Mk3 Seat Leon FR Model Confusion

[dr_gn]

All, further to this thread:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I think I've decided to narrow the search down to a Mk3 Leon FR, as a slightly cheaper alternative to an equivalent Golf.

Question is, there seem to be a lot of variations on the FR engine range, which is causing me some confusion, particularly between the 1.4 and 1.5 engines. The performance figures don't seem to match the power outputs, especially with reference to the specs given in Auto Trader adverts. Another example is in the Parker's guide, where the 1.4 engine isn't mentioned at all under the options for the mk.3:

https://www.parkers.co.uk/seat/leon/hatchback-2013...

I'm looking for 0-60 in about 8 seconds - I think that's the 1.4 TSI FR version, but not sure.

Was this version available with DSG, if so, is it reliable - indeed how is reliability for the whole car with that engine?

Looking to spend <£10k on a hatchback version, with ideally less than 50,000 miles.

[alock]

To add to the confusion, the higher powered FR models had the better fully independent rear suspension, where's the lower powered ones didn't.

[Hoofy]

I do find some of these sites eg Autotrader can be a bit off with the performance stats or confusing at best eg from memory, the Mercedes C320 vs the CLK320 for one variation - the 0-60 was worse than the C230k for the CLK but better for the C320 (same engines!), which suggests to me that there was a data entry error.

As for auto or DSG, I think they are all DSG for VAG cars from around 2005. DSGs are brilliant auto boxes although they can go wrong. Worthwhile knowing where your local DSG specialist is. I understand the electronics can go wrong which can result in a "reasonable" cost to fix (vs replacing or refurbing the gearbox itself!). https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Find your local DSG specialist and ask them how much they might charge (or at least see if they have their prices on their website).

[dr_gn]

alock said:

To add to the confusion, the higher powered FR models had the better fully independent rear suspension, where's the lower powered ones didn't.

As things stand, I could find a great car on A/T, but not know what it's performance actually is. The same model type can give different figures depending on where I look (even on Auto Trader, their spec list gives totally different figures for identically named cars).

[Drive Blind]

both the 1.4 and 1.5 were available in different power outputs.

The one you want is the higher 150PS output. As well as having more performance this is the COD/ACT - cylinder on demand - engine than can run in 2 cylinder mode. So more performance and more economy. win, win. Yes these are available with the DSG gearbox, manual is more common though.

The independent rear suspension and bigger brakes you get on the models over 180PS, thats the 1.8/2.0 petrol FR, 184 diesel and the cupras

There was a facelift in 2017. The smaller front fogs, bigger nav screen and electronic handbrake identify these.

I ran a 184 diesel for 3 years and 50K miles, manual though, No experience of the dsgs

Edited by Drive Blind on Friday 8th March 12:04

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

both the 1.4 and 1.5 were available in different power outputs.

The one you want is the higher 150PS output. As well as having more performance this is the COD/ACT - cylinder on demand - engine than can run in 2 cylinder mode. So more performance and more economy. win, win. Yes these are available with the DSG gearbox, manual is more common though.

The independent rear suspension and bigger brakes you get on the models over 180PS, thats the 1.8/2.0 petrol FR, 184 diesel and the cupras

There was a facelift in 2017. The smaller front fogs, bigger nav screen and electronic handbrake identify these.

I ran a 184 diesel for 3 years and 50K miles, manual though, No experience of the dsgs

Edited by Drive Blind on Friday 8th March 12:04

Thanks, so overall, the 1.5 TSI FR (150 ps) is the one to go for, either manual or DSG? Was that available only after a certain year?

What about the sub-variants of the FR, like ECO etc? Any real difference in performance?

Thanks.

[Terzo123]

dr_gn said:

Drive Blind said:

both the 1.4 and 1.5 were available in different power outputs.

The one you want is the higher 150PS output. As well as having more performance this is the COD/ACT - cylinder on demand - engine than can run in 2 cylinder mode. So more performance and more economy. win, win. Yes these are available with the DSG gearbox, manual is more common though.

The independent rear suspension and bigger brakes you get on the models over 180PS, thats the 1.8/2.0 petrol FR, 184 diesel and the cupras

There was a facelift in 2017. The smaller front fogs, bigger nav screen and electronic handbrake identify these.

I ran a 184 diesel for 3 years and 50K miles, manual though, No experience of the dsgs

Edited by Drive Blind on Friday 8th March 12:04

Thanks, so overall, the 1.5 TSI FR (150 ps) is the one to go for, either manual or DSG? Was that available only after a certain year?

What about the sub-variants of the FR, like ECO etc? Any real difference in performance?

Thanks.

FR is just a trim level really.

The 1.4 COD engine is meant to be better than the newer 1.5, especially when DSG is added into the mix. There have been complaints of issues when pulling out of junctions with the 1.5 DSG. I've no personal experience of this, so i would check this out yourself.

I've ran the 1.4 ACT 150bhp engine in two cars now, both manuals, an Audi A3 from 2015 to 2018 (about 20k miles done from new) and a Seat Leon from 2018 till present (done about 50k miles in that time)

I've had no major issues with either, although wish i had bought a FR with the Tech pack as it comes with better headlights, sat nav and a few other things.

[Drive Blind]

changeover from the 1.4 to 1.5 was 2018 i think.

having a quick shufty ont 'trader I dont think you will get what you want for under £10K, 150bhp FR, dsg, under 50K miles.
Loads more to choose from if you go manual.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

changeover from the 1.4 to 1.5 was 2018 i think.

having a quick shufty ont 'trader I dont think you will get what you want for under £10K, 150bhp FR, dsg, under 50K miles.
Loads more to choose from if you go manual.

Thanks both.

Manual isn’t a problem really, but would be nice.

I’ve also read about the 1.5 ‘kangarooing’ issue.

So a pre-18 1.4 (150 ps) TSI FR (or variation on FR) is the one - I think.

[Drive Blind]

Can you get by with only 3 doors? Again this opens up more options.

I like this one > click

facelift, 18's, got the super rare alcantara seat option. Colour will be marmite tho

or this one

18s plus looks like its got the convenience pack = auto lights. wipers, auto dimm rear view mirror. Pre 2017 so £30 road tax.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

Can you get by with only 3 doors? Again this opens up more options.

I like this one > click

facelift, 18's, got the super rare alcantara seat option. Colour will be marmite tho

or this one

18s plus looks like its got the convenience pack = auto lights. wipers, auto dimm rear view mirror. Pre 2017 so £30 road tax.

Yes, definitely need the 5 doors (family of 4, son is 6’).

The red one looks spot-on apart from slightly high price. Would that have the cylinder cutting feature?

Thanks.

[Drive Blind]

yes, the red one is the 150 model with the cylinder cut feature.

[dr_gn]

Drive Blind said:

yes, the red one is the 150 model with the cylinder cut feature.

Very odd - when I put all the relevant filters into A/T, or even put a few keywords into the Leon search, that one never appears.

[Glosphil]

You don't have to go pre-2018.

My 1.4TSi ACT 150hp DSG FR Technology is a July 2018 car. The facelift mk3.5 has brighter LED headlamps than sarlier cars. All lights are LED except reversing light which is poor - bulb can be changed for a brighter LED bulb.

I bought the Leon because the same age Golf had changed to the 1.5 engine. Also the Leon was cheaper. When the warranty ran out I bought the Seat 2-yesr all in 1 deal. £28/month for warranty, 2 services & MOTs & break-down assistance.

Edited by Glosphil on Friday 8th March 22:55