Just Test Drove an FR 184

[JonesMan]

Hi,

I just test drove a brand new Leon FR 184 TDI (manual), and have an observation and question.....

Firstly, I had high(ish) expectations in terms of the acceleration. It was never going to be amazing, but a 184 BHP diesel based on the Golf GTD should have been nippy to quick.

My dad has a 150 BHP Octavia TDI and this feels pretty good, certainly up to about 80.

Anyway, the first time I put my foot down in the FR today I was shocked. At best it was about equal to how my dads Octavia feels. Throughout the drive I asked the guy at least 4 or 5 times if he was sure this was the 184 version. He was 100% positive.

We even put it in sport mode and this did make the response better, but not actual speed.

Surely this should have felt noticeably quicker than the 150 engine?

The observation, was under full throttle in 2nd when it was coming on boost there was a vibration. Pretty much identical to when the flywheel was worn on my old Fabia VRS.

Do they have an issue with flywheels when new or something?

Many thanks

 

[adamant]

I went from a 150fr to a 184 and was expecting a little more. However - now she has 3k on the clock the difference is starting to show. I wouldn't say it's much quicker off the line (is only 30 bhp more) but you feel it when driving. I can use 4th 5th 6th gear at lower speeds and pull away. handling feels same mind. Stick with it - it's worth it.

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[jpor]

Hi,

I just test drove a brand new Leon FR 184 TDI (manual), and have an observation and question.....

Firstly, I had high(ish) expectations in terms of the acceleration. It was never going to be amazing, but a 184 BHP diesel based on the Golf GTD should have been nippy to quick.

My dad has a 150 BHP Octavia TDI and this feels pretty good, certainly up to about 80.

Anyway, the first time I put my foot down in the FR today I was shocked. At best it was about equal to how my dads Octavia feels. Throughout the drive I asked the guy at least 4 or 5 times if he was sure this was the 184 version. He was 100% positive.

We even put it in sport mode and this did make the response better, but not actual speed.

Surely this should have felt noticeably quicker than the 150 engine?

The observation, was under full throttle in 2nd when it was coming on boost there was a vibration. Pretty much identical to when the flywheel was worn on my old Fabia VRS.

Do they have an issue with flywheels when new or something?

Many thanks

You should test drive the DSG version. As this makes a difference in my opinion.
Used to own a Subaru Impreza Diesel with 148BHP and 4 wheel drive with a manual 6 speed. And the 184 FR DSG I test drove was leaps and bounds better. Couldn't comment about the manual. But wanted something that didn't mean a left leg work out in traffic.

 

[psychobob]

Owned my 184 for nearly 2 years and it still puts a smile on my face. The torque is awesome

 

[JMAC]

I went from the 150 to the 184 and must say the I preferred the smoother and linear power delivery of the 150 and if I'm honest I struggle to feel the difference in rear suspension set up of the 184. However the 150 was a 5dr and impractical for my needs so after 6 months got a 184 ST.

The 184, like the previous 170ps diesel engines have a very narrow torque band and it's either off or on. It's better once up to speed in higher gears but quite underwhelming when you're trying to get a move on from lower speeds/gears.

The 184 defo surges more but it's just keeping the revs/gears in the right place to exploit that.

 

[murcutt]

I went from the 150 to the 184 and must say the I preferred the smoother and linear power delivery of the 150 and if I'm honest I struggle to feel the difference in rear suspension set up of the 184. However the 150 was a 5dr and impractical for my needs so after 6 months got a 184 ST.



The 184, like the previous 170ps diesel engines have a very narrow torque band and it's either off or on. It's better once up to speed in higher gears but quite underwhelming when you're trying to get a move on from lower speeds/gears.



The 184 defo surges more but it's just keeping the revs/gears in the right place to exploit that.

I've felt the same myself. I went from an old (2008) 140bhp PD to the 184 and definitely found the delivery of power on the old engines a lot more fun. There is definitely plenary of power there it's just the torque/power band seems a lot narrower than my old car. I think a remap might sort this out but I'm not doing that until I'm out of warranty next year.


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[JMAC]

I've felt the same myself. I went from an old (2008) 140bhp PD to the 184 and definitely found the delivery of power on the old engines a lot more fun. There is definitely plenary of power there it's just the torque/power band seems a lot narrower than my old car. I think a remap might sort this out but I'm not doing that until I'm out of warranty next year.


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A stage 1 Revo map addresses all the shortfalls of the standard 184 and turns it into a genuine hot hatch. It also increases MPG under normal driving conditions too.

 

[MyLeon]

A stage 1 Revo map addresses all the shortfalls of the standard 184 and turns it into a genuine hot hatch. It also increases MPG under normal driving conditions too.

A remap will work wonders I'd imagine. I'm using a TDI Tuning box (other makes are available!) whilst the warranty is still going and it makes a big difference.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[NotApplicable]

A remap will work wonders I'd imagine. I'm using a TDI Tuning box (other makes are available!) whilst the warranty is still going and it makes a big difference.


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

I had a Mk 1 150tdi remapped to 210bhp. Cheap way to get your fun! I sort of wish I hadn't sold it as it was so easy to drive and suprised a number of other more powerful cars

 

[toledoChris]

Hi,

I just test drove a brand new Leon FR 184 TDI (manual), and have an observation and question.....

Firstly, I had high(ish) expectations in terms of the acceleration. It was never going to be amazing, but a 184 BHP diesel based on the Golf GTD should have been nippy to quick.

My dad has a 150 BHP Octavia TDI and this feels pretty good, certainly up to about 80.

Anyway, the first time I put my foot down in the FR today I was shocked. At best it was about equal to how my dads Octavia feels. Throughout the drive I asked the guy at least 4 or 5 times if he was sure this was the 184 version. He was 100% positive.

We even put it in sport mode and this did make the response better, but not actual speed.

Surely this should have felt noticeably quicker than the 150 engine?

The observation, was under full throttle in 2nd when it was coming on boost there was a vibration. Pretty much identical to when the flywheel was worn on my old Fabia VRS.

Do they have an issue with flywheels when new or something?

Many thanks

It really depends on your expectations & what you are used to. Our FR 184 replaced an Ibiza Cupra and gets run alongside a current 330d, it doesn't feel fast because of what we are accustomed to but compared to most cars on the road it is "quick".

The low down torque makes it very easy to drive and left out incoming Focus RS feeling pretty slow at low revs but there is little point in revving it hard because it doesn't reward. I really do like our FR but fast it isn't.

 

[Aardvark]

I haven't noticed this lack of power, 184FRST with 33K miles. I put my foot down in 3rd and it stands still but the world seems to move backwards under the rubber....phenomenal torque. My son has a lightweight track car weighing 750Kg and has 200 BHP and it can get away from my Leon, off the line but once I am in third I start reeling him back in.