Firstly apolgies to anyone i offended on my first stabb at this. It was quick comments that had no real thought behind, i basically was loving my new car and hadn't articulated my thoughts very well. One of the reason i said i was "privileged" company car driver is that i do understand that not everyone is in that position, i am lucky in that respect and wanted to explain why i kept the car that id deemed as "crappy" and to also to show that i wasn't loaded and could afford to change cars all the time. Obviously this back fired a little. 
The purpose the thread was not only to say well done to Seat and to show other company car drivers and private car drivers that if you didn't get on with the PD version then the Leon FR is still a very viable option for your next car.
To put some peoples minds at rest, i withdraw the Crappy statement
I have had a Leon for the Last 9 Years. Started wiyth a Leon SE 1.6, then Leon Cupra 1.9tdi 150 followed by the MK2 Leon FR PD 170. Im now driving another MK2 Leon FR CR and wanted to give my thoughts on the main differences between the PD version and the CR version as although i did like my PD version, it never really offered me the refinement i needed for my every day commute.
I will start with the engine
The PD version of the engine felt Harsh to me, power delivery was brutal, At speed it was a dream, but in the lower gear range, the car never seemed happy going slowly, it was almost like the gears didn’t quite match the revs of the engine. Which in traffic meant that i had to change up and down gears constantly, which was a real chore in heavy traffic and was one of the main reason i was not completely satisified with the car. I reckon the Petrol version doesn’t suffer with this issue. Also the engine did sound like a tractor from time to time and felt rough and unrefined. Having the 1.9tdi prior to this model i was expecting 50-60mpg from this engine but only really ever managed to get 42mpg, which sounds like the norm.
Now the CR verion, turns the car into something else, gone is the brutish power delivery, instead you get a smooth delivery through all gears and has made the car more refined than the PD version. Its also very quiet in comparison. I have not spent that muchg time in traffic the last few days but overall the gearing and performance seem very balanced. It doesn’t feel as quick as the PD version but according the speedo theer is no noticeable difference in speed. The car currently is giving me a average of 43mpg, but im getting near 50mpg in the mornings so i expect that the average will increase with a few more miles on the clock
Suspension and Handling
The PD suspension was Stiff, for cornering it was excellent, but on uneven surfaces and everyday driving it was harsh and bone shuddering, which bothered me most when i was driving family or friends.
The FL Suspension is softer but still hasa decent firmness which together with tehe new engine has brought balance to the car. The car feels refined and still fun to drive.
Although the FL version probably doesn’t handle as wqell as the PD version (its margional) the enhancements in the engine and the new suspension setup make driving around in this car a better expereince on a day to day basis.
Gadgets
Stereo
In terms of sound quality, both cars are equal, but the new stereo system in the FL version does a little more, and is a clear benefit over teh PD version due to the USB interaction. Previously i was burning CD’s to put in the car and forever changing my mind. Also whenever i left the car over night the MP3 CD’s would need to be ejected before they would play again. In this car everything is on my Usb and i can control the order and select songs with ease.
Bluetooth and on borad computer
One of the other noticable changes is the onboard computer and bluetooth, apart from looking Black and white, which is clearer it seems to work a little bit quicker. When you dial a number, you No longer get the Voice that says “ Dialling number” it just dials. By doing this, the call goes through immediatley. Also prior to the car change i was having isssues with my Blackberry disconnecting from the Bluetooth. Thats not happened yet either.
Dual climate
IN the old car you couldn’t (i couldn’t do it anyway) control both zones with one button, you had to adjust each zone to match if you wanted the same. In the FL verision, you just press dual and hey presto. Not a major poiunt i know, but there are very little difference between the 2 cars.
The Leon MK2 has always been a looker, the PD version looks more aggressive from the front than the FL version but thats neither here or there.
Before coosing this car this time round i was adiment that i wanted to move away from Seat and the VW group, i just fancied a change really.
I had looked around and test drove a number of cars, these included The Mazda 3 Sport 150/185 , ford focus, VW Golf, Renault megane but none compared well to the the PD Leon, i was starting to feel that my only choice was another Leon,
Due to the Engine and suspension setup i was considering dropping to a 140bhp or even a petrol version.
I had decided it was 50/50 with the Mazda which offers similar specs of equipment but just didn’t quite do it on some levels.
Lucky someone i know pointed out that Seat had Face lifted the FR and changed the setup. After the test drive i was sold. Even though the difference i technically minor, the refinement of the car was a welcome step by seat. I doubt its to everyones liking but for me comfort was starting to be a big factor and choosing a c ar this time round that was key.
I disliked my PD FR only when in traffic or daily commuting but after having the CR FR for a week now i can safely say that i prefer this one as an allround everyday car.
Hopefully this is a more balanced review
The purpose the thread was not only to say well done to Seat and to show other company car drivers and private car drivers that if you didn't get on with the PD version then the Leon FR is still a very viable option for your next car.
To put some peoples minds at rest, i withdraw the Crappy statement
I have had a Leon for the Last 9 Years. Started wiyth a Leon SE 1.6, then Leon Cupra 1.9tdi 150 followed by the MK2 Leon FR PD 170. Im now driving another MK2 Leon FR CR and wanted to give my thoughts on the main differences between the PD version and the CR version as although i did like my PD version, it never really offered me the refinement i needed for my every day commute.
I will start with the engine
The PD version of the engine felt Harsh to me, power delivery was brutal, At speed it was a dream, but in the lower gear range, the car never seemed happy going slowly, it was almost like the gears didn’t quite match the revs of the engine. Which in traffic meant that i had to change up and down gears constantly, which was a real chore in heavy traffic and was one of the main reason i was not completely satisified with the car. I reckon the Petrol version doesn’t suffer with this issue. Also the engine did sound like a tractor from time to time and felt rough and unrefined. Having the 1.9tdi prior to this model i was expecting 50-60mpg from this engine but only really ever managed to get 42mpg, which sounds like the norm.
Now the CR verion, turns the car into something else, gone is the brutish power delivery, instead you get a smooth delivery through all gears and has made the car more refined than the PD version. Its also very quiet in comparison. I have not spent that muchg time in traffic the last few days but overall the gearing and performance seem very balanced. It doesn’t feel as quick as the PD version but according the speedo theer is no noticeable difference in speed. The car currently is giving me a average of 43mpg, but im getting near 50mpg in the mornings so i expect that the average will increase with a few more miles on the clock
Suspension and Handling
The PD suspension was Stiff, for cornering it was excellent, but on uneven surfaces and everyday driving it was harsh and bone shuddering, which bothered me most when i was driving family or friends.
The FL Suspension is softer but still hasa decent firmness which together with tehe new engine has brought balance to the car. The car feels refined and still fun to drive.
Although the FL version probably doesn’t handle as wqell as the PD version (its margional) the enhancements in the engine and the new suspension setup make driving around in this car a better expereince on a day to day basis.
Gadgets
Stereo
In terms of sound quality, both cars are equal, but the new stereo system in the FL version does a little more, and is a clear benefit over teh PD version due to the USB interaction. Previously i was burning CD’s to put in the car and forever changing my mind. Also whenever i left the car over night the MP3 CD’s would need to be ejected before they would play again. In this car everything is on my Usb and i can control the order and select songs with ease.
Bluetooth and on borad computer
One of the other noticable changes is the onboard computer and bluetooth, apart from looking Black and white, which is clearer it seems to work a little bit quicker. When you dial a number, you No longer get the Voice that says “ Dialling number” it just dials. By doing this, the call goes through immediatley. Also prior to the car change i was having isssues with my Blackberry disconnecting from the Bluetooth. Thats not happened yet either.
Dual climate
IN the old car you couldn’t (i couldn’t do it anyway) control both zones with one button, you had to adjust each zone to match if you wanted the same. In the FL verision, you just press dual and hey presto. Not a major poiunt i know, but there are very little difference between the 2 cars.
The Leon MK2 has always been a looker, the PD version looks more aggressive from the front than the FL version but thats neither here or there.
Before coosing this car this time round i was adiment that i wanted to move away from Seat and the VW group, i just fancied a change really.
I had looked around and test drove a number of cars, these included The Mazda 3 Sport 150/185 , ford focus, VW Golf, Renault megane but none compared well to the the PD Leon, i was starting to feel that my only choice was another Leon,
Due to the Engine and suspension setup i was considering dropping to a 140bhp or even a petrol version.
I had decided it was 50/50 with the Mazda which offers similar specs of equipment but just didn’t quite do it on some levels.
Lucky someone i know pointed out that Seat had Face lifted the FR and changed the setup. After the test drive i was sold. Even though the difference i technically minor, the refinement of the car was a welcome step by seat. I doubt its to everyones liking but for me comfort was starting to be a big factor and choosing a c ar this time round that was key.
I disliked my PD FR only when in traffic or daily commuting but after having the CR FR for a week now i can safely say that i prefer this one as an allround everyday car.
Hopefully this is a more balanced review
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