Evo magazine Leon FR group test (March 2007)

[Rob GTI]

I got this mag this afternoon and have had a good read of the review and facts and figures from it... and I have to say, despite coming second from last, the FR comes out very well indeed!

Firstly, you have to remember that this isn't Seats flagship model, something I do wish Evo would have at least mentioned. Also it was the least powerful in the test in terms of bhp but was also the cheapest in the test too.

So considering all those things... I think the FR does very well. It shines above the new Type-R which Evo really don't rate. The chassis gets good comments, as does the engine and the handling overall. What gets me though is the engine and chassis is the same as the Golf GTi which they put as an equal, if different, winner to the overall test... yet the FR's rated much lower? If you look down the spec list the FR and GTi match on every single aspect... suspension, brakes, engine (power and torque), the lot.

In terms of lap times, the FR is a second quicker than the GTi with the TC off and comes in third overall, a full 2 seconds quicker than the Focus ST.

So what have VW done differently that makes the GTi so much better in Evo's eyes?

They rate the VXR and ST above the FR, which isn't surprising really considering this is a hot hatch review and both are faster and more focused. They rate the Megane above everything there, which again isn't surprising as it's a stunning performer and definitely the 'hottest' there. They rate the GTi on par with that as a less hot but better day-to-day prospect.

I just can't get my head around the GTi Vs FR thing though. Can anybody shed some light on this?

I just hope they do something similar when the Cupra is out!

I agree the Golf should in reality only score marginally higher then the FR (if at all). It seems that they can excuse the Golf for not being as good as the Megane on a track (as it’s a better all rounder) but don't make the same excuses for the Leon. If the others genuinely sit between the Golf and Leon then the differences must be minuscule.

Still annoys me that Seat UK only ever provide base model cars for these tests (they did so in this test, the Autocar TFSI test and Autoexpress group Civic test.) At least put some 18s on the car they totally transform the look of the car which was one of its major criticisms.

Personally I choose the Leon as I reckon it’s the best looking as a five door (which I need), the most economical, the least expensive (so are the options), more individual than the others and also you can get some good discounts. However it was a close call between that and the Golf at the time.

 

[jonjay]

EVO did mention the cost but I think SEAT UK could have given a better spec car, 18inch alloys in particular which certainly help in the looks department.

The dissapointing thing is they will now test the Cupra with the S3, R32 etc even though it's priced in with the New Civic Type R, Focus ST, Golf GTi etc.

Well thats it. Thing is will magazines, very few give a full comprehensive honest review with all factors included. As people said in the above badge snobbery and unfortunately there is a lot of that everywhere...

 

[BanziBarn]

Good point. The Cupra is not a competitor for the S3/R32. I wonder if Seat Marketing consider this sort of thing when they look at their model line up?

If you think about it, if the Cupra is compared with the ST/VXR/GTI then it would do much better than the FR (I'd epxpect) which then means the FR would be compared with cars such as the Astra SRI and Golf GT and would possition higher in the rankings....

But I suppose its a grey area because on price the Golf is up there with the Type-r/VXR/ST but in line with the power of the FR. Perhaps Seat have made the FR too good for it's class!!

 

[Ol' Timer]

I think it's quite unusual how the Megane has gradually worked its way up from no-hoper in its initial form to class winner in its latest incarnation. Normally magazines make up their minds from the first example they test and don't revise their opniions much after that.

Top Gear have got a review of the Megane R26 on their site now and I think the final paragraph is quite interesting:

"Any criticisms? Well, we'd steer clear of the rather naff optional stickers, and the ride could do with being more compliant. It doesn't make the car as uncontrollable as the Seat Leon Cupra, but it could get pretty tiring on UK roads. Overall, though, this is the Megane of choice. Perhaps even the hot hatch of choice."

The Cupra – uncontrollable?!

 

[duckson]

The Top Gear revieww totally contradicts the Evo review.
4.5/5 in Evo and 13/20 in TG.

I'd be more inclined to believe the Evo review myself.

 

[Ruddmeister]

I'm going with Evo (but only because they game me a free sticker )

 

[Snoopy]

So what have VW done differently that makes the GTi so much better in Evo's eyes?

I think its down to the ride, handling, refinement ratio.
The GTI is quieter on motorways, not as hard and crashy on city roads but does not handle as well on a track. I also think it has better steering feel but that could just be tires.

 

[Jamin Berry]

I'm going with Evo (but only because they game me a free sticker )

I didnt get a sticker!