crap

end of

From what ive heard the 3 MPS is brilliant

 

[tony323ci]

Power (PS) Acceleration 0-62mph Torque (Nm)
Mazda3 MPS 260 6.1 Seconds 380
Seat Leon Cupra 240 6.4 Seconds 300
Ford Focus ST 225 6.8 Seconds 320
Volkswagen Golf GTI 210 6.9 Seconds 280

This shows it is better although it has a 2.2 litre engine

but the Leon looks nicer

 

[S.E.C.T.]

Golf GTI is a lovely car but way too expensive for what you get, especially when you start adding the options. You get much better value with Seat but the way it is put together is not VW quality

 

[G.P]

Funny isn't it how the jap crap has 6 cars in the top 6 in the 2011 JD power survey and first seat is at 46 with the Leon, and in the manufacturers 1st and 2nd are japs and seat well no surprise there then number 21
After the last of my 3 cars being in the VW group the next one wont be.

This is my first VAG group car having always had Ford's & 1 Jap. Never will I buy Jap again I'd have a Ford anyday, if only they would get the seat support right & there price. VAG group & BMW for me now due to the seat comfort/driving position. . .

 

[robin cur]

This is my first VAG group car having always had Ford's & 1 Jap. Never will I buy Jap again I'd have a Ford any day, if only they would get the seat support right & there price. VAG group & BMW for me now due to the seat comfort/driving position. . .

the leon is a fantastic looking car, but to many small things with vw group cars keep going wrong, I have just got a jap car and the seats seem fine and the build quality, and I forgot to say my wife has a 12cc fabia only done 12k and that's had its fair share of problems but cheep to run. As for the fabia VRS I don't think you could find a car with so much power yet so cheep to run.

 

[sk4tec]

the leon is a fantastic looking car, but to many small things with vw group cars keep going wrong, I have just got a jap car and the seats seem fine and the build quality, and I forgot to say my wife has a 12cc fabia only done 12k and that's had its fair share of problems but cheep to run. As for the fabia VRS I don't think you could find a car with so much power yet so cheep to run.

That's my memory of owning VAG cars (2 MK IV golfs, 1 Passat). The Mazda 3 is based on the focus chassis so handles well, has loads of kit and in 36,0000 nothing has gone wrong. One niggly fault - occasionally a long handbrake.

Though to be fair not 'much' went wrong with my VW's at 36K, only afterwards. Things I don't like about the 3 it's a little on the slow side for a 'sport' and I'd prefer a auto (BMW 120 would be perfect!). The MPS is a nice car but has resale in freefall.

The Leon is tempting with its turbo punch, DSG transmission and reasonable price. Head says Mazda, heart says...Leon!