Leon mk3 first impression

[mklock]

Hi all,

I test drove the new Leon today. It was the 2.0 150 bhp diesel .

I'm not sure what I think at the moment. I have had 4 leons over the years and currently drive a mk2 2.0 Fr cr 170 .

I liked the look of the car but didn't particularly look sporty as previous models have. I hate the mirrors! I think you either love em or hate them. But forgoing all that I found the drive very uninspiring. I think its more refined but has lost the fun .anyone else feel the same?

I was thinking of ordering the Fr 1.8 tfsi dsg but they won't be available to test drive for a month I'm told.

 

[WildWestHero]

How did you think the performance compared to the CR170 (accepting that it's a new engine and hasn't been run in)? I currently drive a CR170, and was hoping to get the FR184, but due to unavailability may go for the 150.

Also, did the ride seem okay? I like the ride in the CR170, but personally didn't like the ride in the pre-face lift Mk2.

Thanks

 

[Ashworth]

How did you think the performance compared to the CR170 (accepting that it's a new engine and hasn't been run in)? I currently drive a CR170, and was hoping to get the FR184, but due to unavailability may go for the 150.

Also, did the ride seem okay? I like the ride in the CR170, but personally didn't like the ride in the pre-face lift Mk2.

Thanks

Had a good test drive of the 150 tdi on Saturday at my loacal dealer. Lovely car and left me feeling that I definately want a new Mk 3 Leon FR but not that engine!
It was a really lovely, quiet, smooth car to drive but lacked something compared to my current CR170. It ran very smoothly, but when you put your food down even slightly there seemed to be a distinct lack of power in comparison to my current car. I came back to the showroom saying I definately want one but it must be the FR184.

However, after the salesman had spoken to the manager, I was told that they cannot take any orders yet for the 184 tdi engine because it is unlikely to be available before November at the earliest. I have therefore decided to order a 1.8 tsi which I am told I should get by June.

 

[m4rtin]

November for the 184!!

I went to sit in a new Leon and new Golf back to back on Saturday and I have to say although I don't dislike the interior of the Leon, I do prefer the Golfs.

I enquired about the new Golf GTD and the saleman said he thought they would be available in June. I mentioned that it seems Seat are having issues deciding on when the 184 engine will be available, he suspected it might be because VW don't want Seat to sell it before them. No idea if that is true but it would make sense.

 

[WeeG]

Drive the leon mk3 fr CR150 last week wile my Cupra R was in for warranty. If I'm honest I thought it was an Ibiza ! As far as styling goes I am not impressed, it seems to be smaller than the mk2. And the back door handles are a big no, no. I would say that from a refinement point of view it is very good. That Diesel engine was super smooth even from cold I thought it was a petrol.
Unfortunately for vag the power delivery from these CR engines is not what it used to be in the old PD models.
The satnav however was positioned better at the top of the dash.

I would like to see what the Cupra R looks like, but can't see myself with the new leon. I think my next car will defo be of the Nissan r35 gtr category

 

[mk4 cupra]

The only thing that would concern me with this new 184 tdi is the fact of they have took quite a while to build this engine and recalled it due to faults.
It's a new engine and fault need to be farmed out I belive the first batch of these could be possibly problem matic. I could be completely wrong like.
I love the looks of the mk3 and am so so glad there bringing out a more powerfull tdi due to I love the Diesel engine and wouldn't want to ever go back to a petrol so bein power mad better stock power is better

 

[m4rtin]

The only thing that would concern me with this new 184 tdi is the fact of they have took quite a while to build this engine and recalled it due to faults.
It's a new engine and fault need to be farmed out I belive the first batch of these could be possibly problem matic. I could be completely wrong like.
I love the looks of the mk3 and am so so glad there bringing out a more powerfull tdi due to I love the Diesel engine and wouldn't want to ever go back to a petrol so bein power mad better stock power is better

The 184 TDi unit has been recalled because of faults, are you sure because it's not even on sale yet?

 

[Subc]

First Impression dissapointed,never even noticed it in the showroom amongst the Ibizas.

 

[Rob66]

I saw a White FR, right next to a White Ibiza FR and from the Front i wouldn't have noticed it was the new LEON (as soon as i can work out how to get the pic up from my phone i'll post it). You really couldn't tell the difference unless you really looked.

I had a sit in the SE they had and although very nice, the exterior to me is too normal...and those door handles really stick out a way!

I'll be waiting to see what the 3 door Cupra looks and drives like, but at the moment my Mk2 FR is going great and i don't think its aged badly at all - alot better IMO than a Mk5 Golf GTi

 

[Snarks]

It ran very smoothly, but when you put your food down even slightly there seemed to be a distinct lack of power in comparison to my current car.

Did you get a chance to try the different engine modes? Maybe the car was in ECO mode?

 

[mklock]

It's not just me then.
I think I would agree that coming from the 170 bhp diesel I think the 150 was a little dissapointing. However it was smooth and acoustics in the new Leon are better so there is less noise. Its certainly a more grown up car. The ride is very similar to the current Leon, great on smooth roads but occasionally crashy .
I had just driven the Fabian vrs and the Nissan juke nismo before getting in the Leon , both cars felt a bit more lively and having those in my mind would have had an impact on my thoughts. I also found that the new car has a lot of dash board to see over. again something different that im sure i wouldn't notice over time. I really need to try a sporty petrol model I think to give it a second chance.

 

[jezyg]

I had a good look round the MK3 Leon at Bristol street today and agree from the front is looks like a slightly bloated Ibiza. I like the new mirrors they do look sharp and the whole car is very angular. The rear surprised me with an almost flat appearance and a boot lip that looked about a cm. Interior is a real step up quality wise and felt solid and well made, but then that is also reflected in the cost hike and is no longer the bargain it was as you move up the range.

The cooking models make far more sense and I was impressed with the SE model I looked at, especially as it did not look that much less sporty than the FR. Is a step up from the MKII quality wise but not value. When you think in 2003 you could buy a top of the range Cupra 1.8T 180 for 15K the MKIII Leon is not the bargain it was even if it is better equipped and better made overall. The new FR TSi 180 is now 20.6K. Although I think it will do very well and move SEAT on both sales and raising SEAT as a marque.

 

[knoted]

I have been trying very hard to love the looks of the MK3, but from a lot of angles the design just disappoints me a lot.

Especially the way the front windshield and A pillars are pushed back by about 15 cm. From the side, it just reminds me too much of a Mazda 3 and I hate that.
I'm not liking the whole angular style either...which is kinda odd because angular styling done RIGHT, I like : Lambo !

So, I'll happily stay with my 1P, no intention of getting the MK3 at all. Of course, I'm unsure now about what's going to replace my 1P when time comes ( perhaps end of 2014 ).

If I had the cash, I'd take an Astra VXR/OPC over a Leon MK3 (SC) Cupra any time.

Srry Seat.

 

[Ashworth]

Did you get a chance to try the different engine modes? Maybe the car was in ECO mode?

Good thinking. I never thought about that. I just drove it as I found it.

 

[zephead]

Morning All,

I have a test drive of the FR booked for Saturday in Preston although I have to say that the comments above have confirmed some of my own slightly negative first impressions of the MK3. The reviews have been very complementary though. I adore my K1 and it's the first car that I've had over the years that I will sorely miss. Although I'm looking for better fuel economy, I will surely miss the performance and if I do go for the MK3, it will definitely be the 184.

I also have a test drive of the new Ford Focus ST2 booked for tomorrow. I sat in one yesterday and liked the feel of it although the interior made me think of a games console and didn't feel as 'refined' as the new Leon MK3. I'm still not sure about the wraparound rear lights either. however, after reading the reviews, I couldn't help myself, despite the fact that I don't want to leave the Seat fold. No waiting list either. If anyone else has given the ST a run I'd be interested in their views.

Cheers,

Keith.

 

[knoted]

I also have a test drive of the new Ford Focus ST2 booked for tomorrow.

Hi, can you share your experience as to how the ST2's suspenion & steering compare
to the Leon mk1 and mk2 ?

Many youtube reviews state the ST's a lot softer, more bodyroll, but I'm curious about the point of view of someone who's used to the Leon.

 

[zephead]

Hi, can you share your experience as to how the ST2's suspenion & steering compare
to the Leon mk1 and mk2 ?

Many youtube reviews state the ST's a lot softer, more bodyroll, but I'm curious about the point of view of someone who's used to the Leon.

I will do my very best Sir

 

[J400uk]

I saw one out on the road for the first time this morning! Was a Nevada White (?) FR with the LED headlights. Looked stunning! SEAT have done a brilliant job on this

 

[zephead]

Hi, can you share your experience as to how the ST2's suspenion & steering compare
to the Leon mk1 and mk2 ?

Many youtube reviews state the ST's a lot softer, more bodyroll, but I'm curious about the point of view of someone who's used to the Leon.

Just back from the Focus ST test drive in my lunch hour; I needed longer in retrospect and it was not the most productive of drives due to heavy traffic and the inevitable lane 2 hogger on the M602; 4x4, nothing in front of her for miles....these dozey people drive me crazy on a daily basis! The M60 was just as heavy with no real opportunity to let it go although I did manage to floor it a couple of times, albeit having to lift off quickly.

First impressions were that it didn't 'feel' as quick as my K1 and that the cabin felt a little cramped. Firm ride although not too jarring, steering felt quite 'thick' and did not seem to communicate the road to me. I didn't get the opportunity to put it through any fast corners (sorry Knoted) so I'm not sure about the body roll. Exhaust note is quite nice as a result of the 'sound symposer'. Without writing a full review, I'd want to live with it a little longer before coming to any final conclusions but I was expecting more and I suppose it left me a little cold and missing the K1.

Oh well, onwards and upwards. FR test on Saturday......even less performance but I have a feeling that the surroundings and driving experience will be more positive.

 

[knoted]

Just back from the Focus ST test drive in my lunch hour; I needed longer in retrospect and it was not the most productive of drives due to heavy traffic and the inevitable lane 2 hogger on the M602; 4x4, nothing in front of her for miles....these dozey people drive me crazy on a daily basis! The M60 was just as heavy with no real opportunity to let it go although I did manage to floor it a couple of times, albeit having to lift off quickly.

First impressions were that it didn't 'feel' as quick as my K1 and that the cabin felt a little cramped. Firm ride although not too jarring, steering felt quite 'thick' and did not seem to communicate the road to me. I didn't get the opportunity to put it through any fast corners (sorry Knoted) so I'm not sure about the body roll. Exhaust note is quite nice as a result of the 'sound symposer'. Without writing a full review, I'd want to live with it a little longer before coming to any final conclusions but I was expecting more and I suppose it left me a little cold and missing the K1.

Oh well, onwards and upwards. FR test on Saturday......even less performance but I have a feeling that the surroundings and driving experience will be more positive.

Well thanks for the impressions anyway Zephead !

Yeah, people who drive about 2 miles p/h slower than the allowed speed because they're taking it easy, I can understand, but less than that is headscratching.

I guess the feeling you had concerning the steering is caused by its electronic assistance. A lot of Japanese cars such as the Suzuki Swift have it as well. I'm not fond of it.

At this point, I have no clue which car will eventually replace my 1P, but I'm more certain now, that neither the Focus nor the Leon 5F will be on my list....