Soft Suspension, Dull Handling, Zero Feel - what mods ?

[S3 AKR]

So what can I do with my FR TSI 180 and the truly dull handling ? I don't want to spend a fortune but it is a million miles away from my ancient 2004 MCS (dont flame me - I need a small station car!) and it has to be better than that, surely ?

I know I don't want to do cheap coilovers (did nothing for 2003 Toledo 20VT Sport), I don't want expensive coilovers (won't get the use), and I have tried poly bushes before (hated them on my 2004 FR PD150) and I don't want to slam it as the Mrs uses it as the family bus most of the time!!

Does this car respond to simple spring and ARB changes ? Any preferences or suggestions ?

 

[Lentäjä]

What are you looking to get?
Firm / harsh ride?

Steering feel is rubbish in these MQB platform cars, and i dont think there is nothing you can do to it...
Its same in Cupra, S3, GTi...lacks feel a lot...i know some of Cupra owners come and argue in this,
but they talk rubbish. (Many of them thinks Cupra is something very different, but it is not really)

Despite the lack of steering feel, these cars can be pushed very well around the corners,
Not many can keep up like the cars that is credited with the feel...like Ford ST models.

 

[S3 AKR]

I'm just looking to firm it up a bit - not Audi firm but perhaps closer to a Golf but definitely something firmer. Steering feel is crap on these cars but then it always has been across the VW group range from the Leon Mk1 right through to this one. I have a 2014 Golf R and the steering lacks feel but is better weighted at least.

 

[DamianPM]

From what you've said I'd say uprated ARBs will be your best option.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[seatgraham]

I'm just looking to firm it up a bit - not Audi firm but perhaps closer to a Golf but definitely something firmer. Steering feel is crap on these cars but then it always has been across the VW group range from the Leon Mk1 right through to this one. I have a 2014 Golf R and the steering lacks feel but is better weighted at least.

I recall people posted about changing the steering weight. I believe it can be done.


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[nicknameless]

Change the car!

Not being sarcastic. Been there and done that - modded and spent loads trying to improve a dull car and the better and cheaper option is to get something that fits the bill in the first place OR accept what you've got for what it is.

Totally agree about steering feel. I am 2k miles into Cupra 290 ownership and the steering is like an arcade game - awful. Weight is not necessarily the answer. The artificial weight of cupra mode steering is even worse still.

The car covers ground rapidly though - mainly due to the power and diff, not grip or outright handling ability. It suits me fine for what it is and sure I will learn more about the car over the ownership period.

 

[neil_f225]

All new cars are getting worse for steering feel due to them using electric systems rather than the previous hydraulic setups. Would argue about the comment of mk1 leon having poor steering feel though. Mk1 leon cupra r had really good steering ( far better than my mates impreza and evo at the time) and most of the reviews highly rated the cupra r at that time.

 

[womble68]

Is it worth just using indidual mode and changing the steering from sport to normal. I'd guess the artificial extra weight doesn't help - or vice versa. Agree that from what I've read you'd think that with all this evolution the steering feel would get better...or is it a conspiracy... or not lol

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[Renex]

Maybe it's better to change shock absorbers? For example - to Bilstein B6.

Newertheless, I'm still driving my Leon FR 1.8 with stock suspension - but (!) with Russian Road Package, that gives extra +20mm for ground clearance, but in case of that I've got high center of mass.

Now I'm looking for some options, how to upgrade my suspension, and dont know, what's better - Bilstein B6 or standart Monroe from euro-sport version? Of course, I also need to change springs, but I hope that it'll be possible to find standart stock springs from euro-sport suspension for my SC 1.8, because I'don't want to bue lowered springs due to possible obstacles on the road, especially in winter.

 

[S3 AKR]

Some good feedback and comment - cheers!

I'll change the steering weight once I can find access to the right diags kit (an old VCDS version I have access to doesn't fit anything after about 2012) - might even go for the obdeleven device/software.

I find the suspension too soft so was thinking springs will aid that, plus shockers and ARB's that have been called out. I've been the spring and shocks route on the Mk1 Leon PD150 and it was a pretty good combo for what I needed from it but I need to be mindful that its main use day to day is the family wagon piloted by the Mrs!!

I've only just got the car to replace a Golf R where the lease ends next week so won't be changing it anytime soon. I've got a weekend car that gives all the handling fun and steering feel I look for on a proper fast road blast so the mods to the Leon are more about day to day swift progress and general driving (but it'll get a remap at some-point)...........and so it begins I guess!!!

 

[notabenem]

What are you looking to get?
Firm / harsh ride?

Steering feel is rubbish in these MQB platform cars, and i dont think there is nothing you can do to it...
Its same in Cupra, S3, GTi...lacks feel a lot...i know some of Cupra owners come and argue in this,
but they talk rubbish. (Many of them thinks Cupra is something very different, but it is not really)

Despite the lack of steering feel, these cars can be pushed very well around the corners,
Not many can keep up like the cars that is credited with the feel...like Ford ST models.

I own a Honda Civic 1.8 (140bhp, not "type R") and a Cupra 290 and agree that MQB (and my Cupra as well) is DULL - almost sailing type - on generic roads, but none of it mattered on the track between 60 - 2xx kmh.
Agility wise, the 8 year old Honda wins hands down. Smaller, lighter and WAY quicker to turn. But it's very bad in corners.

Yet to try a Ford ST to see what is being credited as the 'best steering feel' (TM).