SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013) Review
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SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013) At A Glance
Stylish design. Excellent road manners. Roomy and well-equipped cabin. An easy car to live with and enjoy. Superb value. FR models are the best.
Acres of dull plastic across the dashboard. Poor treatment of owners over ABS/ESP issue.
Walter d'Silva designed the Alfa 156 and 147.
Opening the garage doors to one of those is a bit like waking next to the face of a woman so beautiful you forgive her almost anything. Which can be the case with these Alfas.
Walter was tempted away to SEAT, a few months before the launch of the original Leon, but too late to influence its styling. That car's beetleback, Alfasud shape, like the hunched, racy look of the 2nd generation Toledo, had nothing to do with d'Silva.
The first SEAT to bear his touch was the Ibiza launched in 2002. Then we started to get tantalising glimpses of a new generation of d'Silva SEATs, showcased by the Salsa concept car in 2002.
That first morphed into the Altea MPV and I wondered what had happened to it. Then the disappointing, lardy-arsed 5-door Toledo that looked like the taxi it has become all over Iberia. We had to wait until last year for the car the Salsa was the true precursor of. And I forced myself to hang on until the 2.0TFSI before driving it, because I didn't want to be disappointed.
Reviews for SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals
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SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TSI to 2.0 TSI Cupra
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–65 mpg
In 2002 I auction-bought a 28,000 mile, 2000X lipstick pink metallic Leon 20VT 180 Sport, for just £7,750. I took a chance, but it turned out to be a brilliant buy and an excellent car. I had to let it go after 11 months and nearly got my money back after an excellent year's motoring during which it showed up most of the cars I road-tested, including the Golf IV GTI 180. So I really wanted to drive the new Leon that would be its natural successor. In a few months time there will be an FR 200PS version for another grand or two. And late in the year a red hot 240PS Cupra. But in the meantime the 2.0TFSI Sport is a bit of a bargain at just £16,020
One thing is for sure: the new Leon is colour sensitive. My test car came in ‘Rubi red' metallic, not very different from my old 20VT Sport. And while it looks wonderful from some angles, it doesn't work so well from others. The high slab sides and low roof are supposed to elongate it, but from the rear three quarters it can look a bit dumpy. It shares d'Silva's trademark hidden rear door latches. It doesn't quite have the bigness of screen and shortness of body of the Salsa. Yet its looks work best from the front, front three quarters and side. Well enough to raise a smile of satisfaction when you open those garage doors. You can congratulate yourself for saving £4,000 on a Golf GTI for almost the same car in a sharper suit. And with d'Silva's unique tuckaway wipers that park themselves vertically in the A pillars.
The gearchange and cornering grip are good too. But if I owned one I'd whip it straight into a VAG dealer and have the steering weight re-set heavier via the OBDII port. As mine came, it was too light and feel-free but all current VAG electro hydraulic steering can be re-set by the garage to six different levels of assistance.
Despite the feel free steering the car doesn't disappoint in the corners. It can be pushed really hard before it starts to understeer, and tells you exactly when that is about to happen. Even on 17" alloys with 225/45 tyres ride quality is okay. The seats are comfortable. The engine is wonderfully flexible and with 25mph per 1,000 rpm in 6th you can leave it on cruise through the roadworks.
Over 229 miles I got at least 31mpg, maybe more. So it gets a fairly enthusiastic nod. It's quick, flexible, economical and practical and good looking. Like the old model, I could live with one for a year.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TSI | 52 mpg | 10.9–11.0 s | 124 g/km |
| 1.4 | 45 mpg | 14.1 s | 147 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI | 44–46 mpg | 9.8 s | 145–155 g/km |
| 1.4 TSI FR | 46 mpg | 9.8 s | 145 g/km |
| 1.6 | 37–39 mpg | 11.7 s | 169–183 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI | 67 mpg | 11.3 s | 109 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI DSG | 60 mpg | 11.7 s | 123 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI DSG Automatic | 60 mpg | 11.7 s | 123 g/km |
| 1.6 TDI Ecomotive | 74 mpg | 11.5 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.9 TDI | 57 mpg | 11.3 s | 135 g/km |
| 1.9 TDI 90 | 57 mpg | 13.3 s | 135 g/km |
| 1.9 TDI Ecomotive | 63 mpg | 10.9 s | 119 g/km |
| 2.0 FSI | 34 mpg | 8.8 s | 197 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI | 50–55 mpg | 8.2–9.3 s | 125–147 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI DSG | 50–50 mpg | 8.0–9.3 s | 139–148 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI FR | 59 mpg | 9.5 s | 125 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI FR DSG | 53 mpg | 9.5 s | 139 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI FR+ | 55 mpg | 8.2 s | 134 g/km |
| 2.0 TDI FR+ DSG | 50 mpg | 8.0 s | 148 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI | 39 mpg | 6.9 s | 170 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI Cupra | 34–35 mpg | 6.4 s | 190–199 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI DSG | 38 mpg | 6.9 s | 174 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI FR | 39 mpg | 6.9 s | 170 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI FR DSG | 38 mpg | 6.9 s | 174 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI FR+ | 39 mpg | 6.9 s | 170 g/km |
| 2.0 TSI FR+ DSG | 38 mpg | 6.9 s | 174 g/km |
Real MPG average for the SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
22–65 mpg
MPGs submitted
738
SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013) interior
- Boot space is 341 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4309–4323 mm |
| Width | 1768 mm |
| Height | 1443–1458 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm |
It's surprisingly spacious inside. Plenty of head and legroom, even for piggy in the middle in the back. The minimalist dash is like a cliff-face of grey plastic, for the good reason it does not reflect in the huge front screen. The neat little A pillar windows actually work and prevent blindspots at the front when emerging from junctions. The engine pulls smoothly and strongly to 100 with no trace of turbo lag, just like a Golf GTI 2.0T.
The cruise works better than in most other cars because the buttons are on the indicator stalk and respond quickly so you can easily slow on the cruise from 70 to 50. It resets quickly too.
You get lots of kit too. Dual front climate control, electric folding mirrors, fogs, CD radio, trip computer, leather steering wheel cover, airbags all over the place. The only thing I missed was satnav.
SEAT Leon (2005 – 2013) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4309–4323 mm |
| Width | 1768 mm |
| Height | 1443–1458 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1205–1450 kg |
| Boot Space | 341 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £11,722–£23,860 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–34 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–J |
| Official MPG | 34.0–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| FR+ 2.0 TDI CR 5dr | £21,785 | 55.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| FR+ Supercopa 2.0 TDI CR 5dr | £22,535 | 55.4 mpg | 8.2 s |
| S Copa 1.2 TSI 5dr | £16,440 | 52.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| S Copa 1.6 TDI CR Ecomotive 5dr | £17,880 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| SE Copa 1.2 TSI 5dr | £17,225 | 52.3 mpg | 10.9 s |
| SE Copa 1.6 TDI CR 5dr | £18,665 | 67.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE Copa 1.6 TDI CR Ecomotive 5dr | £18,965 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
On sale until December 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| FR 1.4 TSI 5dr | £18,685 | 45.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| FR 2.0 TDI CR 5dr | £20,720 | 58.9 mpg | 9.5 s |
| FR 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £22,000 | 53.3 mpg | 9.5 s |
| S 1.6 TDI CR 5dr | £17,395 | 67.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE Copa 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £19,510 | 60.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
On sale until June 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| FR+ 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £22,960 | 50.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
| FR+ 2.0 TSI 5dr | £21,950 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| FR+ 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £23,110 | 37.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| FR+ Supercopa 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £23,710 | 50.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
| FR+ Supercopa 2.0 TSI 5dr | £22,700 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| FR+ Supercopa 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £23,860 | 37.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| S 1.4 5dr | £14,890 | 44.8 mpg | 14.1 s |
On sale until June 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Cupra 2.0 TSI 5dr | £22,180 | 34.9 mpg | 6.4 s |
| FR 2.0 TSI 5dr | £20,535 | 38.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| FR 2.0 TSI DSG 5dr Auto | £21,695 | 37.7 mpg | 6.9 s |
| S 1.2 TSI 5dr | £15,615 | 52.3 mpg | 11.0 s |
| S 1.6 TDI CR Ecomotive 5dr | £17,355 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| S Emocion 1.2 TSI 5dr | £16,180 | 52.3 mpg | 11.0 s |
| S Emocion 1.6 TDI CR 5dr | £17,620 | 67.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.2 TSI 5dr | £16,940 | 52.3 mpg | 11.0 s |
| SE 1.4 TSI 5dr | £17,115 | 45.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI CR 5dr | £18,380 | 67.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £19,225 | 60.1 mpg | 11.7 s |
| SE 1.6 TDI CR Ecomotive 5dr | £18,680 | 74.3 mpg | 11.5 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI CR 5dr | £19,155 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| SE 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £20,430 | 49.6 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Sport 1.4 TSI 5dr | £17,620 | 45.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Sport 2.0 TDI CR 5dr | £19,660 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Sport 2.0 TDI CR DSG 5dr Auto | £20,935 | 49.6 mpg | 9.3 s |
On sale until November 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S 1.9 TDI (90ps) 5dr | £15,315 | 56.5 mpg | 13.3 s |
On sale until June 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| S 1.6 5dr | £14,565 | 39.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| S 1.9 TDI 5dr | £15,600 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| S 1.9 TDI Ecomotive 5dr | £15,945 | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| S Emocion 1.6 5dr | £15,115 | 39.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| S Emocion 1.9 TDI 5dr | £16,150 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.9 TDI 5dr | £16,900 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| SE 1.9 TDI Ecomotive 5dr | £17,245 | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
On sale until May 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TSI Stylance 5dr | £15,290 | 44.1 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 Emocion 5dr | £13,850 | 37.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.6 Reference 5dr | £13,350 | 37.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 1.9 TDI Ecomotive 5dr | £14,790 | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.9 TDI Emocion 5dr | £14,940 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI Reference 5dr | £14,440 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI Stylance 5dr | £15,690 | 56.5 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Stylance 5dr | £16,740 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Stylance 5dr Auto | £16,740 | - | - |
| 2.0 TSI Cupra K1 5dr | £20,490 | 34.0 mpg | 6.4 s |
On sale until April 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TDI Sport 5dr | £16,885 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 2.0 TDI Sport 5dr Auto | £16,885 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TSI Reference Sport 5dr | £13,760 | 44.1 mpg | 9.8 s |
| 1.6 Stylance 5dr | £14,005 | 37.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.0 TDI Reference Sport 5dr | £15,755 | 50.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
On sale until May 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 Essence 5dr | £11,722 | 37.2 mpg | 11.7 s |
| 2.0 FSI Stylance 5dr | £15,922 | 34.4 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.0 FSI Stylance 5dr Auto | £15,922 | - | - |
On sale until June 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 FSI Reference Sport 5dr | £14,495 | 34.4 mpg | 8.8 s |
Model History
- March 2005: New Leon launched at Geneva Motor Show
- November 2005
- November 2006
- November 2006
- January 2008
- March 2008: Leon Cupra K1 launched
- March 2008
- August 2008
- February 2009: Facelifted Leon unveiled
- April 2009
- August 2009
- September 2009
- June 2010
- June 2010
- April 2011
- August 2011
- March 2012: 'Supercopa' Leon FR + announced
- January 0001: 10-1-2018 Haynes manual for SEAT Leon Mk II anounced ncluding Cupra and Cupra R.
March 2005
New Leon launched at Geneva Motor Show
Five door body, like original Leon. 341 litre boot. Leon Prototype has same turbocharged 200PS FSI direct injection petrol engine as Golf GTI plus DSG six-speed box.
Engines include 102PS 1.6 FSI and 150PS 1.6 FSI CAXA petrol engines (both chain cam) or belt cam 105PS 1.9 TDI or 140PS 2.0 TDI. 1.6 petrol and 1.9 diesel 5-speed. 2.0 petrol and diesel 6-speed. Tiptronic optional on FSI and DSG optional on 2.0 TDI.
4,315mm long and 1,768mm wide.
SEAT Leon original list prices:
Leon 1.6 Essence £11,295
Leon 1.6 Reference £11,995
Leon 2.0 Reference Sport £14,220
Leon 1.6 Stylance £12,995
Leon 2.0 FSI Stylance £15,320
Leon 2.0 FSI Stylance Tiptronic£15,995
Leon 2.0 TFSI Sport £15,995
Leon 1.9 TDI Reference £12,995
Leon 2.0 TDI Reference Sport £14,995
Leon 1.9 TDI Stylance £13,995
Leon 2.0 TDI Sport £16,495
Leon 2.0 TDI Sport DSG£17,295
November 2005
2.0 TFSI Sport from November 2005 at a reasonable £15,995 (£16,020 after VED hike). Has 185PS (nominal) version of VWG 2.0 Turbo, 270Nm (199lb ft) torque. 0-60 in 7.5 and top speed 137. Not far off old 20VT turbo.
November 2006
240PS Cupra launched at London Motor Show July 2006, does 0-60mph in 6.2 and 153mph. Priced at £19,595. 18-inch alloys. Capable of 34mpg.
November 2006
Leon 2.0TFSI 200 DSG from November 2006 at £17,895.
January 2008
'Candy White' colour introduced with option of black or white 18" alloys on the Cupra 240.
March 2008
Leon Cupra K1 launched
Styling additions include re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler and unique chrome-tipped, centrally-mounted, oval exhaust. Colours: Inferi Black, Emocion Red, Luna Grey and Candy White. £1,000 RRP over the standard Cupra. Powerful Bi-xenon headlights, complete with AFS dynamic bend lighting that follows the turn of the steering wheel to help ensure the beam is always pointing precisely where the car’s headed, are a £870 option. New, optional, 18” Orion alloy wheels in black or white are made available at £205 RRP. Price of standard Cupra 240 trimmed, from £19,695 RRP to £19,495 RRP. K¹ costs £20,495 RRP.
March 2008
1.4 TSI 125 announced, offering 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds. Direct injection fuelling and an ultra-efficient single turbocharger boasting a more capable water- rather than air-chilled intercooler enable the 1.4 TSI to deliver these useful figures. The power peak of 125 PS is on tap at an accessible 5,600 rpm, while the peak torque figure of 200 Nm is on offer across a particularly broad rev range: 1,750 rpm all the way up to 4,000 rpm, to be precise. Top speed is 122 mph. Also does 44.1 mpg combined with just 155 g/km, so 2008-09 Band D at £145 and 2009-10 Band G at £150pa.
August 2008
New colours entitled Custom Palette colours and priced at £550 RRP. New option of Lumina Orange on Leon FR and Cupra models. Also Cupra K1 - an extra-special Cupra with bespoke styling additions front and rear - in an all-new colour, the apposite Speed Blue. Also Kiwi Green and Furia Grey, a genuine 'stealth' shade likely to appeal to those who put four-wheeled fashion at the very top of their buying criteria.
February 2009
Facelifted Leon unveiled
Significant engineering upgrades, including use of common rail instread of PD diesels. Interior design changes and equipment upgrades. In SEAT's words, "They now boast smoother, more elegant lines, a new grille with a smaller SEAT logo and more stylised chrome surround as well as larger headlights, new door mirrors and new wheel designs. At the rear, the glass area is made larger to deliver greater visibility, while the rear hatch and light clusters have also been modified." Inside, mods to the instrument panel and centre console as well as changes to the door panel trim and materials.
XDS electronic traction control technology also new. Mimicking the function of a conventional limited slip differential but doing without the costly and heavy mechanicals associated with existing systems, XDS works together with ESP to improve the car’s performance in situations where traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses grip. More powerful 211 PS 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, while diesels switch from PD to common rail, including a 170 PS 2.0-litre TDI. All versions equipped with SEAT’s slick DSG automatic sequential manual gearbox get paddleshifts.
UK pricing and full specification details for SEAT’s revised Leon and Altea line-ups will be released closer to the models’ showroom debut here this summer. Ecomotive shown at Geneva, March 2009 with new 1.6 TDI engine and emissions of just 99g/km, best in class for a car of this size and better even than the Honda Insight.
April 2009
New Leon Cupra for 2009. The most obvious change is to the ‘face’, with bold vents beneath the honeycomb central grille, while the new bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word ‘CUPRA’ immediately visible on the left. Lower ground clearance. Spectacular 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black door mirror housings. Black interior. Leather-covered steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and ‘CUPRA’ logo at its flattened base is complemented by a matching gearknob. Aluminium pedals. Racing style 'Cupra' bucket seats.
Attractive new black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching is now available as an option. Same 240 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine, providing emphatically strong performance along with impressive fuel economy figures. Top speed is 153 mph and the benchmark 0 to 62 mph sprint takes only 6.4 seconds, yet average combined fuel consumption is 34 mpg. Equipment now included XDS system (an electronic system which mimics the function of a mechanical limited slip differential), ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, low tyre-pressure warning, driver and passenger airbags, side airbag and head airbag, climate control, cornering foglights, trip computer, cruise control and sports suspension, among others.
August 2009
Launch at Frankfurt Show of 265 PS 2.0 TSI Cupra R. Same power output as Leon WTC car. Among the four cylinder 16V unit’s key features is a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy its greater performance demands while also allowing it to fully comply with strict EU5 emissions standards.
0-60mph 5.9 seconds. Top speed limited to 155. 35mpg combined. 19-inch, five double-spoke alloys shod with ultra-low profile 235/35 R19 tyres. These wheels allow a set of generous 17-inch 345 x 30 mm front disc brakes with 16-inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear. Interior features competition-styled bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, white LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather-clad multi-functional steering wheel and sporty aluminium-trimmed pedals.
In Spain, standard equipment includes ABS + TCS, ESP + EBA, XDS (SEAT’s new electronic system which mimics the function of a limited slip differential), front and front side airbags, curtain airbags, passenger airbag disconnection, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points, low tyre pressure warning, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, cornering fog lights, dual zone climate control and MP3-compatible eight-speaker CD/radio.
September 2009
Leon Ecomotive slashes its CO2 emissions to just 99g/km, 105PS 1.6-litre TDI CR engine with new Auto Start/Stop and energy recuperation.
June 2010
SEAT Leon ECOmotive, is made its UK debut with 500 new Leon Ecomotives sold to British Gas. Uses Start/Stop technology and Brake Energy Recovery to slash CO2 down to just 99g/km while its combined fuel economy figure of 74.3 mpg gives the Leon Ecomotive a range of almost 900 miles between fill-ups. Even the urban figure of 60.1 is remarkable.
Has new 1.6-litre TDI engine with the latest common rail technology and DPF, new Start/Stop technology and SEAT's new Brake Energy Recovery system. A recommended gear indicator helps the driver select the optimum ratio for economical motoring, while low rolling resistance tyres on the new Leon further boost economy. Subtle aerodynamic tweaks to the Leon's already slippery shape complete the Ecomotive treatment. The 1.6 offers up 105PS.
The new Leon Ecomotive's 0-60 mph time is 11.2 seconds; top speed 118 mph. Five-speed manual gearbox with ratios precisely attuned to the needs of economical yet involving motoring, the Leon Ecomotive's engine is now even more refined, too. S and SE specifications. Air conditioning, stylish 16-inch alloys, one-shot electric windows all round, ESP, ABS, TSC, Hill Hold Control, tyre press monitoring, six-speaker stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility and AUX-in. Prices start at £16,840 RRP (SEAT Leon Ecomotive S) and, with the SEAT's Eco-nomics offer (current June 2010) that drops to as little as £15,090 - subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.
June 2010
265PS SEAT Leon Cupra R finally arrives in the UK. Combined economy of 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190g/km make it among the ‘greenest’ ultra-hot hatches. UK pricing for the new Leon Cupra R is confirmed at £25,205, production is limited to around 500 in a full year, and the first customer cars in early July.
April 2011
SEAT launches special edition Copa models with Leon S Copa and Leon SE Copa. The former, based on the entry-level S trim level, adds:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
- Front seat height and lumbar adjustment
- Cruise control
- Bespoke Copa upholstery
The latter takes the Leon SE as its starting point, but goes on to add:
- SEAT Media System
- Rear parking sensors
- Light and rain sensors
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Bespoke Copa upholstery
In the case of the Leon SE Copa this comes on top of the SE’s standard dual zone climate control, eight-speaker MP3-compatible radio/CD with AUX-in and USB connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and XDS electronic differential lock.
The SEAT Media System included in the Leon SE Copa is worthy of note, too, since it bundles up not only state-of-the-art touch screen satellite navigation technology and 3D mapping but also dynamic route guidance, an SD card slot for MP3 playback, DAB radio tuner and Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity for a truly hi-tech, high spec’ SEAT.
Like its Ibiza counterparts, the Leon Copa variants are offered with a simple petrol or turbodiesel engine choice. In the Leon’s case, though, it’s the option of SEAT’s brilliant new 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS turbocharged petrol or frugal 1.6-litre TDI common rail 105 PS turbodiesel.
Buyers can snap up the Leon S Copa 1.2 TSI for £16,180 RRP, while Leon SE Copa buyers can sign on the dotted line for a 1.2 TSI-engined version that costs just £16,940 RRP.
August 2011
Changes to Leon line-up, including a new FR+ model. The FR is now available as a 1.4 TSI 125 PS (manual only) or 2.0 TDI CR 140 PS (manual and DSG). The availability of these lower-powered turbocharged petrol or diesel engines makes the FR range more accessible to customers whose choices may be restricted by engine power, cost or insurance considerations.
Bristling with sports styling and packed with equipment, the Leon boasts FR front and rear bumpers, twin chrome exhaust pipe, trademark silver-painted door mirrors, stylish LED rear-light clusters, FR sports seats and steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
Meanwhile, the new Leon FR+ is a significant step up from the ‘standard' FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment. It's available to order now with SEAT's powerful 2.0 TSI 211 PS and 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS engines.
The Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch ‘Ibera' alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2, which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and front parking sensors.
Although the retail cost of this extra equipment when specified separately is £2,465 RRP, the price of the new Leon FR+ is up by just £1,070 RRP. So, SEAT's Leon FR line-up now starts at only £18,205 RRP for the Leon FR 1.4 TSI 125 PS, rising to £22,615 RRP for the lavishly equipped Leon FR+ 2.0 TDI CR DSG-auto 170 PS.
Finally, while the Leon Cupra has been withdrawn from the range SEAT has significantly improved the Cupra R trim by adding plenty of extra kit to this fire-breathing, 155 mph ‘halo' model for no extra cost.
Already loaded with luxury features, the latest Leon Cupra R now offers, as standard, SEAT Media System 2.2, Bluetooth connectivity, Bi-xenon headlights with AFS and LED rear-light clusters.
This extra equipment is worth £1,665 RRP but despite its inclusion there has been no increase in the 265 PS Cupra R's price. In fact, the price of SEAT's most potent production car to date has actually been cut - by £10 - to £25,995 RRP.
March 2012
'Supercopa' Leon FR + announced
Styling additions include extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, smart side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler, bespoke BBS 18-inch alloy wheels and unique chrome-tipped, twin exhausts. Eye-catching colours include Nevada White, Emoción Red and Speed Blue.
Leon FR+ which forms the basis of the special edition new Supercopa is a generously equipped offering that's a significant step up from the ‘standard' FR trim in terms of both performance and equipment.
Equipped with SEAT's powerful chain can EA888 2.0 TSI 211 PS petrol or 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS turbodiesel engines the Leon FR+ takes the FR trim and adds arch-filling 18-inch alloy wheels; the SEAT Media System 2.2 which includes satellite-navigation with five-inch colour touchscreen and dynamic route guidance, DAB radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and SD card slot; Bluetooth phone connection; bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) and rear parking sensors.
The new Supercopa editions feature £3,000-worth of SEAT Sport body kit for just £750 more than standard versions of the Leon FR+. Prices therefore start from just £22,530 RRP on-the-road for the 2.0 TDI 170 PS six-speed manual model.
January 0001
10-1-2018 Haynes manual for SEAT Leon Mk II anounced ncluding Cupra and Cupra R.
CoversPetrol: 1.6 litre (1595cc) & 2.0 litre (1984cc). Turbo-diesel: 1.6 litre (1598cc), 1.9 litre (1896cc) & 2.0 litre (1968cc). Includes coverage of models with DSG transmission. Does NOT cover 1.2, 1.4 or 1.8 litre petrol models, or 2.0 litre TSI petrol moodels with engine code CCZB. Does NOT cover fully-automatic transmission, ‘Flex-fuel’ models or new Leon ‘Mk 3’ model range introduced October 2012. Price £17.24.
What to watch out for
Reports of water ingress from inside of driver's window and door sensor alarms. More at www.seatcupra.net
All engines apart from 1.6FSIs and VR6s need new timing belts and tensioners every 4 years or 60,000 miles whichever comes first.
ESP warning light can indicate Fault Code "Boost Pressure Sensor G201". This is embedded inside Teves Mk 60 ABS systems and requires replacement of ABS control unit/pump. Seems to be age-related, occurring mainly in 3 - 5 year old cars. Does not necessarily lead to an MoT failure. Some owners being asked to pay up to £1,300 for replacements on cars as young as 4 years old. More on the problem and independent rebuilds of the unit at: BBA Reman or ECU Testing .
On 6-speed twin shaft manuals the gearchange from 1st to 2nd can become still. First stage dealer cure is to replace the transmission oil. If that fails, it needs a synchro ring replacing. So if your box stiffens up, make sure it is attended to before the warranty expires. Some 2006/2007 build cars with 6-speed boxes suffered from a planetary gear fault due to incorrect assembly. Cars fixed quickly by TSB when in dealers for servicing or other problems. Fairly high incidence of exploding manual transmissions due to this fault and puncturing transmission casing. Same fault also occurs on the Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and Golf V. If not VAG serviced then the fault may not have been fixed by TSB.
On 200PS FR, 240PS Cupra, etc., one end of the return spring on the throttle butterfly can become detached, and partially unwinds itself, in the process stopping the butterfly from closing properly (a potential safety concern). Yet for the sake of a £2 spring the whole £400 throttle body is junked and replaced.
Rumour on www.Seatcupra.net of a TSB to dealers to reflash the ECUs of 170 TDIs down to 155PS in order to improve reliability of diesel particulate filters.
VAG diesels will run to starship mileages if you buy the right one and maintain it properly. Doing both of these things is not as easy as it might seem. The pre-PD diesels were reliable but are all getting too old now. The economy was excellent but they lack the power of the PD units.
The best PD units are mid-period 1.9s with solenoid injectors. Avoid the later piezo injector engines and avoid the 2.0 PD at all costs because of the likelihood of oil pump drive failure - especially in N-S installations. The earliest PD engines had a rather complex and flaky fuel cooling system which is also better avoided. The best vintage PD is probably an '04 1.9 130 (AWX) - the 150 HP units are not as reliable and don't actually go much better.
All PD engines require oil to VAG spec. 505.01 (fixed servicing) or 507.00 (variable). Camshaft wear will be the result of variations from this spec. - although the fully-synth 507.00 is fine for both, but a little more expensive. There is a general consensus, which I share, that variable servicing is not good for engine wear unless operated under the most favourable conditions - which few are.
The latest CR engines run very nicely and are smoother than the PDs (but without the "shove") but I am beginning to hear of far too many (piezo again) injector failures and HP pump failures. Best avoided for now unless under warranty. The beauty of the PD system is that the highly stressed pump plunger followers are oil rather than fuel lubricated. It makes a considerable difference.
Reports of very high early oil consumption of 1.2 TSI 105.
22-01-2011:If ESP/ABS amber warning light comes on intermittently and will not re-set, you might not actually have the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP problem. First check circuits and start at the ABS fuse and holder (no 9 on a Golf, on scuttle edge by driver door). Pull it out, have a look and if okay replace it. The warning light may then go out. Sometimes they slip out a bit and become wobbly, which is enough to set off the warning.
14-03-2011:Digital LED display can be corrupted by below zero temperatures. £830 for a new instrument cluster (including the speedo and rev counter). ‘Cluster Repairs’ at www.Clusterrepairsuk.co.uk. quote £180 to fit a new LED unit to the existing cluster. Instrument cluster removal is a DIY job using the Haynes manual. Existing data; mileage, fuel consumption data etc. is preserved intact.
2.0TFSI Cupras suffering "coil pack failures", but the fault appears secondary to oil leakage into the packs. More at: www.seatcupra.net
01-07-2011:Latest on PD170 injector problem here PD 170 Injector Probem . Apparently after action from VOSA, VAG is offering full compensation to owners who have suffered this failure.
15-07-2012:DPFs of 2.0 litre diesels can fail after about 5 years and about 50,000 miles.
11-01-2013:Warranty on DSG extended to 5 years or 150,000 kilometres in Russia, China and Australia
11-05-2013:Report of clutch failure on 1.2TSI 105 at just 2 years old and 19,000 miles.
29-08-2013:Timing chain of 2008 Leon 1.4TSI 122 failed at 50k miles, 5 months into reader's ownership. Full service history. Covered by extended warranty.
07-10-2013:This information applies to a Skoda Octavia 1.4TSI DSG, but could equally apply to any VAG car fitted with the 7-speed double dry clutch DSG or 's-tronic' transmission: "Within weeks of buying the car it developed a vibration and slight loss of power on changing from first to second gear when the gearbox was hot on long runs or a lot of town driving. The dealer re-programmed the box twice, both times the fault came back. The gearbox was re-programmed twice more. It still had the fault and neither the manufactures and the dealer could not come up with a solution, so I had to live with it. Towards the end of the warrantee period I complained again and a meew Mechatronics unit was fitted. Again the fault was back within weeks. It turned out that VAG sent out a TSB on about 13-6-2013 describing the fault exactly and it is caused by the clutch pack. VW Group will put something towards the cost of replacing it and the customer stand the rest. In my case, VW Group took the full costs. The problem is caused by one of the clutch plates warping when hot although it has done it once on me when the clutch was cold with a major loss of power. I understand new clutch packs have been modified."
22-02-2014:SEAT dealers now up to speed to change the synthetic oil in 2012 and 2013 DQ200 7-speed DSGs to mineral oil.
21-11-2014:Reader bought a 2010 SEAT Leon 1.6TDI that suffered injector failure and thinks that the 2011 recall had not been carried out (The recall was for PD injectors on 2.0TDIs, not CR injectors on 1.6TDIs)
13-02-2015:Timing chain failed on 27k mile 2011 SEAT Leon 1.2TSI, wrecking the engine.
15-05-2015:All you need to know about VAG EA289 TDI DPFs: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/DPF-Adblue-FAQ-VW-Audi.htm
27-05-2015:Number 1 injector failure reported on 33k mile 2010 SEAT Leon 1.6 CR TDI S Emocion. SEAT assist told owner it would be £450 for the part + £15 labour to replace. No goodwill offered.
07-08-2015:Timing chain of 2011 SEAT Leon 1.2TSI Ecomotive failed and car needs new engine despite full SEAT service history. Unfortunately car bought from non SEAT dealer so SEAT will only pay 60% of costs leaving owner to pay £900 - £1,400.
20-01-2016:5th gear became noisy on Used Approved 2012/62 SEAT Leon. Dealer aparently stripped the transmission down and fixed it, but the noise returned within weeks.
08-02-2016:Faults with 2008/58 SEAT Leon FR TDI bought used at 50k miles included: EGR valve coated in carbon; air flap coated in carbon; induction ports have carbon in them; inlet manifold clogged; turbo slightly worn; engine smokes; may have a problem with the injectors.
07-07-2016:Engine of 2010 SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI CR FR owned from new and regularly serviced at the same SEAT dealer lost all compression in cylinder 4 at 83,000 miles. Probably needs new short engine.
02-02-2017:Report of DSG transmission of 2012/62 SEAT Leon 1.6TDI DSG losing drive at 43,000 miles. Firstly a light came on indcating a fault in the emissions control system, which was immediately followed by the car failing to engage gear and a spanner symbol appearing where the gear indicator is usually displayed. After being with a local garage for almost a month, owner was informed the problem was caused by the gearbox failing to link with the computer/electronic gear selector and was quoted £1,500 to fix. However, owner has now heard from the garage that when they tried to fix the gearbox it began to fall apart and Seat garages had been contacted to fix who were quoting £3,500. This 7-speed dry clutch DSG has always been a problem. It was recalled around 2012 to replace the synthetic oil in it with mineral oil because the synthetic oil was becoming conductive at high temperatures causing the Mechatronics to lose drive. It's possible that being a 2012/62 (not sure if 2005-2012 or current generation) the transmission was filled with mineral oil right from the start. However, filling with mineral oil turned what was designed to be a maintenance-free, sealed for life transmission into one that requires fresh oil every 40,000 miles. Had the car been maintained by SEAT dealers the owner should have been warned of this. Obviously worth contacting SEAT, but they may take the view that because the car has been dismantled by an independent dealer they are not liable.
21-02-2017:Report of 30k mile 2012 SEAT Leon 1.6 TDI going into limp mode with flashing coil lights. Dealer has said it needs a new EGR valve.
13-03-2017:Complaint that 28,000 mile 2002 SEAT Leon with full SEAT service history failed MoT due to the rear offiside flasher on permanently. Turned out to need a new Body Control Module (BCM) at a cost of £370 + VAT, plus fitting and programming at an additional £180 + VAT, total £660.
12-04-2017:Report of problems after NOx emissions fix to a SEAT Leon 1.6TDI Ecomotive. Car is doing 15% fewer MPG and EGR valve is constantly cycling, turbo boost is reduced and laggy.
20-04-2017:Report that prior going in for the NOx emissions fix a 2010 SEAT Leon 1.6TDI went into limp mode and was diagnised as having a failed injector.
08-05-2017:Report of 7-speed dry clutch DSG failing in a 2012 SEAT Leon. Plugged into VAGCOM it shows a error code (p072b) that states that it is stuck in reverse.
04-10-2017:Report of clutch pressure plate of 2012/62 SEAT Leon FR breaking and grinding a hole in the gearbox. Cost over £2,000 to fix.
29-01-2018:Report of engine failure in 2012 SEAT Leon 1.2 TSI Copa Ecomotive. Travelling at 50-60mph the engine suddenly started running roughly and cutting out. The dash board displayed orange "EPC", the engine symbol, the tyre pressure symbol and the stability symbol. Owner managed to get it to a garage who checked it over and found a problem with cylinder 3. They changed the plugs as No3 was oily but still had problem. They didn't have time to investigate further but said it was ok to take to owner's local garage. This garage checked it over, found oil in cylinder 3.
05-04-2018:No official word from VAG, but ECU testing believes that the DQ200 7-speed dry cutch Mechatronics control box was finally re-engineered in 2016. This DSG 7 control unit is a common failure with engines under 2.0 litres on the SEAT Leon (2009 – 2013)
Skoda Fabia (2010 - 2013)
Skoda Octavia (2008 – 2013)
Skoda Roomster (2010 – 2015)
Skoda Yeti (2010 - 2013)
VW Caddy (2010 - 2015)
VW Golf (2003 – 2016)
VW Passat (2007 - 2010)
VW Polo (2009 – 2014)
VW Scirocco (2008 - 2014)
VW Touran (2010 – 2015)
30-07-2018:Report of flashing glowplug light on 2012 SEAT Leon 1.6TDI at 100k miles. If it has had the NOx emissions update then the reason is probably a sooted up EGR which is consequential of the fix so replacing it should be FoC.
26-09-2018:Report of 7-speed DQ200 dry clutch DSG "packing up" on 2012 SEAT Leon.
10-12-2018:Owner of 2012/62 SEAT Leon 2.0TDI FR complained that SEAT dealer insisted his car had the NOx emissions fix and since then he "noticed a funny sound in the engine and the car just didn’t feel the same as it used to." Subsequently, "fuel consumption has risen dramatically, the air con has stopped working, the car is constantly overheating and the fan seems to always be in overdrive; the water pump has had to be replaced and more recently, the gearbox, clutch and casing has also had to replaced. This has cost me thousands of pounds and has made me lose all faith in a car I previously trusted" Some of this is not connected to the NOx emissions fix, but the SEAT dealer should ahve made him aware that VAG pledged to put right any issues consequential if the fix for 2 years from the date of the fix and up to 160,000 miles.
30-08-2019:NOx emissions update carried out to SEAT Leon 1.6TDI in February 2017. Immediately after, it would constantly loose power and go into idle mode. "After many conversations with local dealer and then head office, they agreed this was due to the update and I believe fitted a new fan which rectified the problem. Last week and now out of SEAT 24 month "Rebuilding Trust" goodwill claims policy the EGR valve failed.
