FR Which one?

[DavysFR]

Hi im new here, I currently am driving a 2000 ford focus 1.8 zetec but I am due to change it in a few weeks to a brand new Leon FR in Zenith Grey or Luna Grey.

The only options I want are the 18 inch alloys and maybe the IPOD kit.

My problem is this, originally I was going to get the FR 2.0 TDI because of the extra MPG and slightly cheaper insurance premiums, but due to recent posts on here about the amount of problems these engines are giving with turbos, exhaust sensors etc its putting me off it.

I know the warranty will coven this but due to the fact that I will be keeping the car for 4-5 years, I dont want to be hit with big bills when the car is out of warranty.

So should i get the FR 2.0 TFSI instead and live with the lower MPG or take a chance on a TDI? What do you guys reckon?

P.S. Great Site, lots of good info on here

 

[uzzy]

Whoever has chosen either model will have their own opinions and reasons other than MPG, I didn't factor reliability into my choice.

Maybe check out the GTI forums for problems with the TFSI engine over time, unless we have some high milage TFSI owners who could comment.

If you use A roads like the A51 from Stone and like the window down in the summer get the TFSI like I did. If your stuck on the motorway day in and out and don't mind sounding like a taxi (sorry guys) get the TDI.

 

[Rob66]

Hi Dave,

Welcome to SCN.

I've had my TFSI for 12months and have done 12000. Just checked the OBC and i am averaging 30.7mpg. On a run up the M11 i have see 38mpg indicated at a steady 70 something

Thoroughly recommend them. Perhaps a tip i got mine as an ex demo and saved £2k, the car had done 2kmiles and any issues have already been resolved. Downside is it may have been hammered slightly from new, but mine has been fine even so.

Only prob i have had is from the poor speakers, apart from that great

When i initially test drove i though the interior a bit poor, but add the interior aluminium look trim pack and an armrest and looks 10x better.

Go for it.

Rob

 

[DavysFR]

Thanks for the Reply uzzy, yeah i have to do a lot of motorway miles with my new job as a site engineer thats why I thought of the TDI in the first place.

But you never know I could live with a TFSI too.

 

[DavysFR]

Thanks Rob66 30.7 mpg average is fine, I think I could live with that not getting much more out of my 1.8 focus at the moment.

I am not always raging about in my car either so it should be ok on the MPG front.

I will be buying a brand new one so I will run it in for the first 500miles or so.

 

[uzzy]

No problem... I get 32 ish MPG but remember you need to run it on super u/l.

 

[Rob66]

Uzzy thats interesting

I was told by the dealer that 95Ron was absolutely fine (and it seems to be).

I have used 98Ron as well and didnt notice different in consumption or performance!

 

[DavysFR]

uzzy i think i will run it on Super Unleaded until its run in and then try the ordinary 95ron.

 

[r30lac]

i'm only getting about 21-23 mpg but I only really drive round town, only done about 700 miles though so I don't know if it will get any better with time.

I am a petrol man but just drive both and then decide.

 

[jon1]

I have a FR tfsi and I drive about town mainly and get around 250-260 miles to a tank (fully filled £50)

Like r30lac says im hoping mine gets better as iv jus cracked the 1000 mile mark today

 

[robjw]

I have the TDi and love it. To me it gives the perfect mix of performance and economy.

 

[DanGB]

Uzzy thats interesting

I was told by the dealer that 95Ron was absolutely fine (and it seems to be).

I have used 98Ron as well and didnt notice different in consumption or performance!

These engines are designed to run on super unleaded (98 or higher).

The performance is pulling back on lower octane fuel, and the ECU learns to perform worse, so you may not notice the difference on one tank of super from regualar as the ECU needs to adapt (or be reset).

 

[Greytop]

I'd give both a drive, you might find the TDI a bit of a surprise. I came from a 190PS 1.8T Audi A4 (petrol) and overall I'm very happy with my choice. Good economy, especially on longer runs with really quite impressive performance

 

[DavysFR]

Hey Greytop,

I must say your car looks stunning, it was the main reason that i thought of Zenith grey as a colour. Before it was either emocion red or luna grey, but im worried that the red could fade on me over time

I have already driven the FR TDI and I did like the performance a lot. It felt even more torquier than the New focus ST my mate has.

I was set on a FR TDI until i read the posts on here about exhaust sensor failures etc.

I think i will just go for the TDI in Zenith Grey and see what happens.

Thanks everyone for your help and input

 

[Greytop]

Good choice of colour
I would recommend Bluetooth, apart from the safety issues and ease of use you get the larger MFD. I wouldn't be without this option now.

 

[DavysFR]

Yeah, i was thinking of the bluetooth option ill look into it if i dont get it i will use my current bluetooth headset that i use in my current car.

Also, is the IPOD kit worth the money or would i be better getting the aftermarket kit such as the Harmon Kardon Drive and Play set up and a different head unit?

From what ive heard about the standard speakers i will defo be upgrading them anyway.

 

[seadragon]

Whats up with the speakers anyway, what output do they have? Any recommendations for good speakers to replace the standard ones?

I dont want them to distort or blow the first time I crank up the volume.

 

[Tam]

Whats up with the speakers anyway, what output do they have? Any recommendations for good speakers to replace the standard ones?

I dont want them to distort or blow the first time I crank up the volume.

 

[Tam]

Yeah, i was thinking of the bluetooth option ill look into it if i dont get it i will use my current bluetooth headset that i use in my current car.

Seriously - order the bluetooth option as its not just for the bluetooth, you get a big control pannel display thing on the dashboard which gives you tons of stuff which without it you wouldn't get.

Bluetooth really is a must on all these cars

 

[DavysFR]

Cheers Tam i think this is a worthwhile option then.