I have a standard 2010 FR CR TDI 170 and all I can say is that it’s a great engine.
Smooth, reliable, fast and great for everyday driving on the open road. Around town etc I can't see why it make a big difference if it’s a petrol or diesel as your not flooring it about and the 170 gives performance and great MPG no matter how you drive. The CR TDI is a better drive for longer trips in that the grunt makes its great for lazy overtakes and performance is not bad at all compared to most cars.
I’m not making out its faster or better than the Petro FR though as I am sure its a much quicker car and I am sure the handling is nice too as the TDI seems slightly nose heavy when dipping into tighter corners from speed as the TDI lump is a big beast. Also I can assume the power delivery is smooth and responsive and the extra revs would make the petrol much more fun to drive if you had a bit of a lick on.
If a well built, nice, quick (not fast) car is what your after that’s good all round with speed, looks and mpg then the TDI CR 170 is a hoot and I love it.
If speed/handling is your ultimate goal and you can dig a bit deeper every time you take it to the pumps then the petrol would get my vote. Plus I bet you can get nice results with tuning plus petrol engines always sounds better than a diesel!
I picked my diesel based on the fact I do long trips and I also sick of rising fuel prices so want the best mpg I could.
But if I was looking for a very fun car and the speed/handling was my main goal, id be looking at other makes of cars rather than VAG as they are heavier and a bit soft compared to other rivals like a Renault Megane but you would be compensating it on the build quality/refinement the VAG cars give.
I also think people seem to tarnish the
MK2 Leon with the same brush on interior. The Pre FL Leon although similar are miles apart on the interior.
When I fist went to get one, the local
dealer had one and it was a late Pre FL model and I was instantly put off as the interior was such a step backwards (had a 2009 VW Scirocco GT at the time) but once I sat in the face lift model the difference between the interior on my VW and the FL FR inside was very much the same. Only the door cards let the interior down in my opinion on the FL Leon and the slightly large plastic centre console, near the handbrake/gear lever. But for the money you can beet a Leon for spec and looks compared to other VAG cars hence I bought one!
Sorry for the long post and slight off topic too