Here is my experience:
Back in late 2012 I drove a brand new Leon 5F 1.2TSI, and instantly feel in love with the Spanish Styling and German practicality/reliability. I had it as a hire car for 2 weeks whilst on holiday in Spain, and was honestly quite sad to give it back and return to my Renault Clio, haha
In January 2016 I gave in and bought a 63 plate second-hand Seat Leon SE 1.6TDI (105BHP/250Nm), with Tech Pack (inc. DAB, SAT NAV, LED Headlights, Fog lights, etc).
What a car, wow!
Remembering back to my initial thoughts in 2016, the main aspects that really struck me were, in order of appropriateness:
1 Chassis.
Being the only car on the road other than the Golf to use the brand new VAG MQB chassis, the car handles beautifully. It is square through corners, with almost zero body roll even when pushing the car (within limits haha
). The ride is firm enough to feel sporty, yet soft enough to be more than comfortable.
2 Brakes.
The standard brakes (tyre dependant) are VERY good! Even the 1.6TDI gets all-round brake disk's and pads, not a drum-brake in sight. In fact, if you look up the specs, you will realise that it has the same brake setup as the 1.4TSI 150BHP, so be reassured this thing will stop, and stop quickly!
3 Engine.
The 1.6TDI is a great engine that punches well above its weight. 0-60MPH, measured by my VAGCOM/VCDS software, in my setup is 10.6 seconds (10.0 seconds dead with traction control off).
I drove the car until the 3 year warranty run out, in Sept 2016, then I got a little creative with the car:
Sept 2016.
I retrofitted both front and rear parking sensors to the car, and enabled the display on the dashboard screen to view them, all standard OEM VW parts and equipment.
Oct 2016.
I fitted a reversing camera and enabled the dashboard screen to view it.
November - December 2016.
I made several other tweaks to the cars software, via my VCDS software, enabling other bits only found on FR and
CUPRA models, easy to do as the Leon is basically a Golf with a body kit.
January 2017.
I got the car Stage 1 tuned at AMD Tuning Essex, and fitted a performance ITG Oiled-Foam Air Filter.
Took the 1.6TDI from 105PS/103BPH & 250Nm to 154.1PS/152BHP & 325Nm, in effect making my road-tax free 1.6TDI Leon equivalent to standard 2.0TDI FR 150!
Average MPG only took a 5MPG hit too, still average 50MPGish between tanks (real MPG, not trip computer), and mid-late 60MPG's on the motorway runs @ 70MPH.
June 2017.
Fitted Brembo disc's and pad's, stock callipers for now.
September 2017.
In the process of retrofitting the Seat Sound System.
Summary
Yes, it’s true, you aren't going to win many drag races with a 1.6TDI (even at Stage 1), however, I certainly wouldn't call it slow either…. A 1.6TDI with Stage 1 will do 0-60MHP in 8.4seconds, the same as the 150PS FR 2.0TDI variant of the car!
The ride is lovely, the brakes are responsive and the kit level is decent (go for at least an SE though).
I thoroughly recommend the SEAT LEON 5F. Think of it like this, the way I see it:
If you want sportier, buy a Leon.
If you want a family car, buy a Octavia.
If you want a compromise of the two and plenty of extra money to burn, buy a Golf.
If you want all out performance, buy an Audi.
I have tinkered with my 1.6TDI SE extensively, so if you have any questions just ask, hopefully I can
help...
Note
Also bear in mind, there is always going to be "that
CUPRA guy" who isn't impressed with it.
It's a bit like asking Gordon Ramsay for his thoughts on McCain Microwave Chips, of course they won't be impressed...