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Seat Leon I (1M) FR 1.9 TDI (150 Hp)
Overall Rating
Seat Leon:
The SEAT León , also spelled Leon in some other languages, is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT since October 1999. It is named after the city of León.
The first two León generations used two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and shared many components with other Volkswagen Group cars. The third and fourth generation use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, also used by the Audi A3 Mk3 and Mk4, Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and Mk8 and Škoda Octavia Mk3 and Mk4....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I (1M) Overview:
Seat Leon (I (1M)). Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.1 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
FR 1.9 TDI (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Identical to the 1.9 TDI (150 Hp) but with potentially sportier FR trim enhancements. Strong and torquey.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, making it a very practical performance diesel.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of capable engines, from economical diesels to potent hot hatches.
- • Engaging and sporty driving dynamics, especially in FR and Cupra trims.
- • Distinctive and attractive styling that has aged well.
- • Good value for money on the used car market.
- • Practical hatchback body style with decent interior space.
Cons:
- • Interior quality, while robust, can feel dated compared to newer rivals.
- • Some petrol engines can be thirsty, particularly the V6 and higher-output 1.8T models.
- • Rear legroom is adequate but not class-leading.
- • Ride can be firm on sportier trims, impacting comfort on rough roads.
- • Potential for common VW Group issues like coil pack failures on 1.8T engines.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Seat |
| Model: | Leon |
| Generation: | I (1M) |
| Modification (Engine): | FR 1.9 TDI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp |
| Power per litre: | 79.1 Hp/l |
| Engine Model/Code: | ARL |
| Engine displacement: | 1896 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Fuel injection system: | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.5 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Width: | 1742 mm mm |
| Height: | 1439 mm mm |
Does the Seat Leon live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!