Seat Leon 2.0 TDI or 1.5 TSI?

[Kendall83]

I'm looking to buy a 2l Leon Fr Sport, preferably diesel purely because its what I'm used to having owning a mini cooper sd. I drive between 10-12k a year but do tend to do long trips several times a year.

Speaking to a dealership I'm being told a 1. 5 TSI petrol would be similar in terms of performance. I'm looking at used models generally between 2017-2019.

I've been lucky enough to drive a top spec cupra estate for a while so am chasing the experience and look of that but within a budget I can afford!

Can anyone give me their experience/advice of which might be better in terms of 'fun' with the 2l TDI or 1.5 TSI? Is there much in it? Being bamboozled with sales speak and would appreciate first hand, genuine advice!

[Drive Blind]

the 2l diesels come in 2 flavours, the 150 and the 184.
Besides the extra performance the 184's also get bigger brakes and the fully independent rear suspension over the 150's.

Manual or DSG? No personal experience but lots of online negative views of the 1.5 + DSG, mainly around clumsy, jerky progress at low speeds.

[Kendall83]

That's really helpful, thanks.

Not fussed - most that I'm finding in my price range are manual. The negative reviews you mention would be enough to put me off the 1. 5 DSG though...

[Terzo123]

Cant really speak for the 1.5, but ive been running a 1.4 COD 150bhp manual for the past 7 years. 3 years in an A3, 4 years in a Leon FR. Its a great wee engine, and given the mileage your doing, would be ideally suited.

50mpg is easily achievable on the motorway.

[Glosphil]

Never understood the comments that DSG is jerky. Have driven 2 cars of my own with DSG a number of similar cars - none exhibited jerkiness.

I'm impressed with my current 2018 Leon FR 1.4TSi with DSG that has an overall average of 45.5mpg & on londer journeys manages over 50mpg. A recent journey from Stroud to St Davids (Pembrokeshire) & back totalling 342 miles showed 52.6mpg & I don't drive for economy.

[MrGTI6]

I've got the 2.0TDI in 150bhp guise in my Golf. It's done 14k in over 6 years but no issues.

It averages 61mpg in mostly urban driving and the gearing is great if you do lots of motorway miles. Mine's £20 a year to tax as well, though I don't think later models benefit from that.

[Welshbeef]

Unless the TSI I drove wanst in good condition the engine really didn’t sound great. In fact the TDI would be better.

Things to consider now though
Diesel is £1.80 a ltr
Petrol is £1.65/68 a ltr
Big difference.

Far more diesels will be available as they sold more diesel over TSI so options / availability will be different.

[missing the VR6]

I worked for VAG for 10/11 years and drove various 1.4/1.5 TSI 2.0TDI, I'd go 2.0TDI simply because of the torque in real world driving situations. Current family car is a 2.0TFSI with 252PS and it frustrates the hell out of me waiting for 5-6k revs before it gets going.

[Kendall83]

Thanks all. I'm going to look at a 2.0tdi 184bhp and give it a test drive... Its helpful to heard all your views, thanks.

[Welshbeef]

missing the VR6 said:

I worked for VAG for 10/11 years and drove various 1.4/1.5 TSI 2.0TDI, I'd go 2.0TDI simply because of the torque in real world driving situations. Current family car is a 2.0TFSI with 252PS and it frustrates the hell out of me waiting for 5-6k revs before it gets going.

POWER - show me the POWER.