View Full Version : Wait over - its here! 2.0TDI Sport observations
paradyne
30-11-2005, 23:51
Today I picked up my Leon 2.0TDI Sport. :)
After what seemed a lengthy paper filling in excercise I checked over the car with the dealer and the keys were mine.
Kicked myself for not negotiating a set of mats when I did the deal initially, and the official Seat set cost me circa £45.
It was the first time I'd seen the Lluvia Blue on the Leon and I'd been been slightly nervous of the choice, even though I'd briefly seen the colour on an Ibiza. I shouldn't have worried as its exactly what I wanted and looked great. (pics tomorrow in daylight)
I jumped in the car, adjusted the drivers seat and started up. The delay for the glowplug is almost non existent... a pleasant surprise and it fired up instantly.
I got just out the dealers into traffic and it felt weird - maybe I should have moved the steering wheel position ;)
Drove it round the block feeling a bit awkward and decided to pull over and rectify, much better whens its in the right place.
I'm fairly tall at 6'3" and had the seat all the way down, the front pillars don't bother me at all but I have found that the rear view mirror does slightly obstruct my view to the left causing me to shift my head to get the best view.
Coming from a V5 Toledo with its near silent tickover it seemed noisy, though not to bad for a diesel - at least I know its still running! Power delivery is effortless in all but top gear, I seemed to be in 5th most of the time. The gate on the gearbox needs a bit more precision than I was used to but I quickly got the hang of it. Running in should be a breeze given that going over 4000rpm isn't needed thanks to all that low down torque and I've not needed to change my driving style.
Handling is fantastic and the car feels really planted on the tarmac. Tyres are the Bridgestones. I had concerns after reading comment of the ride being too firm, but my driving on some of the very poor local roads removed the worry. Its taught and connected with the road and not at all jarring. Overall very happy with the sporty feel. Steering is a pleasant weight and its turns in beautifully.
I chose the MP3 option (£25) for the radio on the basis that it was more flexible and massively cheaper than the cd changer. I turned on the radio for the first time and its sounded decidely average, definately not as good as the Aura set in the Toledo. That was until I got an MP3 cd loaded and fiddled with the basic EQ. Someone had pumped up the mid range and dropped the bass. Yuk. It needed a healthy dose of treble (+5) the mid setting to 0 and the bass at +2. Faded 2 clicks to the rear. Massively better. Bizarrely there is no way to enable "Loudness" (which you can get on the American models) but I reckon my manual EQ settings are close to that. I love the steering wheel controls for safety and useability. Without hearing the head unit with uprated speakers its difficult to score but I'd call it 7/10.
Another option was the auto dimming mirror (neat) and auto lights and rain sensor. Rain sensor worked really well to control the wiper speed (it rained tonight) going from slow intermittent to a constant wipe automatically. I enjoyed not having to think about toggling between wipe speeds. Washers spray out a really fine fan shaped mist which is cool to watch and clens very well.
Bi-Xenon lights. Ever since I was a passenger in a mates VW Polo GTI with xenons I was converted. That bright white with a hint of blue really cuts into the darkness. Full beam is very good and on dipped I seemed to have a lot more light than the Philips Vision Plus bulbs I ran in the Toledo.
I've clocked up nearly 100 miles on day one and can't wait to do some more.
If you've any specific questions, ask away :D
nice one m8 - sounds a cracker
as for noise itll quieten down as you run it in and plus diesels are noisy when cold anyway - have a listen after it's fully warmed up - should be a lot quieter
got any pics ? not seen that colour yet
paradyne
01-12-2005, 09:05
I'll get some pics up soon as I can.
I forgot it was a diesel this morning, just turned the key and it started instantly.
The remote unlocks the driver door only on the first push of the open button, and all doors on a second click within 2 seconds. Got in the car twice and wondered why my other half was waiting to get in till I remembered to open the door... lol
BTW if you have the bluetooth option and therefore the larger MFD in the dash, you can change a few car parameters like the coming home light delay and more, I figure you can only do the changes with an OBD lead and software otherwise.
i can see one of these bad boys becoming my sted of choice once my 1.8T fun is over.
What wheels you got, the 16's, don't forget, give it a few more miles and that engine is gona feel like a ripper. Very nice.
Also don't forget to check your oil regulalry, diesels can be buggers at using a lot on run in. My old tdi 130 used a litre in the first 1000 miles then nothing for th next 9000.
Do seat let you use the variable sevice on the new LEon or is it still fixed servicing.
Oh, do you need REVO's number yet???
Whats the Dash illuminate like,
good choice though!
paradyne
01-12-2005, 09:24
Hi Ant!
Its got the 17" wheels and 225 45s on it. Seems to be very grippy so far and I expect it will improve with the tyres being run in.
Brakes need bedding in, it'll pull up ok so far, but i'd like a bit more bite.
I bought a litre of oil when I collected it, knowing that its likely to use more than normal. Manual says to only use synthetic.
Servicing is the 10000 miles or year, whichever sooner.
Not sure about a Revo yet, perhaps next year when its freed up. :D
Dash illumination is great. Really crisp white backlighting (possibly white LED as it appeared whiter than bulb illumination) on the dials and the computer looks really sharp with the red text, much improver over the LCD on the old model. I always liked the red illumination in the Toledo, but this is way clearer overall.
Discovered a storage area under the front passenger seat (amazing how informative the manual is :D )
I have a couple of questions:
Is the larger MFD only fitted to models with Bluetooth?
How is the heater? :) During the winter I really hate my Leons climate control as it is only just going to full blast as I pull up in my parking space
Does the rear wiper squeak? Every Seat I have owned so far has had a noisy rear wiper.
I'd order one today if I had the money :(
paradyne
01-12-2005, 10:00
Hi JK1.
I think you only get the larger MFD with either bluetooth or the horrendously expensive sat nav.
Heater had warm air within about 5 mins, and hot within 10, not such a cold morning here though as earlier in the week and nothing to demist. I left the climate on auto.
Rear wiper is squeak free! Toggles on an off of a 6 second intermittent on the control stalk.
Nice choice - Have to say I'm thinking hard at the mo... Still like to see the car c/o a pic re the colour..
Enjoy..
Starbank
01-12-2005, 13:32
Huaaagely jealous Paradyne - but also delighted that you have collected your car and seem to be delighted with it!
My dealer called me yesterday and confirmed that my new Leon was put on the boat from Barcelona on Monday. Expects it to dock in Sheppey in 4 or 5 days - then 3-5 days transporting to Edinburgh. So hopefully I should have the car next weekend!
I will really miss the xenons on my mad Lupo - peculiarly they were not available as an option for the Reference Sport? Only way I can get them is by ordering and post fitting them when I get the car - which is something I will seriously consider if the standard lights are naff.
Have you noticed any rattles or squeaks (or is the clatter of the oil burner drowning them out! Only kidding!).
Glad to see that you like the sport suspension - I had read it was too firm in the motoring mags and couldn't really understand what the problem was! I'm really looking forward to driving the car on the west coast of scotland - there are some great driving B roads up there!
You mention the stereo sound quality - did you change the settings on the stereo or does the MP3 itself have sound controls?
Get some good pics posted!
paradyne
01-12-2005, 13:51
Hey Starbank, glad things are progressing on your car.
I didnt notice that the Ref Sport couldnt have xenon's - I suppose Seat thought that being the "budget" sport model that people were unlikely to pick the xenons to add on.
No rattles or squeaks at all which is good news.
Had a bit of dust in the car, specifically on the steering column cover but that wiped off easily. The New Car smell is almost intoxicating its so strong :drool:
Radio: I needed to fiddle with the treble, bass and mid to get it to my liking. Sounds good to my ears from cd and mp3. FM sounds compressed, but then it really is. I'll try my ipod with iTrip later and report on sound quality.
Several different sound settings can be memorised and accessed using the station preset buttons.
@Stu B. I'll have a couple of quick pics up later. I can have a fettle in photoshop and produce a special green edition for you if you like ;)
Starbank
01-12-2005, 14:15
Mmmm.....new car smell!!
I read in some motoring mag that the new car smell is actually quite toxic - all the fresh glues and chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
I wonder how LeakyTurnip is getting on with his??
I have thought of another question
The MP3 CD player how well does that work, is it basically a CD style playback of an MP3 CD or can you put playlists on the CD and put tracks in sub-folders?
I'll also be interested how the itrip works as I have just bought myself an iPod
Thanks
LeakyTurnip
01-12-2005, 14:41
I've been away in not so sunny and not so warm Denmark for a while, hence the lack of postings!!
Still really happy with the car. I got the AutoGlym Lifeshine applied to the car and it stays nice and shiny even when it's dirty...and it's much easier to clean too.
Still no rattles or sqeaks and I sort of expected some with this cold weather. The new car smell is still present and I know what you mean when you says it's strong. My tip is drive with the window down for the first little while.
which is something I will seriously consider if the standard lights are naff.
The lights seem fine to me, much better than the Ibiza's...
That'll do for now before someone in work spots me on the interweb...
paradyne
01-12-2005, 14:44
Heres a couple of shots of the car and one of the paint colour.
leon1 (http://www.paradynedsl.force9.co.uk/images/leon1.jpg)
leon2 (http://www.paradynedsl.force9.co.uk/images/leon2.jpg)
lluvia blue (http://www.paradynedsl.force9.co.uk/images/leon3.jpg)
The first shot, the camera was on auto white balance and looks more blue. The second two with the cam on overcast setting which look a little greener overall.
When I take some more I'll do a proper white balance, but the paintwork shot is fairly close.
paradyne
01-12-2005, 15:00
The MP3 works mostly like a cd player.
The disks I made I did with Nero and its MP3 disk format.
When you load the disk, the radio displays "reading" whilst it looks at the disk structure. Each folder on the disk becomes numbered, with the root of the disk being #1. below is a representation.
#1
|
-#2
| |
| -#3
|
-#4
Within each folder the tracks are numbered also.
When selecting a folder it scrolls the name on the display, and if the track has ID3 tags it will display the artist and track name. It works well enough.
On the second MP3 cd I made, I just put the album folder in the root rather than one level deeper in an artist folder. I think that makes it easier to navigate.
I haven't tried a playlist file yet and there was no mention of support in the manual.
Starbank
01-12-2005, 15:09
It's a nice colour matey!
Good to see the British weather has already christened the bodywork! You'll have to get the car shampoo, polish and wax out over the weekend!
Still only ever seen one new Leon on the road up here - soon to be two!
nice car btw :drool: does the headunit display id3 tags on the mfd display when u are navigating the cd ?
paradyne
01-12-2005, 15:44
does the headunit display id3 tags on the mfd display when u are navigating the cd ?
I don't have the larger MFD which may, but it doesn't show in the trip computer area.
ah so the larger mfd is only with bluetooth then
Starbank
01-12-2005, 16:21
Can we get a piccy of the dash and interior please!
I still cannot get the bluetooth phone book on to the cars system. Can use the bluetooth but not the phone book. Just says phone book empty.
Going to nip into Seat next week and get them to fix it.
I have got a Nokia 7610.
paradyne
01-12-2005, 18:30
I still cannot get the bluetooth phone book on to the cars system. Can use the bluetooth but not the phone book. Just says phone book empty.
Going to nip into Seat next week and get them to fix it.
I have got a Nokia 7610.
Quirks with the bluetooth is exactly why I didn't bother ordering it as an option!!
@Starbank: yep, will get some more shots tomorrow, including the interior.
LeakyTurnip
01-12-2005, 22:16
I like the idea of the bigger screen in the dash, but I can imagine it's a little fiddly to get up an running. I suppose if you are in your car a lot it's handy to have, never mind keeping on the right side of the bill.
Yes it is quite handy. I just love the wing mirrors at the moment. I have got the chrome ones and when you pull into a car park and press the button and they go up people just look and smile.
Really makes the car stand out. I’m thinking about getting the Leon door trims fitted because I think they add a touch of class to the car.
I hear you can adjust how long the lights stay on and how many flashes the car does when you lock it. But there are so many options on that screen to fiddle around with.
I think I will just stick to driving it at the moment. I’m ever so cautious when parking it or driving down narrow streets. I’m seriously worried about curbing one of the wheels. I have found that the car is a bit pointy especially when parking in tight streets. ;)
LeakyTurnip
01-12-2005, 22:37
I caught the kerb a few times when I first got the car, I think it has something to do with the way the car is fatter at the top! Thankfully it was a very low kerb so no damage. I've been extra careful since.
I'm looking at the trim kit myself, not too sure what the quality of it is like, although my dealer tells me that they have i fitted to a show car so I might have to have a look.
I had the chrome mirrors on the Ibiza, but Im not sure if they suit the Leon just as well, but the folding mirrors are pretty cool not to mention useful in a tight space.
Also it's nice have a light in the boot...not more feeling about in the dark...well not in the boot anyway! :D
I have got the brushed aluminium inserts in the car door trim and this looks brilliant. Makes the door panel stand out. Would like to see what the centre armrest looks like because would like one of them as well. :drool:
Santa will be busy this year. :D
LeakyTurnip
02-12-2005, 09:22
I like the idea of the armrest, but you have to screw it into place. I don't fancy cocking up install and being left with nice screw holes in the trim, you also lose the two cup holders.
Starbank
02-12-2005, 10:16
The dealer will be replacing the main front grille on mine before I collect with the honeycomb version available off the Spanish SEAT site.
Although I've not seen the grille in the flesh I'm hopeful it will add a wee bit more continuity to the front end. Only costs about £25 too!
Tried to wangle some free Leon floor mats too but no luck - getting them at a discount price though! They should be provided free because they protect the standard carpets so much.
paradyne
02-12-2005, 13:42
Unless I've got it wrong, the headlamps aren't Bi-Xenon.
Dipped is definately xenon and has the projector lens on it. Main beam looks like a standard H3 Halogen bulb above the sidelight, so now I'm confused.
A short while after I ordered the car, the Seat website was updated to say Bi-Xenon on the options.
Confused.
Don't Xenon have to have light washers? Yours?
paradyne
02-12-2005, 16:40
yeah, I have the washers.
I was just under the assumption that main beam was HID as well
Hey Starbank, glad things are progressing on your car.
I didnt notice that the Ref Sport couldnt have xenon's - I suppose Seat thought that being the "budget" sport model that people were unlikely to pick the xenons to add on.
Funny that was the one I was considering....
@Stu B. I'll have a couple of quick pics up later. I can have a fettle in photoshop and produce a special green edition for you if you like ;)
I await the `green` edition :D
I Picked mine up on the 1st Dec. I also forgot to negotiate mats and had to purchase them :doh:
Only extra option i got was rear parking sensors and they are brilliant.
I am loving the car. Please feel free to ask me any questions.
paradyne
03-12-2005, 12:56
@slo2mad Good to hear you like yours too :)
@StuB It'll be next week that I get time for a green edition...
I think the only thing that I have issue with is the rear view mirror which I do find obscures my vision to the left and I find myself having to lean forward to get the best view. Shorter drivers who sit nearer the wheel may well have less of an issue.
I reckon a narrower version of the mirror would improve matters somewhat.
LeakyTurnip
03-12-2005, 14:59
I've noticed two little things that seem to be missing from the New Leon.
1. It doesn't have a boot open light, contrary to both the brochure and the manual.
2. It doesn't have a warning light to let you know you are out of screenwash.
The dealer tells me that problem 1 is an error in the manual and I only found out about problem 2 today.
It's a bit annoying as my sisters 02 Leon has the screenwash light thing.... :confused:
I thing the bigger MFD show the boot open but I wonder if it warns about the screenwash...hmmm
I've noticed two little things that seem to be missing from the New Leon.
1. It doesn't have a boot open light, contrary to both the brochure and the manual.
2. It doesn't have a warning light to let you know you are out of screenwash.
The dealer tells me that problem 1 is an error in the manual and I only found out about problem 2 today.
It's a bit annoying as my sisters 02 Leon has the screenwash light thing.... :confused:
I thing the bigger MFD show the boot open but I wonder if it warns about the screenwash...hmmm
Yes i found out about the rear boot open warning light by accident. On my way home from picking the car up, i found the rear wiper & washer wasn't working. One quick phone call to the dealer and problem solved. I hadn't shut the boot properly. :doh:No indication on the dash which surprised me as there is for doors open.
If your rear wiper doesn't work then check you boot is shut tight.
As for the screenwash, i haven't used enough to run out yet but on my old Leon when the warning came on, it used to scare the be-jesus out of me.
I also agree on the interior mirror. It's a bit of overkill just for rear view.
Leakyturnip
I've noticed two little things that seem to be missing from the New Leon.
1. It doesn't have a boot open light, contrary to both the brochure and the manual.
2. It doesn't have a warning light to let you know you are out of screenwash.
The dealer tells me that problem 1 is an error in the manual and I only found out about problem 2 today.
It's a bit annoying as my sisters 02 Leon has the screenwash light thing....
I thing the bigger MFD show the boot open but I wonder if it warns about the screenwash...hmmm
If you have the MFD which comes with the Bluetooth option there is a schematic of the car in the display which tells you if your doors, boot or bonnet are open or unlatched.
Again on the MFD you get a text warning message that the screenwash has run out (although I haven't put it to the test yet) :)
I was going to have the optional rear parking sensors when I ordered my Leon and the dealer had one in stock already with them on and in the colour I wanted. I managed to negotiate the sensors as a free addition.
Then when I went to collect it on 11 November the dealer informed me that it also had the Bluetooth and MP3 option and as they didn't know that originally they didn't charge me for that option either :D
By the way my K700i (software version R2AY004) works perfectly with Bluetooth in the Leon.
Cheers
Jonno
paradyne
05-12-2005, 15:48
Bi-Xenon's mystery over (I think)
In my previous posting I was unsure of if I actually had a Bi-Xenon system on the car, mostly because I wasnt sure how it might work.
I definately had HID on the dipped beam, yet noticed when switching to main beam that a pair of what seemed to be halogen bulbs came on and these bulbs were positioned above the sidelights.
Now having been out on the open road and using main beam, a pair of elliptical light marks appear on the road, and are halogen coloured. However light output was much greater than I could explain... so I had a hunt on the net about Bi-Xenon systems and came across the following info.
"The bi-xenon headlamp developed by Hella produces dipped and main beam light using one single xenon bulb. Its light is projected onto the road through a large glass lens with a diameter of 70 millimetres The respective light distribution is produced by a movable shutter which generates the cut-off prescribed for dipped beam light in its raised position and then makes way for the main beam when lowered. An additional halogen main beam light takes over the flashing headlamp function."
This of course explains why there is only one projector lens!!! :)