New Leon FR on the loose

Seat is back in the hunt for hot hatch scalps and sales with the new Leon FR.


The Spanish firm is not pussyfooting around either, with the FR (Formula Racing) models straining at the leash with 200bhp turbocharged petrol or 170bhp turbodiesel units.

The 200bhp TFSi petrol model is the swiftest and cracks 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds before heading on to a maximum speed of 143mph.

Opt for the 2.0 turbodiesel FR and there's no loss of acceleration, because it sees off 0-62mph in an identical 7.3 seconds, while returning 47mpg. The 2.0 TFSi gives a very respectable 35.7mpg.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard.

Helping the Leon make the most of its potent engines is Seat's 'Agile Chassis' concept, which stiffens and lowers the suspension, as well as quickening steering response.

The Agile Chassis also includes larger brakes and also brings all of Seat's electronic driver aids into play.

More obvious markers to distinguish the Leon FR are its aggressive front grille and rear bumper, twin chromed exhaust pipes, and alloy wheels in either 17- or 18in sizes.

Slipping into the FR, there's plenty to remind you that this is a potent hot hatch.

Figure-hugging sports seats keep you in place, while the white-faced instruments with FR logo are de rigeur hot hatch kit.

Other standard equipment for the FR models includes climate control, an MP3-compatible CD stereo, and all-round electric windows for the five-door-only body.

The FR models arrive in July, with prices yet to be confirmed, and they come hot on the heels of the Leon's best-ever sales month.

Expect the FR models to make up almost half of all Leon sales, which means one will be scalping a hot hatch near you soon.

© Source: original article on topgear.com