SEAT Leon FR: hot hatch, cool tax

1 November 2010

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SEAT Leon FR 2.0 TDI road test report

SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI 16v 170PS FR

SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI 16v 170PS FR

What is it?

A HOT hatch that promises to put a smile on your face whether on a B-road or at the pumps. Latest FR comes with a new super-efficient 170PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel, allied to a mild bodykit, sports suspension and racy interior. Priced at £19,750 on the road, it could be the best hot hatch business car you can buy for under £20,000.

What’s hot?

  • The pace on offer…0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and tons of overtaking urge
  • But with 53.3mpg and 139g/km it’s very cheap to run
  • Quiet too; the new engine is smooth and hushed at motorway speed…
  • …helped by a long sixth gear for great high speed cruising
  • Handling boasts lots of grip, yet ride is much better than before
  • Still looks sharp and is available in a range of lurid colours
  • Interior well built, gets neat sports seats and iPod connectivity

What’s not?

  • You need to buy a special lead from SEAT for full iPod control
  • Chunky front and rear pillars compromise visibility
  • A VW Golf and Ford Focus have more fluid and linear steering

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 19,585
Monthly Rental*: 288 (CH)/338 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 19%, 20%, 21%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 2.0 turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 139g/km
Power/torque: 170PS/350Nm
Economy: 53.3mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Well done SEAT. The Leon may be getting on a bit now but it still feels bang up to date – and this sporty FR is a great all rounder, proving fun on a twisty road yet amazingly cheap to run. What’s more it costs almost £4,000 less than a VW Golf GTD too.

Business Motoring Award Winners 2025

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