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Seat Leon FR
The Seat Leon has added the sportier FR version to its range.
The Leon maintains the essence that made it an object of desire for those who believe in driving when it was first released on the road.
Already arguably the most dynamic looking hot hatch, the arrival of the new FR sees the Leon step up another gear in the visual
department with a host of sporty design touches. The changes include the side mirrors, new rear window (which is the whole width of the
hatch now), revised air intakes and a smaller front grille. The taillights are smaller, too. There is a finely tuned sport suspension,
17'' Albea alloy wheels, a new front bumper in body colour, a double chromed exhaust pipe, a gearshift knob and three spoke leather steering
wheel with the FR logo, and molded sport seats with the exclusive FR upholstery and FR logo.
The bigger news lies beneath the bonnet,
with a fettled engine range. Conversely, this same VW Jetta, with the upcoming TDI engine, should come in at about 140 horsepower/ 236 lbs of
torque. It is a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder (.5 liter smaller and one less cylinder than the base-model Jetta), yet the diesel only loses 10
horsepower and improves on the gasser by 66 lbs of torque. And although it is rather peaky, the diesel packs plenty of punch, and its torquey
nature means you don't need to change gear too often. The petrol Leon FR gets a new engine, too, in the shape of the new 208bhp 2-litre TSI
which is seemingly the same engine as in the new VW Golf GTI. There's also a 158bhp 1.8-litre TSI petrol if you want performance from the next
rung down the Leon ladder.
You can feel the difference technology makes in the new Seat Leon FR. It comes in the form of the ultra-new
XDS - standard on the Leon FR - an advanced traction control system that is linked to our Electronic Stability Program (ESP), providing each
wheel with just the right amount of pressure to maximize traction and improve response throughout the curve. Meaning, the wheels of the Leon
FR can go at different speeds when they need to - keeping you on the road in dynamic fashion.
Consumption in normal road use and a city
connected with the air conditioning was 7.3 l/100 km. To travel 300 km on highway and two-way road at an average of 106 km / h with some changes
of pace because of traffic, has spent 7.0 l/100 km. Consumption on the combined cycle is also minor (7,8 liters per 100 kilometers compared to
7,9 of the manual model).
Inside the Leon FR there's the new instrument cluster with new white dial design that glows a piercing red when
the lights are on. The FR also has a new radio CD MP3 with controls in the steering wheel, 8 speakers and a combined USB/Aux-in port (CUP).
Of course being a Seat there are no real reliability issues. Seat is part of the VW/Audi group, and is assembled with the same care and
competence. The Reliability Index says Seat perform better than most with respect to the frequency and costs of repairs.
The boot release is the rear Seat badge, but once the tailgate is lifted, the Leon's decent sized 341-litre boot is exposed.
It's not class-leading, but big enough for a couple of suitcases (fold the seats and space expands to 1,166 litres)
After test driving the Seat Leon FR you'll agree with Jeremy Clarkson; British speed limits need to be increased!
The Leon FR will arrive in the UK in July 2009.
Book your test drive in the Seat Leon FR at Motorparks.co.uk
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