Seat Leon FR 4K 2016 review - Car Keys
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- Warm hatches often suffer from the fact that they can seem a little tame compared to their full-fat performance alternatives, coming across a little like the car you got ‘cos you couldn’t afford the proper fast one.
Yet the SEAT Leon FR stands out from its competitors for being less like a Cupra-lite, and more like a proper little pocket rocket in its own right. In fact, there are some who say that this car is more like a Golf GTi than even the current GTi itself…
So how does the Leon FR hold up in our review? Watch on to find out!
In this review, we take an in-depth look at the interior of the Seat Leon FR including its boot size, dashboard and back seats. We then run through performance, price and finish up with the all-important verdict - is the Seat Leon FR a good car?
Constantly updated, Car Keys provides first-hand video reviews, as well as all of the latest car news.
Our experienced journalists are passionate about the auto industry, and strive to provide you with all the information you could possibly need before you decide to purchase a new car.
All reviews are available at www.carkeys.co.uk/, but did you know that reviews are just one element of what we do? Our website can also help you find the right car, at a price you can be sure is fair by comparing it against prices paid by other consumers and our own market data. We’ll give you the low down regarding the overall cost of owning specific cars whether you are looking to buy outright, finance or lease a new car.
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Now that was a good car review. More from this young guy please
Just bought a 2014 1.4 TSI 3 door, coming from a 2007 2.2 Honda accord CDTI its like I won the lottery. I love it!
I have only recently found this channel, and I must say the quality of these video reviews are perfect. Clear and unbiased, how a good car review should be.
well I have now had a leon st 2.0 tdi 184 fr for the last 6 month. wow just wow.. not bored at all with driving it. power on demand , with a little turbo lag when push hard unless around 3000rmp. Economy averaging 39-41mpg 70%A roads .. just amazing specially in sport mode.. 😊
I just purchased the Seat Leon FR 1.4 Tsi - I love it, from the interior to the exterior to the drive. It a joy to drive and looks stunning. I added the winter pack and convenience just making it that little bit more extra special. It has different driving modes at a click of the button, link up to my iphone was super easy as are all the other tech gadgets. The lumbar support in the driver seat was an added bonus for me, having a bad back! It's fun to drive, stunning to look at and worth every penny!
I have just bought a 2017 2.0tdi fr 150 bhp goes like a dream
Owned my 1.4 fr for 7 months. I love it! managing 45mpg over last 2000 miles according to computer (generally over 43 mpg when measuring manually). Great to drive on country roads and plenty of fun, with a sensible boot. Had 4 people and everyone's luggage in it with some careful packing of boot. If you want a decent warm hatch that you can use for the family then this has to be towards the top of the list. VAG build and equipment, for a few grand cheaper than golf or a3. I love my car, test drive it and look for online deals. Seat will probably match it, and they were offering 0% apr when i bought mine, so no brainer!
Love this car.
Want this car.
Gonna get this car.
Great review,love the leon.My leon is a liitle over a year old and i feel very satisfied with my purchase.1.6 diesel, on style trim.Has pretty much everything you will ask for.Very enjoyable to drive as well,even if you dont go for the fr version.
I own the 2017 version of this car have done for nearly 3 months with the normal infotainment system I must say I'm so glad I went with this and not the cupra. I do around 40 miles per day and that hardly even uses half a tank a week. It's sporty and efficient just perfect
i have this car a few months, and i must say, its a great car.
Picking my 2016 1.4 ecotsi 150 fr in a couple of days,I can’t wait to drive it,if it handles better than my focus I’ll be happy,I live in the shires so there’s plenty of country roads with twists and turns and I’ll put the handling to the test,just hope I’ve not made a mistake in having a petrol engine and the mpg is decent,great review btw
wow man, I saw quite a lot of youtube car reviews...well to be honest al of them, but yours impresed me! The review was thankfully unbiased like all the others vw is 10x better nonsense, and with plenty of usefull information and good camera work. Keep up the good work! btw love leon FR, since i test drove one, i really want one :D
Thanks alot Jane!
jep you've earned yourself a new subscriber :D would you recommend cupra for daily for someone being over 190cm tall and being used do e90 bmw?
Thanks Jane! Definitely - the SEAT made our top 5 hatchback list so we'd recommend it to pretty much anyone! :)
I've just bought a 2014 one of these, and I have to say it is a truly superb car - I'm struggling to find fault with it. It's ridiculously easy to drive, feels really well put together and has a very nice sporty 'bite' when needed. I also love the sharp edged looks, which I think are a huge improvement on the 2nd generation Leon and make it look more mature and sophisticated. Ever since I got it I've found myself trying to come up with valid reasons why I need to go somewhere, just so I can drive it again!
I've driven the Leon 1.2 tsi over twelve months from new and love it. It feels solid, has the level of comfort I prefer (not hard but not too Frenchesque softy wallowy) and although its a 7 speed automatic DSG it's superb in terms of economy. Previously I drove a Polo 1.4 match automatic DSG and theres no doubt that VW's feel more upmarket inside and out. Well to be honest with one hand covering the 'S' Seat badge and I can tell no discernible difference between it and a VW, plus its better looking than the Golf by streets.
So you prefer the Seat overall?
Car Keys UK The Seat Leon over the VW Polo - YES. It is a different class of car. The Leon has a smoother gearbox, is a far better looking car (its like the VW's sexier sister), its roomier all-round for family, its pretty much on a par for fuel frugality, and I'd have another one tomorrow.
The leon St FR 184(d) DSG , I drove back to back with the skoda vRS 180(d) found it more comply, less bumpy and more sporty, and at least the feeling of being a dad more spritly.
Also it sounded a bit better than the Skodas power plant. Even though they are probably the same 2l diesel unit.
I went to see it the extra performance of the petrol vrs was worth the added consumption. Even though the petrol (220) was a different beast, it only manages 24mpg in my 30min test, the diesel (180) 48mpg over the same route. The initial take off and sound is great, but once moving there seemed little different, 60-90mph, with out dropping it right down the gears in the petrol.
So after I decided the vRS 180 would suffice, I went and checked out the Leon st FR 184, just out of curiosity and it drove better, and spec for spec is about £1500 cheaper.
Id never considered Seat, only called in as it was next door to śkoda. Now it tops the list of the next car, after we get rid of the GTC 2ld 165. Which has very similar performance to the Leon, a better sporty drive, but obviously much much less room.
An update on this, I ended up ordering an Leon ST FR 2tsi 190. Will be here soon.
I have just purchased the fr 1.4 tsi and am happy with it especially as the engine is smooth and willing but it does lack a good soundtrack when pushing hard .However I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a practical well built hatch back .
I fell love with it when I drove it
Great review Richard. I really would like to test drive the car. It's a damn shame they have cars like this here in the US. Well all the more reason to fly!
Great review. Boot space looks fairly decent and it looks like a lot of fun to drive :)
Thanks Kevin! Yeah definitely fun to drive mate, a great car all around and at a pretty decent price too.
I own a 184 dsg st black edition. It's a lovely car with enough poke. Going up buy a 184 dsg hatchback soon. Would recommend the car to anyone, mine looks lovely in the white with black alloys and has loads of technology.
I really wanted to like the Leon. Recently test drove a 1.4 FR estate (which my local dealer was desperately struggling to shift because in white it looked like a paramedic's vehicle). Drove nicely - fairly quick and lovely quiet engine but the awkward mix of curves and straight lines aren't to my liking and some cost cutting features eg door mirrors bolted directly to the door skin irritated and made me pay the extra for a Golf.
How do you rate Seat Leon FR over Honda Civic? I am pretty confuse between two cars considering practicality and value for money. This is going to be my first car.
great review. i'm really torn betwen getting a nearly new 16 plate leon fr, or r 65/15 plate gold Match. I'm thinking of resale value but find that the Seat looks so much better on some angles, but then others... i feel it looks it bit chunky on certain sides. very torn. need to make my mind up by november!
I have had my FR for just over 6 weeks I do have the 2L diesel which i easily get 50-55mpg in standard mode, for the price this car is amazing and would recommend getting this in red ;)
We agree DMJ, great car for the price. And it definitely goes faster in red ;)
does the 1.4 tsi with the 148bhp and fr comes only with manual transmision or i can get it with the dsg?
I own this car and its fantastic!
Love the leon.drive the 184bhp diesel. Very economical and quick. Great gearbox and brakes and handles very well.
I like this reviewer, very informative. So much better than carbuyer or carwow where they insist on ramming a 1 litre bottle of water in the door pockets to show how big they are, or the ridiculous banana in the glovebox! Can anyone tell me what 4K means in the title?
Hi Jez, glad you liked the review :) we put 4K in the title to highlight the fact that the video is 4K quality. 4K is basically a step up from 1080p HD - technically four steps up as 4K is four times the amount of pixels you get with 1080p (YES, SCIENCE!). And you can toggle the quality with the little settings cog in the corner of the video. You'll notice that the video, in 4K, is uber clear quality wise. Who knows what the next step up will be... molecule close-ups... see-through cars?
+Richard Bush In the not too distant future we'll have 8K video!
I won't hear a bad word said about Rebecca Jackson and her bananas!
Also a relief to not see the interior being scratched to death, who even feels their car
great video guys , I am waiting for the Excellence ST 1.4 eco ....... 20 ... yes 20 week production time ... 13 weeks to go :) .............
Good to see they've updated the interior a little bit. Although when it comes to interior the Golf wins every time hands down.
@ 0:20 Dude you'd be great at stealth missions. Great review btw SEAT CUPRA and FR are my favourite price/performance models in the VW group. Noticed the crumbs @ 3:00.
Well spotted! We thought everyone knew Rich was a part time ninja!
We all love the Leon here. One of our camera guys is obsessed with this one!
Also, Gabriel Belmont is the man!
Awesome, keep up the great work.
Is this the Technic Grey or Monsoon Grey please?
have you driven the 1.2 tsi ibiza, that's a great little car! the 1.2 tsi is suited to the Ibiza whereas the 1.4 tsi is probably better suited to heavier Leon?
Ordered mine last month, 1.4tsi in flaaaaming red. Gonna be a little red rocket!! It's such a good deal that you can get many more options on this car than on more 'premium' german carbrands. I'm so looking forward to the pano roof too!
I like this!
beautiful
Very solid design.. I like it
Same design from Golf, i love it :)
Are they heated seats?
I used to own a Seat Leon mk2 (2010) and loved the design. Unfortunately I didn't replace it with the latest Leon because the current design no longer looks sporty or beefy. It's hard to tell between it and the lesser Ibiza. I now drive a scirocco R so haven't left the VW group completely. Hoping they will redesign the Leon soon . It's well overdue.
Just ordered a brand new facelifted leon fr 2017 tsi 1.4. Any chance you can do a video of the updated facelift?
How long does it take to get delivered, I am considering buying the same!
It is a piss take time Mo haha, ordered start of april still waiting should be ready end of July :( 16 weeks wait.
Just brought the 66 plate 2.0 ti fr awesome
Looks a really nice engaging car ...
Which model is this
Good Reveiw, Any chance of doing one on the Leon ST FR 2.0 Tdi 184? ive just brought one waiting for it to be delivered from Spain. at the moment i have a 13 plate Altea XL 2.0 tdi SE COPA. 140 bhp. choose the ST as i have 2 daughters so need the space. thanks.
C W How long is order to delivery?
what does 4k mean ?
GTD OR FR?
I have owned a Cupra now for about 16 months and I still love every second in it. But I am also quite curious to know how the 150 and 180 hp Leons drive and feel. I think they are really nice cars offering very good value for money. Considering retail prices in Germany, I'd have a Leon over a Golf any time, it's a no brainier. Not to speak of the looks...
We've had mixed reviews between the Leon and Golf, with a lot of people saying they prefer the VW Charles. What sways it for you?
+Car Keys UK I am not denying that the Golf is a very nice car. I am a huge fan of the compact hatch concept as I think this is more car than most people ever need and just the right size. Prior to the Leon I had three Golfs (Mk 3, 4 and 6) and I loved them all. The Mk 6 was probably my best Golf in terms of interior quality, which is the criterion many Golf fans bring up as the biggest argument in its favour. The Mk 7 then never really appealed to me, although it is arguably pretty nice looking. However, I feel that it is maybe trying a bit too hard with all its shiny bits, while realistically most materials are not better than the Leon's and partly even a step back from the Mk7. In a nutshell, the Leon appears to me to be the more honest car, as it does not try so hard to live up to that "premium" philosophy that VW has adopted over the years. Furthermore, when you follow the Internet on the problems Mk 7 owners have with their Golfs, there is no reason to believe that the car is...
...of any higher quality than the Leon. And that is where the value for money aspect comes into play. You get essentially the same car for far less money. In my case, the Golf R was about 8-10 grand more expensive than a similarly equipped Leon. And apart from the 4WD there is not much in favour of the Golf from my point of view. Last but not least, I find the Leon an exceptionally good looking car. It was the first car in years that gave me that certain 'must have' feeling. I have put almost 20k Ks on mine now and I loved every meter. Once you overcome that (idiotic and arrogant) feeling that anything less than a Golf may be not good enough for you, the Leon really gives you everything the Golf would, combined with great looks and much better value for money.
I know exactly what you mean - the whole “Golf or Leon?”
question can be a tough one to answer. Personally, I agree with you. The Leon is a Golf, but costs less - AND you get added style. I totally hear you with regards to it being a more earnest model too, I couldn’t agree more. I guess resale value comes into it though. People will pay more for a second-hand German car than one with a Spanish badge (although SEAT is VW owned and practicality German itself, not everyone will realise that). Ultimately, if it does just come own to price, then it’s a no brainer for me. Seat it is. Yes, the interior of a Golf is ever so slightly plusher, but all things consider, the Leon comes out on top in my opinion. As a slight aside, it would be the same with Hyundai and Kia. I would go with Kia. They are cheaper, have a better warranty - and are pretty much exactly the same as Hyundai, share parts, built in the same factory etc.
- Richard
+Car Keys UK Yes, get you on the resale thing. The question is: will the difference in depreciation exceed the savings achieved at the purchase. I doubt it. Plus, if you're lucky and invest the money you save at the beginning, it might pay off too. Nevertheless, both are great cars and anyone to own one can consider themselves a lucky person. These compact hatches nowadays are so refined, comfortable and spacious that they can fully cater to 90% of automotive needs.
Yes I do like it as much as you, as I own the 1.8 TSI DSG that you forgot to mention which equals the 184hp diesel in term of performance (and both come with independant rear suspension, but the DCC suspension is optional). Brilliant car for its class. Only sad things about this car in my opinion is the fuel tank of 50L which could be bigger (a small Peugeot 208 has 50L as well).
Wow that's an issue, I went from a laguna, that done high 50 mpg combined, with a 76 liter tank, to a GTC that has averaged from new 17k miles, 34.8mpg with a 56liter tank, and it's a pain in the arse.
I'm currently looking at the Leon ST FR 2.0l 184bhp, and was hoping to be getting closer to 45mpg combined and back to a 75l6liter tank.
Ive got over the specs again and again, and again for good measure, and never once took in the tank just assuming the estate tank would be on par with my old laguna estate.
I suppose ill get over that, but I could go from North Wales to Paris with out a fill up in the Laguna, the GTC will just reach the ferry if it's taken easy. Which I did this summer. Just. Had to fuel up in Dunkirk, straight off the boat.
That's interesting. Well for my Leon, I'm currently averaging 38mpg (over 8.000km) so it's still good enough and I don't have to stop at the petrol station all the time.
I was in the Paris motorshow talking to a Vauxhall guy (Opel guy I should say) and I learned that the new Astra got... a 48 liter fuel tank... car manufacturers are getting ridiculous... I'm pretty sure that petrol companies are on the same page with car companies... to make drivers stop more often (or at least, not less than before)
Wow. I suppose the astra isn't a rep class mobile, so you could argue it doesn't need a 70l tank. However it would annoy me, as when I'm not doing lots of miles i like to visit the pump once a month. I'm lazy in that way.
The cynic in me would say they are reducing the tank to save wight and artificially bump their emissions stats.
What is worse than the reduction in tank size, is they are stopping making the GTC. the chassis they have on that is superb, it's why I choise the 2015 one I got last September. But now we need somthing bigger and the Leon st FR ticks all the boxes of both the practicality of the laguna estate we had for years, and the fun of the GTC we currently own.
Just wish I figured that out 12 months ago!
I have this car the fr estate diesel only done 600 miles with it and to me it feels like it is a petrol in 1st gear but in sport mode 1st feel like a diesel great car and has I said only done 600 miles and I get a warning light every so often low pressure rear back tyre and when you go through the settings you can sort but every know and again comes back
My dad had the same problem in his Leon fr and his golf gti he said it went over time
Okay thanks pal
Which engine do you have. I test drove the leon St FR 184 DCT yesterday, (also a Skoda vRS 180, Seat won). I really liked it, it didn't feel much more spritey than my GTC 165 (smaller more agile car) , but the DCT box makes alot of defence, the box is great compared to the Vauxhall GTC auto box.
It's now top of my next car list, we need to go back to an estate, or cross over, and I refuse to go crossover of 4x4.
The one to get would be the 1.8 TSI, that would come with independent rear suspension.
Yes I confirm ;-) !
does de 150 hp diesel also have that independent rear suspension?
No, only the diesel 184hp and petrol 180hp.
SkizomanX thx
I have the 1.8 and the handling is amazing. Although it's awful on fuel. I get around 28-32mpg at a push.
To all Seat owners here, i am wondering what's the build quality . For example does the car remain silent after time, or does it start to have those annoying squeaky noises from the plastics, or seats etc etc
I have owned mine for almost a couple years now (and it had been at the dealeship waiting for an owner for another year, it´s from 2015). I guess you don´t need the input anymore but anyway I am giving it
So the car has yet to start giving me any sort of sound trouble and believe, I always listen to the car for the first few kilometers to make sure everything is in top condition. Surprised by the build quality and quite happy. You could argue owners always try to defend thei decission but I would it again in a heartbeat.
If anything, I got used to the 150hp and while I have NEVER needed more to take over or get to 200kph, I am feeling the call from the Cupra.
after 20k kilometers, plastics start to make noises, especially sunroof area. Its build quality is worse than golf, keep that in mind.
Is car keys doing a review of the upcoming 2017 seat Leon facelift?
Hopefully in the new year Hammi!
Great review. torn between the 1.4 petrol and 2.0 tdi. Any suggestions anyone?
We think it depends what you will be using your Leon for really? The petrol would be best if you are looking for a funner drive with a mix of A and B roads but the diesel will serve you best for long motorway stints. Contact our experts for more help: news.carkeys.co.uk/Contact-Us Hopefully they can save you a few quid too :)
184 diesel... A load more torque and it has a quicker 0-60 as well as in gear performance. Plus, a lot more efficient and independent rear suspension.
Jack GE thanks for the message. Ended up getting the 2.0 diesel (148 BHP) due to finding one locally in my chosen spec etc. No regrets. Lovely all-rounder.
Kris Donnelly glad to hear you're happy with your decision! How is the 148 in terms of power?
Jack GE For me it's ideal. The power is pretty constant through the revs and if you put your foot down there's more than you need.
Biggest surprise for me, from moving from a 1.6 petrol vtech engine, is the power available whilst returning a comfortable 55+ MPG and £30 p/a road tax in the UK. No regrets from trading in my beloved Honda!!
I have the 1.8 FR which does have independent rear suspension. Mine's the estate version. I'm very happy with how the car looks and drives. I think Seat have built a really good car in this sector.
what sort of mpg are you getting from your leon 1.8tsi.?
Economy is about as expected. on longer journeys where I drive for good economy I get about 50mpg. I can even get 40mpg round town if I'm not in traffic and use 5th gear at 30mph. if I drive more spiritedly then 20 to 30 is more accurate.
Thank you for the reply.. I've currently got a VW CC 2.0tdi beautiful car but to big for my needs now. Its only the 140hp engine I find you have to work the gearbox because of turbo lag which seems like its got worse since the emission scandal update with has been carried out on my car so it was time to get rid.
I will stop waffling on I've ordered my leon test drove the 184 diesel but went with the petrol 179bhp as it's a tiny bit quicker next to no turbo lag and also has the DSG box miss the petrol engines.
Just wanted to compare real world mpg figures. thanks
2.0 tdi with 181 brake is the one you want.
im buying one next week 😁
Cool Ian, great car. It might be worth having a chat with the lads on our team, we probably can save you a few quid...
www.carkeys.co.uk/contact-us?ckytc
Nice one thanks
Im male and never said this before: this guy is a good looking guy 😅
please review the Honda civic coupe 2016!
We can't get hold of one, they're for the American market. Did you see the hatchback review? bit.ly/2cmIZLq
It’s my next car
It's annoying when presenters mention alternative cars as being better but never name them.
Anyone got MPG for strictly motorway driving pushing 70-80mph?
Getting 72.5 mpg out of mine at around 70mph on cruise control !...150 tdi manual
When you have seen Mat Watsons reviews all other car reviewers seem lacking :/
Thanks for watching Mat
are you from liverpool?
Sort of...
If your requirement is neither for a 'fire-eating dragon', nor for a 'flame-thrower', but just for a nice-looking, roomy, comfortable car that can deal competently with all your varied A to B requirements, then the 1.2 petrol, 105 bhp version (which I have) seems identical in all important respects to the FR version described here. All the dashboard elements, boot space, sat nav, even the cubby hole/arm rest thing between the two front seats, all the same. Perhaps the FR version displays flamboyant red stitching on its seats, but that is just vanity. And why was someone standing over the car with a watering can in this video? Call me a spoilsport, but I require my car to be a car - not a beast.
So this is what Tyger Drew-Honey is doing these days.
My friends just bought this car. Its amazing. Prefer this to a mercedes.
Would't change my Leon for any BMW or Mercedes. Leon is way sexier. I don't care at all if BMW or Mercedes have more reputation or class. Some people won't understand it. Leon will be still the sexiest.
Nice car but I still prefer the polo gti
You're not the first person to say that, why do you prefer it Ross?
I prefer the new polos to the golf's, the golf got big and fat . The Polo fits it shape and proportions better than the recent golf's.
Polo gti is closer to the original golf gti in both size and feel. I'm a fan. To small for me, but if I was in the hot (ish) hatch market and younger, I'd get the Polo over the golf.
this boy isn't old enough to drive??! surely! 😂
Yes we're hiring underage drivers to make illegal videos.
Don't tell anyone, you look like a snitch! 😂
The plural of 'pound' is 'pounds'.
Not if you're scouse it's not! ;)
Wszystko fajnie - ale te gile na kierownicy - ble
T
Seat (🪑) Leon (👱🏻♂️) Fr (For real)
you're cute... 😳
well I have now had a leon st 2.0 tdi 184 fr for the last 6 month. wow just wow.. not bored at all with driving it. power on demand , with a little turbo lag when push hard unless around 3000rmp. Economy averaging 39-41mpg 70%A roads .. just amazing specially in sport mode.. 😊
well I have now had a leon st 2.0 tdi 184 fr for the last 6 month. wow just wow.. not bored at all with driving it. power on demand , with a little turbo lag when push hard unless around 3000rmp. Economy averaging 39-41mpg 70%A roads .. just amazing specially in sport mode.. 😊