Leon / Leon CUPRA First Drive: 2013 Seat Leon

[Zafiro]

A very polished performer indeed. In a straight-line, it really is rapid and there’s so much traction and such a wide torque band that you’ll often forget you’re in a diesel at all.

Still, the conditions didn’t detract us from noticing just how nicely weighted and direct the new Leon’s steering is, and how vast an improvement in quality the interior is in looks and feel over the old model.


As for whether Seat has created an out and out diesel hot hatch, we’d say it’s come as close as anyone before it in cracking that particular genre. Sure, it still can’t quite match the involvement of a high-revving petrol hot hatch, but thanks to a mighty engine, an impressive chassis and some clever electronics, it’s the best hot front-drive diesel model we’ve ever seen. Praise indeed, but the new Leon is good enough to deserve it.
Still thinking about that Golf?

Full review: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review...s/first-drive-review-2013-seat-leon-fr-20-tdi

 

[Zafiro]

Sounds very promising. I cant wait for Seat Leon Cupra

 

[Zafiro]

Another review, different engine.

Make no mistake, this is a fun car to drive. Highlights include well weighted and corruption-free steering, excellent body control and strong levels of mid-corner grip. Widened tracks, a long wheelbase and reduced centre of gravity provide it with a nicely planted feel during press-on driving. Altering the Seat Drive Profile settings brings about a noticeable change in the characteristics of the steering and throttle, but for the most part comfort seems to cover most bases.

It doesn’t quite match the superb refinement levels offered by the Golf. But as the head of Seat’s research and development department, Matthias Rabe, points out that wasn’t the mission: “We wanted a dynamic feel, something more sporting”. That it succeeds is without doubt.

More: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/seat/leon/first-drives/first-drive-review-2013-seat-leon-14-tsi

 

[Zafiro]

Another 5 star rating for FR version.

That the new Leon FR would look the part was never in question, even in five-door form. However, you really feel like you get value for money, not just with the improved interior, but with the depth of engineering that has gone into making the FR one of the best diesel hot hatches you can buy. The engine is superb, and is matched by a great chassis and some really nicely weighted controls. And that’s even before the Leon plays its ultimate trump card – it’s not only better equipped, cleaner and more powerful than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, it’s cheaper, too.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/seat/leon/61275/seat-leon-20-tdi-fr

 

[Tumbo]

Yawn. Seat must be making the most boring cars in the world. Even Skoda is better.

 

[Zafiro]

Yawn. Seat must be making the most boring cars in the world. Even Skoda is better.

Are you speaking in terms of design because from a driving point of view the car is far from being boring.

 

[IanDriver]

Auto Week NL review

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Now it's a wonderful car ! Great engines, great look, great quality, great handling, great equipment simply great car.
And it have Full LED headlights, just like new A3 ! In this segment !

 

[Deckhook]

Drove the new Leon SC FR 150hpTDi yesterday and was pleasantly surprised how well this little car drives, it feels sportier than the Golf GTD and it almost feels as good inside. Plus it's a real looker in white.

 

[Zafiro]

Cupra R are getting good reviews. Fastest FWD around N-ring they say.

 

[Will]

I've seen many of these on the road in the last few weeks, the 3 door is a real looker!

 

[Dartman123]

Anyone have the Leon Cupra performance figures from latest AutoZeitung (published 26.3)? Would appreciate them, thx!