Swapped old leon for New Leon ST FR 2.0TDi (184PS)

[yellowcone87]

I'd agree with that comment overall I think. In all trim levels the ST is definitely more comfortable than the 3 and 5 door models. I test drove an FR hatch and FR ST before I bought and thought the estate was definitely an improvement. It feels just as communicative but somehow more rounded, perhaps more grown up in ST form. The SE ST which I eventually ordered is the one I chose in the end, but mainly because of where I live. The smaller wheels on the SE along with the slightly softer suspension setup just had the slight edge for me. Nothing but speed bumps and potholes here! I must say though I was gutted I'll miss out on the driving mode selection though, as that is a real bonus and something some will really miss on the SE.

Glad your happy with yours though, that sounds really encouraging to those of us who are still waiting. I still haven't seen any on the roads that weren't demonstrators!

 

[tony323ci]

Saw one today on the M1 red not sure what model it was sandwiched between two lorries doing about 50 in the inside lane

 

[Falkster]

Had a trawl through the forums and this is the only thread I could find on the ST. I'm considering an FR 150 coming from an Octy 2 FL vRS but am concerned with rear seat space (3 kids). I'm on a company car budget of £23.5k so the new vRS is out of budget. The ST appears to tick all the boxes. Thoughts/opinions/advice welcome from any ST owners or owners to be. Thanks.

 

[ToroNegro]

Rear seat space is not an issue. I've been 5 up with my mates, all of us over 6ft in plenty of comfort. If your budget will stretch to it go for the 184. Is really a four seater but can seat 5 comfortably with 3 point belts all round.

Corners amazingly for an estate, more than enough poke for when you want some fun but a seriously comfortable and quiet cruiser too. Can't stress the quietness enough.

Only real competitor in my eyes (ignoring it's tiny boot) is an Alfa Romeo 159 sportwagon with the 2.4jtd.


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[boltonredgt]

Rear seat space is not an issue. I've been 5 up with my mates, all of us over 6ft in plenty of comfort. If your budget will stretch to it go for the 184. Is really a four seater but can seat 5 comfortably with 3 point belts all round.

Corners amazingly for an estate, more than enough poke for when you want some fun but a seriously comfortable and quiet cruiser too. Can't stress the quietness enough.

Only real competitor in my eyes (ignoring it's tiny boot) is an Alfa Romeo 159 sportwagon with the 2.4jtd.


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Agreed. I test drove the 184 ST FR and was never a fan of diesels but was totally impressed with its handling and power that if it was not for the Cupra that would be the model we would have now. Even prefered it over the 180 petrol, Golf GTI, Focus ST and Alfa Romeo Giulietta

 

[Falkster]

Rear seat space is not an issue. I've been 5 up with my mates, all of us over 6ft in plenty of comfort. If your budget will stretch to it go for the 184. Is really a four seater but can seat 5 comfortably with 3 point belts all round.

Corners amazingly for an estate, more than enough poke for when you want some fun but a seriously comfortable and quiet cruiser too. Can't stress the quietness enough.

Only real competitor in my eyes (ignoring it's tiny boot) is an Alfa Romeo 159 sportwagon with the 2.4jtd.


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Thanks for the advice. The company car budget will just about stretch to a 184 but I quite fancy the 150 in white with Alcantara. Is there that big a driving experience between 184 and 150? Also you mentioned you test drove an Octy 3, what was it about the Skoda that marked it down against the Leon? Cheers

 

[ToroNegro]

Thanks for the advice. The company car budget will just about stretch to a 184 but I quite fancy the 150 in white with Alcantara. Is there that big a driving experience between 184 and 150? Also you mentioned you test drove an Octy 3, what was it about the Skoda that marked it down against the Leon? Cheers

Whilst Alcantara is nice, it's a nightmare to keep clean. The standard FR seats are great as they are in my opinion.
184 just has that extra but of pull but having driven both engines, yes it is noticeable. Won't be to everyone though so recommend driving both.

Whilst they are theoretically the same car they're also a breed apart. The Octavia was lovely, cavernous boot but below the vrs the interior isn't great nor is the equipment. when you compare the same spec (Octavia needed options to match the leon) it worked out nearly £3k more expensive for me.

The leon seems to have more pull and better handling. 1.6tdi Octavia SE and 1.6Tdi leon SE, side by side:

Octavia minimilistic style - leon more flare
Octavia bigger boot - leon more equipment
Octavia comfortable - leon quieter but better handling.

It was a seriously close call between both though and I'd be happy with either car. Because what one lacked the other had and vice versa. The price and finance on the leon was the main thing and availability of the spec I wanted.



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[Falkster]

Whilst Alcantara is nice, it's a nightmare to keep clean. The standard FR seats are great as they are in my opinion.
184 just has that extra but of pull but having driven both engines, yes it is noticeable. Won't be to everyone though so recommend driving both.

Whilst they are theoretically the same car they're also a breed apart. The Octavia was lovely, cavernous boot but below the vrs the interior isn't great nor is the equipment. when you compare the same spec (Octavia needed options to match the leon) it worked out nearly £3k more expensive for me.

The leon seems to have more pull and better handling. 1.6tdi Octavia SE and 1.6Tdi leon SE, side by side:

Octavia minimilistic style - leon more flare
Octavia bigger boot - leon more equipment
Octavia comfortable - leon quieter but better handling.

It was a seriously close call between both though and I'd be happy with either car. Because what one lacked the other had and vice versa. The price and finance on the leon was the main thing and availability of the spec I wanted.



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Thanks Toro, good points. I don't think I can bring myself to drive a non vRS Octy, bland and a bit ordinary. I'm swaying towards the ST but will need to pimp it with gloss black or white powder coated wheels against white or red body colour. Shame the optional spoiler is £399! It will be interesting to go back to Seat (I had a Leon FR 2 before the vRS) and see if quality and ride have improved.

 

[ToroNegro]

Not a problem. Best thing I can advise is see them both in the metal. Test drive them both (I suggest trying the 1.6 in both as the difference is ridiculous) then try a 150 and a 184.


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[Falkster]

Good shout. Just had a look at your pics and there are some nice features (LED's etc). Colour looks ace after detailing. I think I'm in the minority when looking at non metallics!