Any Own The New Seat Leon FR?

delboyuk2005uk · 29-11-2008, 3:56 PM

I will be buying one of these cars next year.

I am leaning towards the TDI FR version as it does the better mpg. Now with diesel being more expensive than petroel should I re think and go for the petreol version?

My commute to work and back is around 50 miles every day 5 days an week. This is manily motorway miles also say 40/50 miles are motorway.

So what am basically asking is if any one got the TDI and TSI version how many miles do you get out of a full tank? Also what kind of driving do you do?

Lezman · 29-11-2008, 4:45 PM

I've had one since March this year (TDi FR).

I do around 20 each way to work every day on the motorway and get around 43 mpg (I drive fairly reasonably- not much flooring of the pedal, 75 mph).

If I do a long drive (100+ miles) I get around 50mpg driving nicely.

On average I get 470-500 miles out of a tank, 80% smart driving and 20% flooring it (that torque is just too much fun

).

So pretty similar to you in terms of day to day stuff.

SteveTDCI · 29-11-2008, 4:59 PM

have a look on seatcuprsnet, i think the 2.0t gives around 28mpg. The 170 seems to suffer from the DPF issue so if you do lots of stop start stuff then you might want to consider something else. Or custom code are developing a DPF + remap claimed to give a little over 220bhp which sounds fun !

delboyuk2005uk · 29-11-2008, 7:13 PM

Well looks like 28mpg is out of the question for the TSI model then. I get about 380-400 miles out my Focus 1.6 zetec now, So would not want to do less than that per tank really.

delboyuk2005uk · 29-11-2008, 7:14 PM

Whats an DPF issue?

BIG ARG · 29-11-2008, 7:49 PM

The DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. Basicaly it collects the soot then using the engine power ie more fuel. Heats the DPF to burn the soot away. Problems have been known if the regeneration phase is not carried out properly. You have to keep the engine running at a higher limit than normal. I think about 2500 rev for approx 20 mins ( Or go for an extended drive home, burning more fuel). If this is not done the DPF sends the engine into limp home mode. And best of all Seat will not cover this under warranty as you have failed to carry out the proper maintenance. And it's not cheap. It is one of the things putting me of getting one off these cars. And I really like them and would easily be able to carry out the regeneration phase. But think of having to explain that to somone when you try and sell the car later.
Seat have no info as to when the next generation of Common rail engines are coming either. At a guess it would be when the next Leon comes out.

Some info maybe slightly technically incorrect but I hope it gives you a better understanding. Check out the Seat forums for more info.

SEAT Forum : SEAT Enthusiasts • View forum - Leon Mk2

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) : Diesel particulate filters - The AA

Lezman · 29-11-2008, 8:12 PM

I thought Seat covered the DPF?

Must say I've never seen the light coming on either way.

SteveTDCI · 29-11-2008, 11:41 PM

I think the DPF is classed as a service part and whilst sometimes they will help clean the filter they won't cover the cost of replacing it. It also has a life span and needs replacing at a certain mileage. REmoving it will make all of the issues go away !

delboyuk2005uk · 30-11-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lezman

I thought Seat covered the DPF?

Must say I've never seen the light coming on either way.

What do you think of the leon you got an mini review

Lezman · 01-12-2008, 11:24 AM

I really like it. The torque and handling are great (or I think they are anyway, I haven't driven other fast cars to compare).
The ride is quite hard, which I like as it makes it fun to drive but the missus complains when in the passenger seat as she gets thrown around a little

The seats are nice and snug I think they are brilliant and I've done 400 odd miles in a day and not had any problems.

The cons are you can tell that the build quality is lower when compared to the golf/A3 (but it is way cheaper). The road noise on the motorway is quite intrusive although no problems if you turn the music up.

The only really annoying thing is that I get condensation build up on the inside of the windscreen when left overnight. If it then freezes scraping ice of the inside of you car is less than amusing. But thats really the only complaint I have, and that is null if you have a garage.

delboyuk2005uk · 01-12-2008, 7:54 PM

Maybe your windscreen aint fitted perfectly, get that looked at.

What colour is yours I cant see pass the red at the moment. Are you happy with the TDI version or do you now wish you got the TSI version instead?

TameRacingDriver · 01-12-2008, 8:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delboyuk2005uk

Well looks like 28mpg is out of the question for the TSI model then. I get about 380-400 miles out my Focus 1.6 zetec now, So would not want to do less than that per tank really.

You should get way more than 28 MPG out of a TSI doing the kind of decent runs that you are saying. Probably more like 40++ MPG, TBH.

SteveTDCI · 01-12-2008, 8:27 PM

I get 45 + on long runs out of my TDi general use it seems the TFSi struggles to get into the thirties. If you go on seatcupranet most of them have a mpg indicator in there signitures thats worked out from fuel put in

Lezman · 01-12-2008, 8:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delboyuk2005uk

Maybe your windscreen aint fitted perfectly, get that looked at.

What colour is yours I cant see pass the red at the moment. Are you happy with the TDI version or do you now wish you got the TSI version instead?

Yeah I will do, I do think its a fault with the windscreen. Mine's a company car so will give the dealer a call this week.

I have the zenith grey, with the 17 inch wheels. It does look great when clean, but I dearly dearly wish I had gone for the red with the 18 inch wheels.
It just looks brilliant.

Its company, so whilst I would love the TFSI I had no choice but the TDI.

baldrick · 01-12-2008, 9:38 PM

The condensation issue might be solved by setting the a/c to footwell before you turn the engine off!?!?

I can't comment about the new Leon but I had the old Cupra R and it was a really nice car but got traded in a second of a RenaultSport Clio Trophy.

The crash safety on the old Leon was pretty good, I cart-wheeled one and walked away from it with a couple of bruises!!!!

As far as MPG goes the old car had the 1.8 turbo tuned to 225BHP and it struggled to deliver 30MPG. On a spirited run I could have it down in the teens!!!

dts_boy · 03-12-2008, 12:43 PM

i've got the TDI FR and overall i would say i am just satisfied. the ride is quite hard, bit too crashy but its manageable. the build quality is pretty average inside with cheap plastics and no padding on door card (one of my main gripes!)
its a great car to drive and handles really well - will keep a grin on your face on the a/b roads.
my reliability has been a bit crap though - in the 18 months of owning it, its been in for repair/warranty work 5 times now. silly things like the throttle sensor, dpf issues, exhaust sensor and a couple of niggles like rattles and wing mirror motors being sorted under the warranty.
when it drives without issue i'm happy but recently been thinking about changing it - not sure what to but have my eyes open for a cheapish 5series

SteveTDCI · 03-12-2008, 7:43 PM

koni FSD dampers should sort the ride out, if I keep the A3 thats what i'm going to fit as the ride is even worse on the S Line compared to the FR

delboyuk2005uk · 10-01-2009, 11:06 PM

I need to know how many miles I will get out of an full tank for:

Seat Leon TSI FR

and

Seat Leon TDI FR.

Anyone own these models give me an rough idea how many miles you get out of your full tank?

shodan · 11-01-2009, 8:41 AM

I love the Cupra and Leon range but having seen the K1 the other day on the A127, I've my heart set on one of them in a few years. (As if I won't change my mind before I change my car!!!).

SteveTDCI · 11-01-2009, 10:45 AM

If it helps my remapped DSG 140 A3 is currently covering 32mpg ( 370ish to 52 litres) it was nearer 38mpg ( 420ish to 52 litres) during the warmer months, my manual Golf 140ps again remapped would cover 480 to 52 litres the leon has a same size tank (55 litres ) i'd expect the figures for the 170 Leon to be around 38mpg. Look on seatcupra net for more info.

delboyuk2005uk · 25-01-2009, 1:05 PM

Pretty much thinking of the Seat Leon FR and having ine every day now. How much are these going for roughly 2nd hand now?

Looking more at the TDI FR with no more than 30k miles on it.

My 52 plate focus 1.6 zetec 3door 87k miles, what will I get for this on trade in. Hopefully 2k if am lucky.

I presume there will be an huge difference in mpg between the petreol and deisel versions?

Thats the sticking point for me to choose one over the other.

Mates say diesel costs more so it should even it self out. I reckon the diesel will still be cheaper to run.

SteveTDCI · 25-01-2009, 1:09 PM

I think FR's start around 10k although if you are looking at finance then you might want to consider new, you can pick one up for 15k and get 0% although I don't know what the deposit is. If I had to choose between the 2 i'd probably go for the petrol as there are quite a few issues with the DPF on the 170

delboyuk2005uk · 25-01-2009, 2:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveTDCI

I think FR's start around 10k although if you are looking at finance then you might want to consider new, you can pick one up for 15k and get 0% although I don't know what the deposit is. If I had to choose between the 2 i'd probably go for the petrol as there are quite a few issues with the DPF on the 170

Where can I get 0% finance?

SteveTDCI · 25-01-2009, 6:27 PM

seat dealers were offering it, although I cannot find it on the website now.

delboyuk2005uk · 25-01-2009, 6:58 PM

Thank you! I can see myself spendimg more time on these forums. I seen an Seat Leon TSI FR with an LPG conversion the other day. Should I even consider touching this or is it to risky incase things go wrong?

SteveTDCI · 25-01-2009, 10:31 PM

could be worth it, just make sure its a proper conversion and has been installed by a qualified conversion company you should get a certificate with it. Your insurnace company would also need to know and if you use the channel tunnel you won't be able to use it anymore with an LPG converted car. Oh and with LPG being on 50p a litre then it will work out more fun than the TDi, just don't pay any extra for the car, certainly not the conversion cost circa £1000-1500 above the cost of a standard car.

sianba · 26-01-2009, 11:27 AM

Hi
I own a Leon FR170TDI and referance to the DPF i find this is more hyped up then it really is, i personally have never had this issue and therefore cant comment on it, but from a Seat Forum people who do have this issue just say that if it occurs give the car a good burn ie 60mph for a couple of mins to burn the soot away and all ok.

But personally the Leon 170TDI is the best car i have had and if you require any info let us know and ill try to answer them for you if you still unsure.

Sianba

SteveTDCI · 26-01-2009, 6:00 PM

it might be but it didn't stop VW issuing a statment saying that the 170 shouldn't really be considered if living on the channel islands

still get the DPF removed and it remapped

delboyuk2005uk · 26-01-2009, 6:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sianba

Hi
I own a Leon FR170TDI and referance to the DPF i find this is more hyped up then it really is, i personally have never had this issue and therefore cant comment on it, but from a Seat Forum people who do have this issue just say that if it occurs give the car a good burn ie 60mph for a couple of mins to burn the soot away and all ok.

But personally the Leon 170TDI is the best car i have had and if you require any info let us know and ill try to answer them for you if you still unsure.

Sianba

I think the TDI version is for me. How many miles do you get out of an full tank?

I keep hearing this DPF issue what is it and should I worry about it?