Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine

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Tue 30 Jan 2018 21:40
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - offshore

I have been looking at the wheel configuration on the Leon ST (estate)

The SE Dynamic Technology is fitter with 17 " alloy whheels; the more expensive Technolgy is fitted with 16" wheels.

Will the larger 17 " wheels on this cheaper model make it more uncomfortable I wonder?

Also the latest 1.0 TSI Ecomotive engine is another £2000 more than the older 1.2 TSI. I sense the larger engine could be more reliable, but that is not based on any particular experience or knowledge of my own.

I would be interested in other peoples opinions on this?

Thanks

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Tue 30 Jan 2018 21:48
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - RobJP

Realistically, you need to drive both to find out.

You may find that the 'dynamic' also has stiffer suspension. Which may also affect how the car rides and handles.

What one person may find as an uncomfortably firm ride might be 'perfect' for someone else.

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Tue 30 Jan 2018 21:49
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - badbusdriver

Yes, the bigger wheels will have a detrimental effect on the ride, noticeably so. They are well known for it, as, to be fair, is the case with most cars.

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Tue 30 Jan 2018 21:53
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - SLO76
I doubt the difference in rim size will make much difference here. Even the sportier and more firmly sprung FR isn’t excessively hard. It’s a good car all round but the FR will hold its value better than the more mundane looking SE.

As for engine durability well early TSi motors had trouble with timing chains so VAG switched back to belts in 2013 and since there’s no sign of any underlying reliability issues. It’s a good design and the 1.4 goes very well and is highly efficient. However It’s still regarded by the trade as untested despite having been around for a good few years now as there are few high mileage examples around. Big mileage users still favour the diesels. The 1.0 is a belt driven motor again and there’s nothing in the specs that should cause trouble but only time will tell. I’d pocket the £2k saving and go with the older motor which is fine.y

Edited by SLO76 on 30/01/2018 at 21:54

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Tue 30 Jan 2018 22:50
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - Smileyman

Look at the discussion forums for Skoda Rapid owners and Seat Toledo owners, there are many comments from drivers who used to / currently own cars with these engines that may well assist you

(Hopefully HJ will allow these links..).

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/225-skoda-rapid-spaceback/

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=45

Edited by Smileyman on 30/01/2018 at 22:50

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Wed 31 Jan 2018 13:31
Seat Leon ST - Seat Leon ST - 16 or 17 wheels/ 1.0 engine - offshore

Thanks very much for the replies on that. I will follow the advice to look on the more specialised forum , regarding the wheel size in particular.

Test driving I suppose is the answer, but I would like to go forearmed!

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