Leon SC FR DSG 1.8 First Impressions

[TonyFSC]

My previous car was a Skoda Fabia vRS estate, which was super quick and almost insane in 'Sport' for performance and fuel consumption (20-25 mpg).
So first impressions are as follows:
1) Much more refined.
2) Quiet, too much so in 'Sport', can't hear the engine. Doesn't appear to have a bulkhead noise 'thingy'.
3) Doesn't feel quick until you glance at the speedo.
4) Poor fuel consumption, will struggle to get 30-35 mpg.
5) Handling superb, coupled with a comfortable ride on 17" wheels.
6) Still running in, but I guess more will happen between 4-6000 rpm.
7) One pull on the stick for 'sport' is great, followed by another pull for previous mode, usually 'normal'.
8) Dipping reversing mirror is superb, as I have selfish neighbours on a 'shared' drive with a dumped Audi A4.
So that's it for now.
Regards
Tony

 

[Stagsfell]

2) Quiet, too much so in 'Sport', can't hear the engine. Doesn't appear to have a bulkhead noise 'thingy'.

Hi Tony,

Like you, I notice no difference in sound in Sport mode. This was very noticeable on the cars I test drove (DSG and manual which were both 63 plate) but I have an idea I saw somewhere the soundaktor was removed from the FR for 2015 MY. Does anyone know for sure?

 

[zondaff]

Hi Tony,

Like you, I notice no difference in sound in Sport mode. This was very noticeable on the cars I test drove (DSG and manual which were both 63 plate) but I have an idea I saw somewhere the soundaktor was removed from the FR for 2015 MY. Does anyone know for sure?

Not entirely sure, although I have heard about the 184 diesel having the soundaktor removed. I can only assume this was the same for the 180PS TSI

 

[Mr Mustard]

My 63 plate 1.8tsi FR makes a noticeably louder rasp in sport mode compared to normal mode, under spirited acceleration in the higher rev ranges.

 

[GrahamFR]

stolen from DTUK but I am sure he wont mind...

What you can see is that your cross over point isnt until nearly 4k, and its after then that you will be using the most of your bhp, so when its run in im sure you will notice a lot more happening

 

[geoffpuma]

My previous car was a Skoda Fabia vRS estate, which was super quick and almost insane in 'Sport' for performance and fuel consumption (20-25 mpg).
So first impressions are as follows:
1) Much more refined.
2) Quiet, too much so in 'Sport', can't hear the engine. Doesn't appear to have a bulkhead noise 'thingy'.
3) Doesn't feel quick until you glance at the speedo.
4) Poor fuel consumption, will struggle to get 30-35 mpg.
5) Handling superb, coupled with a comfortable ride on 17" wheels.
6) Still running in, but I guess more will happen between 4-6000 rpm.
7) One pull on the stick for 'sport' is great, followed by another pull for previous mode, usually 'normal'.
8) Dipping reversing mirror is superb, as I have selfish neighbours on a 'shared' drive with a dumped Audi A4.
So that's it for now.
Regards
Tony

Hi Tony,
I've had my Leon (Monsant Red, same spec as yours + pan. roof) for 2 weeks. It replaced a much-loved, but financially crippling S-Type Jag. (Diesel). I took 2 'leaps of faith' - I bought through DrivetheDeal and without driving this model. I'd had a Mk. 1 Cupra so was reasonably confident that the Mk. 3 FR would be O.K. and the DrivetheDeal buying experience was perfect (£5k discount).
Although I (slightly) miss the cosseting ride of the Jag. I agree with your initial impressions and certainly the DSG is a thousand times better than the Jag's rather clonky auto box. So far I'm very impressed and the pan. roof has been great in the recent hot spell. Let's hope it stays that way!...
Regards.
Geoff