Estate 1.6 TDI 115 SE Dynamic EZ 5dr

Great all-rounder but avoid 1.6tdi

Leon ST is a very good all-rounder and excellent value used. You get plenty of space but also a car that isn't too long to park. Right sized sums it up nicely. Interior could be more premium but it's solid and well laid out. Comfortable too. Can do 3 hour journeys without discomfort. Likewise the infotainment is easy to use. Heating and ventilation controls easy to use. With this model ride and handling compromise is very good. I had the Leon ST FR before and that was a bit too firm around town. This isn't.
I wouldn't pick the 1.6tdi again though. This engine feels like it's been compromised to enable it to meet EU targets. It now has to do dpf regeneration every 200 miles or so based on filter loading. Whilst this stops filter clogging up if you stop during regeneration you have the fans blasting. Which is not subtle. Sometimes the engine feels like it could be smoother especially in 1st and 2nd gears. Other times it feels nicer and much sweeter. It's always audible though. Not deafening but always there in the background even at motorway speeds. And felt too as there is vibration. Quite a bit of turbo lag too. Compared to the smooth 1.4tsi I had before it's no contest. Unless you do loads of miles you want the petrol. And that did 45mpg Vs 52 for this car so not even that much more economical. I've heard that the 2.0tdi is quite a bit more refined. 1.6tdi is not awful and still feels punchy but it feels a bit agricultural and takes the shine of what is a very nice car.
This is made worse by this version with 16 inch rims being quiet in terms of road noise. The 17s in the 1.4tsi FR much louder.

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