SEAT Leon FR (06 on) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on 11 January 2007

Last Updated: 28 February 2012

The Leon FR is the stepping stone between the standard Leon range and the performance Cupra version. It's available with two excellent engines - a 2.0 T FSI that's identical to the one in the 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI and a 2.0 TDI with 170bhp. This diesel FR is actually the most popular model in the entire Leon range and it offers a great blend of punchy in-gear performance and economy of more than 47mpg. Whichever engine you choose, the FR is hugely enjoyable to drive with responsive steering and great cornering ability. The one downside is a very firm ride which can crash over bumps and struggles on rough roads. In 2009 the FR was revised (along with the rest of the Leon range) and both engines were upgraded while the interior was given a more upmarket feel. Crucially, ride comfort was also dramatically improved. In September 2011 SEAT widened the FR range with the introduction of lower-powered petrol and diesel engines while the more powerful options became designated as FR+ models.

4.5 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£18,520 - £23,860

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Used price range:

£6,175 - £19,208

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Striking styling, sharp handling, sporty image, available with a TDI engine

Stiff suspension can be uncomfortable, pre-2009 diesel is frugal but noisy

Driving & Performance

Performance

4.5 out of 5
"There are two engines available in the FR. The first is a 2.0T FSI - an engine shared with the 2005..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"The FR builds on the sporty driving characteristics of the standard Leon but adds stiffer sports..."

Comfort

Comfort

3.5 out of 5
"The biggest gripe with the FR is it's extremely stiff ride. It can be very uncomfortable on bumpy..."
Practicality

3.5 out of 5
"Thanks to cleverly concealed rear door handles, the Leon FR looks like a coupe, but in fact it's a..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"The Leon FR comes well equipped considering its price tag. Standard equipment includes dual-zone..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"The FR feels suitably sporty from the driver's seat before even starting the engine thanks to the..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"The FR will hold its value well and as it's keenly priced, it represents one of the better buys in..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"The Leon FR performs well on the eco front helped by the fact there is a diesel model. The 2.0 TDI..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

3.5 out of 5
"The Leon gained a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating but other hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and..."
Reliability

4.5 out of 5
"Thanks to the use of Volkswagen components the Leon has proved reliable. There can be occasional..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3.5 out of 5
"While the FR is good value given its performance and high equipment levels, this does mean it's..."
Buying used

4.5 out of 5
"Thanks to its popularity, there's no shortage of FR models on the second hand market. Unusually for..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"SEAT's reputation on the second hand market is growing all the time and it's been helped no end by..."