Hello from NI

[B181]

Hi,

I've been lurking on here for some time and just about read and re-read (and re-read again) every post for the Mk3 Leon before opting to order a new ST FR184 DSG in monsoon grey.

I haven't too many questions to ask just now, just to add a comment that without your many varied opinions on different problems I wouldn't have been in the position to make such an informed decision.

I love the generally positive feedback on the Mk3, and especially the comments from those who have recently awaited and received their much awaited new Cupras. I would love to have gone for this, however, my +30k miles a year doesn't lend itself to the fuel consumption.

My current dilemmas are regarding some of my options choices:

1. The fear of damage on the 18" machined wheels v the arguably not so good looking 18" performance wheels (I ordered the machined).
2. I ordered the dynamic package. Is it worth the (just under) £1k for what appears to me like a single + over the stock system (ie comfort setting)? Or is there a lot more to the system than that?
3. Leather or Alcantara (I ordered leather)?
4. Just how much a difference will a DTUK type upgrade make, and at what risk to the mechanicals?
5. Should I have ordered the sound system? My boot will always be full of tool bags and PPE, which I'm sure wasn't the designer's vision for how his sound system would be treated.

 

[andrewpain]

like you, I'd checked out this forum before buying, so I had a good idea of what I needed and what wasn't essential. I went for the 184 because it was so well-liked.
Decided to have Seat Sound because it was only 250; didn't want lane assist as people here said it was niggling them, and high beam assist wasn't perfect.
Leather's easier to keep clean than alcantara.
Heated seats are a must (shame not available in the rear.)
and then found the perfect car as a pre-reg locally. Just had the dealer swap the 18s for 17s for the slightly softer ride.
happy as dog with two wotsits....

 

[Dt-spd]

Hi,

1. The fear of damage on the 18" machined wheels v the arguably not so good looking 18" performance wheels (I ordered the machined).
2. I ordered the dynamic package. Is it worth the (just under) £1k for what appears to me like a single + over the stock system (ie comfort setting)? Or is there a lot more to the system than that?
3. Leather or Alcantara (I ordered leather)?
4. Just how much a difference will a DTUK type upgrade make, and at what risk to the mechanicals?
5. Should I have ordered the sound system? My boot will always be full of tool bags and PPE, which I'm sure wasn't the designer's vision for how his sound system would be treated.

Machine/diamond cut wheels look nice but do take a bit more effort to look after. I sealed mine from new and park very carefully, so unlikely to give me any trouble.

Not sure what the dynamic pack is, is that the switchable dampers ?? If so then I would like to have that as I find the std FR suspension a bit hard a times

Leather is nice compared to the std fabric which I find feels a bit low grade.

Personally I wouldn't touch a tuning box, to much risk on the engine for me.

Sound system is a must as it's not much cost and gives a good sound, quite a way off premium brands offerings but good value. Even with a boot full the sub still works fine and gives a good sound.

 

[andrewpain]

even with the17s I do sometimes think the car's a bit "hard", but that could well be the sports seats and my ever-aging body.

 

[B181]

Thanks for the replies gents.

I'm on the wrong side of 50 something so any creature comforts in way of additional extras are welcome.

I opted for the 184 over the 150 due the independent rear suspension, though to be honest I'm sure I couldn't detect the difference between the two. Having done that I thought might as well be hung for the sheep so I ordered the dynamic chassis thingy.

A mate let me drive his DSG Golf GTD and told me the DCC (way too many three letter acronyms) was a waste of money as his and the Leon already had the necessary settings ie sport, eco and something else. I'm an ex RN engineer (steam trained) and know a few things, but car workings remain a dark secret so I just smiled and filed away his comments for later.

I think I'll defo swap my wheel choice out for the plain 18" ers and give some consideration to the sound system. The thread on retro fitting that gives me goosebumps.

 

[andrewpain]

I wasn't sure what difference the multi-link suspension would make, but most of my driving is with the co-pilot dictating speed etc.
However - had a 30 mile each way cross country drive ON MY OWN the other week, and let it off the leash...handled sooooo sweetly through some long bends, tighter bends, some that start sweeping and tighten up towards the end, up/downhill. No other traffic about and it was a blast. (particularly the A4012 between Leighton Buzzard and Woburn, if anyone's interested)
Can't wait for the next appointment with the osteoarthritis specialist!

 

[Rob McCool]

Hello,nice choice although I can definitely recommend seat sound which is very unobtrusive sitting in the spare wheel..