Leon MK2 Handling?

[wini]

Hi all,just wondered what everyone thoughts were on the new Leons handling when pushed? How are other owners finding the Stability/Traction control program? My initial thoughts were that the system kicked in too early and I prefered a sporty drive in the dry with the system switched off also you can feel the system braking on a wheel.When switched off is some protection still available in extreme conditions? Interested to hear other owners views!

 

[m0rk]

I've driven quite a few of these now

Sport TDi (crap handling, but I think it was on suspension chocks still)
FR TFSI, road & track
FR TDI, road & track
Cupra
Cupra+remap

Admitedly the 1st & last were not 'pushed' - but I found the handling to be excellent (but limited by the tyres on all the petrol models)

ESP kicks in, but only to stop it fishtailling. On the track I was able to get some reasonable lift off oversteer (when stupidly provoked) but it just pulls it straight. "normal" lifting on the throttle just tucked the nose in perfectly.

In the wet / adverse conditions the ESP will save your life.

 

[DanGB]

I do alot of track days with the Mk2 sport TFSI. remapped and all performance modifications.

Regarding ESP, I tend to leave it on, just to avoid accidents. You do notice it when off, but it isnt too bad if you leave it on.

 

[wini]

come on I know you guy's girls must push your Leon mk2's around those bends,I'm interested to hear your views!

 

[simon34]

I like it much better than the mk1 leon and ibiza though did go and lower mine straight away

 

[Fast_Eddie]

I had some fantastic lairy times in my LCR driving it at some absurd angles with predictable controllability..
There are 2 reasons for the lack of replies here in my opinion

1-The relatively few members who have just taken ownership of the cars are still getting used to/find their feet in their car(as I would be doing)
2-Most people leave their traction control on at the moment so have the majority of potential handling extremes curtailed.
Could be wrong but just my thoughts fella.

 

[r30lac]

If you have an accident and it is switched off do the insurance companies void the policy?

I have heard a few stories of BMW owners having accidents with it off and having a bit of bother with the insurance.

 

[m0rk]

no, it's not a requirement to have it on/off

however, I think that convincing yourself that you're a great driver is a poor excuse when you get it wrong & kill someone.

 

[Fast_Eddie]

no, it's not a requirement to have it on/off

however, I think that convincing yourself that you're a great driver is a poor excuse when you get it wrong & kill someone.

I think thats a little harsh!

If I ever choose to enjoy my car above and beyond its limits of its adhesion, then I do so with the utmost respect for other road users-ie when there is no one else around. It takes far more forethought and planning to do this than merely relying on an electronic/mechanical safety net that in most peoples heads will save them from anything. ESP does not teach you how the car handles properly, it just reigns in any hamfisted inputs that the driver is giving the car and can lead to a false sense of security.
The worst case scenario is that the driver believes the car is capable of anything when in fact he should be aware of what its real limits are.
This is easily achievable on a deserted road by slowly getting to know your own car with the esp switched off. In anycase, the latest incarnation of VAG's esp never fully switches off and will step in just as you about to have fun/kill someone.

By my own admission, I have never portrayed myself as a great driver. I love cars and I love driving. I am a very courteous, very conscious driver and especially so in this ever increasing politically correct world.
Most road deaths occur because someone is not paying attention to what they are doing. Enjoying a car whether on the track or the public road commands all my attention and I do not see it as a problem on the road if it is safe to do so?

 

[Crazyhazy]

With the ESP switched on, my wheels where spinning tonight in the rain in first and second gear - I thought this was supposed to try and stop that? You would expect them spinning a bit in first but second! Wasnt exactly flooring it either, tyres have only done 6 thousand miles and are in good nick.

Graham FR 170 TDI

 

[m0rk]

it'll stop excessive wheelspin, it still allows some slip though (else you'd not make any progress)

 

[Crazyhazy]

It didnt stop anything - I did by taking my foot of the pedal, otherwise I would have made no progress at all, it was almost bouncing at the front.

Graham

 

[DanGB]

crap tyres?

 

[Crazyhazy]

Dunlop SP Sport 9000's

 

[k4ith]

find a big roundabout with no traffic lights late @ night then push it then you will see the extent of the seat set up.Its ok but could be better.
if you buy a FR or a cupra i would suggest changing the suspension and springs, the oem are what you would expect for a sporty car, firm and sometimes crashy, most will tire of this after several thousand miles.car should be lowered, cupra is lower than the fr but that to is to high IMO.all cars would benefit from arb's too, i would suggest this also. then your good to go. esp off for 1/4 mile sprint only.