Anyone experienced the new SEAT LEON? Interested to find people's real world opinions. The launch of the ST in Jan looks interesting. Was thinking of 5dr FR150 TD though.

May provide some interesting reading: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/292888-does-the-new-seat-leon-offer-superior-value-for-money-now/page-1?hl=+leon +better +value  

Nice cars, and a big improvement on the last one. I'd have one over the equivalent Golf or A3.

 

The FR has rather a harsh ride, so definitely try before you buy. My back prefers the SE. 

thanks Yeti Man i did a search on Leon on briskoda but did not see this. 

Oh, and don't underestimate the 1,6 diesel. It's not fast, but it's as quick as I need a car to be. 

thanks Yeti Man i did a search on Leon on briskoda but did not see this. 

No problem.

 

Ive been put off the Octavia estate route a little as ive just seen too many now with trim and paint defects (on the doors and roof mainly).I could however be tempted to a Leon ST FR (ride quality is very good and miles away from the older FR models) 1.4TSi. I cant make the sums work in favour of the diesel given my personal experience of real world commuting in them. I like the fact you can get a few options on the ST that you cant get on the equivalent Octavia's - Dynamic damper control and progressive steering being two. Panoramic sunroof is a must for me and I was really surprised to hear how good the Seat media system/speaker upgrade is. To my ears it was with the Canton option of the Octy but the bass seemed better controlled and more obvious if you wanted it to be. Its not quite got the boot space (only down by something like 20 litres iirc) and the rear part of the cabin isnt quite as spacious as it doesnt get the extended version of the MQB chassis but its certainly not tight back there! I think its more stylish than the Octavia estate and am pretty certain (based on hatchback test drives) it will feel even better on the road (although all of the MQB cars are very near each other in this respect).

No problem.

 

Ive been put off the Octavia estate route a little as ive just seen too many now with trim and paint defects (on the doors and roof mainly).I could however be tempted to a Leon ST FR (ride quality is very good and miles away from the older FR models) 1.4TSi. I cant make the sums work in favour of the diesel given my personal experience of real world commuting in them. I like the fact you can get a few options on the ST that you cant get on the equivalent Octavia's - Dynamic damper control and progressive steering being two. Panoramic sunroof is a must for me and I was really surprised to hear how good the Seat media system/speaker upgrade is. To my ears it was with the Canton option of the Octy but the bass seemed better controlled and more obvious if you wanted it to be. Its not quite got the boot space (only down by something like 20 litres iirc) and the rear part of the cabin isnt quite as spacious as it doesnt get the extended version of the MQB chassis but its certainly not tight back there! I think its more stylish than the Octavia estate and am pretty certain (based on hatchback test drives) it will feel even better on the road (although all of the MQB cars are very near each other in this respect).

 

Regarding the handling.... bear in mind that the 1.4TSi FR wont get the better rear suspension as its under 150BHP

Regarding the handling.... bear in mind that the 1.4TSi FR wont get the better rear suspension as its under 150BHP

Yup, very aware of that but having driven most of the MQB models back to back on the road - in the real world - this fact equates to very little difference. In fact the noise levels in some of the fully independent versions has been higher than expected and certainly no worse on the torsion beam cars. Surprising but thats what I found. On a track or handling course the torsion beam cars would probably fall some way behind though 

Yup, very aware of that but having driven most of the MQB models back to back on the road - in the real world - this fact equates to very little difference. In fact the noise levels in some of the fully independent versions has been higher than expected and certainly no worse on the torsion beam cars. Surprising but thats what I found. On a track or handling course the torsion beam cars would probably fall some way behind though 

This is interesting, in theory an independent set up should provide a noticeable improvement if engineered correctly. Perhaps having to put two different types of suspension on this vehicle has compromised the optimisation of the fully independent version ?         

We have had the new Leon now for about a month. It is the 1.6tdi with the technology pack that includes full led lights, sat nav and  dab radio. So far the car has performed well and even at speeds of 100mph it is still quiet. I normally only drive at 60-70mph but with 130 miles on the clock I thought I would give it a quick blast.

I pick up my Silver 1.2 Tsi SE 5dr on Tuesday......