THE PERFECT HOT HATCH GATEWAY DRUG? MK3 SEAT LEON FR 1.4 TSI 125

[@matthewbeeson5612]

We have one of these with DSG and the 150hp engine and it's great. Easily get 50mpg, 60 indicated if cruising on the motorway. DSG makes it so easy to drive. I agree the interior is a bit drab but it does work well. The suspension on mone softened up noticeably after 20k miles, improving the ride. I also have an Ateca with manual gearbox and again with that 150hp TSI engine and wish it had DSG! Such a peach of an engine. Before these two we had a Mk6 Golf with the1.4 122hp TSi and that also was a gem of an engine, did 100k without issue, didn't use oil, returned 50+ mpg and was quite torquey, just like you describe this Leon, oh and it had independent rear end too! Please keep making videos if you can Andrew, I enjoy them all. Looking forward to updates on project Corrado in particular.

[@amrdel2730]

so you really all in for VW cars so its golf or leon or other SEAT or VW cars are SEATS A GOOD REPRESENTATIVE OF A VW CAR ??

[@everythingtechnew7400]

⚠️Top Tip. If you buy a Leon with a front facing radar this could save you a considerable amount of money. Below the radar are exposed wires that can pick up stone chips & corrode. It happened to my 2015 Leon FR & cost a staggering £3,516 to repair. You can do a simple mod to protect them. I have a 2019 Leon Cupra & have also done the same mod to it. I cover the exposed wire to protect them basically. You can use thick tape or a spiral plastic cover with cable ties. Basically anything to protect the harness. The harness in 2017 cost was £2,191 exc VAT + £517 all exc VAT to recalibrate the Adaptive Cruise Control + Labour. I still prefer the styling of the MK3 than the MK4 Leon. I might be biased as a current MK3 facelift owner but that said I think interior on the MK4 seems much better than the MK3.

[@volkswizard]

Great advice, thank you 🙌

[@jacobthompson8507]

I’ve bought my son one of these as his first car, and I honestly think it’s a brilliant package. His is the 1.4 EcoTSI with 150bhp, and the 6-spd manual. Easily returns 50-55 mpg on his normal commute, and 60+ on a longer motorway cruise. I know he doesn’t drive very sensibly, either. 68 plate, done 17k miles, bought for £13.5k... yet it feels a lot more expensive. A great all rounder, comfortable, sporty, refined, and great looking imo. When cheaper cars like this are so good, it makes me consider why I spend a lot more on new cars.

[@Rahel_Rashid]

is the 1.4 ecoTSI different than 1.4 TSI? I don't see any information on the two

[@kaurvali]

I had the 2016 Leon ST FR 1.8TSI 6-speed manual as a first car for two years, ea888 engine, very smooth and really powerful, could easily overtake anything yet was quite economical 5.6l/100km. It was fun to drive on great smooth roads but even with independent suspension it was very harsh on bumps (18 inch roma), so imo DCC is mandatory as a Cupra with DCC and 19's was much better . The interior room was great in front (am 190cm), carplay worked well and Seat sound system with some extra vibration dampening is better than 90% of premium sound systems on other cars. The car was so great that in the end I got myself a 2020 mk3.5 Cupra 300 4Drive.

[@Wolfpack310]

I got one just like that . It's a 1.4tsi 140hp from factory. Also have a tune on it. Very very nice car. I had no problems att all driving it over 3 years

[@volkswizard]

cool, thanks for sharing 🙌

[@TheTreborloco]

Looks better than the Audi A3, and the Mk7 golf

[@SC-fj9hm]

My previous car was a Golf MK7 GTI performance pack. But now as I’ve got married and bought a new house, I got rid of the GTi and bought a 2018 Leon FR 1.4TSi and I love it!

[@jackaberdeen4462]

I was lucky to have one as a first car (due to my job) had several different FR spec variants and loved them! Now in a Cupra Formentor V2

[@james-3778]

I’ve just got my mk3.5 1.0 tsi. Overall it’s a really nice car. Engine is surprisingly quiet and the 6 speed box is nice. Came from a mk4 PD golf and is nice to have a car that warms up 😂

[@paulallwood6033]

I've just got a 18 plate 1.8 TSI SC in metallic Orange. Had it for a week now and so far so good, only thing is the 1.8 needs really winding up past 4k rpm to get moving I find. Below 4k I find it a little flat and doesn't really feel its 180bhp

[@volkswizard]

Probably been knocked back via software to keep it positioned in the range and cut back on emissions. It's an EA888 engine like Golf GTI just a bit smaller so has some potential

[@paypointpal]

I love my Seat Leon, probably my favourite car iv owned, does everything I need it to. I have the 2.0TDI FR Technology, it’s the 184bhp model, but I had a stage 1 remap done to it and now it’s about 220bhp and 450nm of torque, everything else is standard though. It does everything I want, heated seats, sat nav, auto headlights/wipers, led headlights, it’s got loads of pull yet I regularly get 50mpg to and from work on the motorway and the tax is £20 which is great. I was initially looking at an A3 or 1 series but it just seemed so much more expensive for less equipment and performance just for a better badge.

[@ciasteczkowypotwor1]

I've recently changed my citroen C4 II 1.6 vti 120hp to Seat Leon 3 ST FR, 1.4 150hp - two worlds, completely different experience. Seat has 30hp more and 160kg less than citroen - you just feel how swift and light it is. I like these straight lines, I like the fact there is almost no chrome, I like that humble and boring dashboard and silent engine, without vibrations. It looks really nice when black (although it looks dirty once you leave carwash), but i think its even better when white - more sporty looking thanks to these black plastics on bumpers. The only thing I hate about the car is this terrible farting noise of faulty wastegate, ehh... turbo engines are great as long as you don't kill them by using start&stop all the time. Turbos get worn out pretty fast.

[@extaviation]

My dad has a 68 plate 1.4 TSI 150. Im learning to drive in it outside of instructed lessons, the only problem I have with it is the short distance between the gears but I’m assuming that’s because I’m having to adjust between the two cars atm

[@steedy27]

I had one of these in a 3 door and Nevada White on a cheap 2 year lease (remember those!?!?). Was a great car, didn't go wrong during those two years and felt faster than the 125hp quoted due to the torque I thought. Another great feature that young drivers would like was the sound system, it went loud and had good bass even without the Seat Sound option!. If it wasn't for the stupid prices I'd be in a cupra 300 now.

[@volkswizard]

Nice report, thanks Josh

[@SPIKE-0000]

What a mint looking car...Definitely cruise-worthy...Picture it at a Macki'z on a Thur/Fri/Sat night....The seats let it down for me though...not "bucketed" enough....

[@JimboJammy]

I have an FR Sport Estate version with DCC and 19inch wheels, like your old one Andrew but with the 2.0 190ps DSG petrol engine and that is lots of fun to drive with plenty enough to give. It will also give me about 50mpg on the motorway. I really like the MK 3.5 Leon's. This car would be an incredible early car for someone, you're right about that! Price's are still high though on all cars at the moment. Mine is still worth more than I paid if I were to sell. How crazy is that! A Seat that goes UP in value!

[@robprior1246]

Jamesboyjim yes I agree I have a 1.4 150 fr tech and I was looking to upgrade to a cupra /golf r and I’ve been offered £1500 more than I paid for the car 12months ago

[@stuartcampbell4414]

Nice looking car...I have a fiesta 1.0 ecoboost 125bhp and 200NM torque and it's fun to drive...its very light too 1130kg o think

[@Wolfpack310]

My leon is 1231kg 140hp 250nm from factory. Mine got a tune 320nm on 98 octane. It's not much but it feels quick and strong for a little 1.4 liter

[@youraveragejoe1]

5:57 looks like the lumbar support is folded all the way in. Not sure why people do it, it’s much less comfortable as a result. Nice video though!

[@nathanlinley9957]

I bought this car on the back of this video (1.5 TSI EVO) and it turned out to be a great decision! My 2nd car too! Appreciate this video 👌🏻

[@volkswizard]

Nice one Nathan! I rarely make videos on mid range models but felt inspired by this one to do that. 1.5 TSI EVO will undoubtedly be even better!

[@nathanlinley9957]

@@volkswizard Any 3rd car suggestions would be great haha :P

[@mooferoo]

I love my 125hp Golf mk7. It's plenty fast enough to have fun in. I guess the 200nm of torque helps with that. VAG engines seemed to have tons more torque than all the similar competitors when i was thinking about buying it, it's one of the reasons i chose it.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mooferoo, I felt that torque too, it defines the driving experience more than horsepower

[@robprior1246]

Just for info , when you look at a dyno print out for the 1.4 tsi the graph has similar torque to a diesel map hence why the seem to drive so well

[@paultasker7788]

I had the FR 1.4 estate and the ride was firm. However it was acceptable with tyre pressure at 30psi, at 32psi it was hard. Netherless I went for SE specification last time and the 1.6 diesel. Choosing again I'd definitely stick with SE suspension but would go petrol as it's faster, more refined and not that much less economical (52 v 45mpg average), 60 v 50 on a run. Handling wise the SE is more compliant on B roads, less kick back so actually feels more confidence inspiring

[@olijzx8610]

looking into one of these for a first car, haven't the budget for one this new so am looking at the 1.4tsi pre facelift with 140bhp. They look like great cars and this has got me excited to pass and get one.

[@lfcjay]

Did you get it

[@olijzx8610]

@@lfcjayended up with an ibiza 1.2tsi fr because of insurance

[@lfcjay]

@@olijzx8610 if I can get a cheaper insurance on a Ibiza fr/ fr sport/ xcellence then I might just go for that

[@gr33z23]

Beside oil consumption when u hit the pedal, it's a really beautiful car, I just bough 2013 1.4 tsi 125 hp version, all I miss are the front parking sensors which can be added manually I guess, driving it it's pretty nice tbh

[@Zero_Ninety]

Old model is much nicer looking than the new one.

[@80sBaby925]

I agree but it does grow on you after a while. It's rear end, I feel like it has changed too much.

[@nonstopgamingYT1]

I was looking at these but I managed to get insured on a 7.5 Golf GTD for the same price!

[@volkswizard]

That's crazy! Well equivalent GTD will be a lot more to buy I guess

[@robprior1246]

150 fr is better looking than the gtd, it’s cheaper to run and surprisingly can out run the gtd , plus the Leon is cheaper to maintain

[@andrewmcivor42]

That's a great "real world" video - if that had been for sale last year, I think my Wife & I would have considered that for ourselves (particularly with the Seat sound system - I think it's based on the "Beats" system in the Up! & Polo? The beats is certainly an option on the Ibiza, as we almost bought one). She ended up with an Audi A3 (35tfsi), which I haven't really warmed to, to be honest. Certainly better than the first car I ever drove anyway 🤣. I'd also imagine that it's cheaper to insure than an Up! GTi as well (probably cheaper to buy too). I think any young person who got that as a first car would be thrilled - and rightly so too.

[@BM_PAZ]

Have you tried the 1.5 R Line Mk8? I currently have one through work, that’s a good handling low powered car too.

[@stevehulbert]

I've had one too, and was very impressed with the R line Mk8

[@andrewmcivor42]

It's probably a lot more expensive than that Seat though (particularly if it's a purchase for a new/young driver & not your main car)...but certainly a good point though👍

[@BM_PAZ]

@@andrewmcivor42 That's true, I did a check on the configurator and the new Golf came in at £25kish.

[@davidcupra4913]

Cupra still has the holes over the number plate in bumper didn’t lose them. Also the cupra has a black grill.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for that David, no idea why I thought that, must be all the dark colours

[@Romo002]

Great video Andrew ! I love watching all of your content as it’s really in depth and honest. Keep up the great work ! Your biggest fan from Slovakia…. Also a little correction perhaps - my Golf GTI 7.5 PP still has the underseat storage bins, even though you said that feature has been deleted from the Golf by that point.

[@davidhall7744]

Nice ‘ordinary’ review Andrew, not everyone requires a car to go ‘drifting’ in (still dont know anyone who actually does - dont know where or when that became a ‘thing’ 😉). My friend has an A4 with that 1.4FSi engine and I thought it would struggle in a car that size, but it more than holds its own 😀

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

One drift here: licence gone and a "bastard course" you must pay yourself. Nice review.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks David! Yes the modern 1.4 and 1.5 engines are a revelation, very hard to justify a diesel after driving one of those

[@pk-zx2vb]

Timing chain issues sorted on this engine? I'm looking for Audi A1 with this engine🤞

[@danl4252]

These are on a belt

[@pk-zx2vb]

@@danl4252 really? Well that's great news

[@danl4252]

@@pk-zx2vb yeah. I did a timing belt on one of these recently but it was a 150bhp one. But I’ve seen 125bhp ones on belts as well. I would just advise send the VIN/ registration to Audi on their online chat of the car you want to buy just to double check it does have a belt. Audi UK advise they are changed every 5 years irrespective of mileage. I asked the same thing to SEAT UK on same engine..

[@volkswizard]

Belt, deffo on this 125 👍

[@davidcupra4913]

Pk your 10 years late with that comment. Completely diff engine to the 2007 that had chain issues.

[@Mr330d]

Wee cheeky remap to 155bhp 192lb-ft torque liven her up

[@oxy728]

Or get the 150 bhp and bring it right up to 180 👀

[@Mr330d]

@@oxy728 that would be ideal however seeing as this isn’t the 150bhp that would be tough

[@wilmotandrobottom]

Strange, far more ‘pleather’ on the seats on the pre-facelift MK3 and in the back as well,

[@Peregrine-qp4fq]

I had the Mk 3 FR 1.4 150hp, prob the best engine in the FR range

[@kaurvali]

imo 1.8 was better, much smoother and quiteter engine. It has much more torque (not on paper but mine did 305NM on dyno) and on a normal country road I got around 5.6l/100km

[@Someone_else777]

Are these models worth remapping? Even for just an extra kick out of the car?

[@Birmingham_racing]

Anything with a turbo is worth mapping just don't expect cupra performance

[@067997ful]

I’ve got a 2018 MK3.5 cupra 300 last of the SEAT badged cupras, personally think that the new one is a step backwards, mk8 golfs have grown on me, but this year of seat cupra/FR tops the golf equivalent

[@volkswizard]

The only issue is SEAT still use a torsion beam rear axle at 150 PS when VW go mutilink on Golf at 150. The Cupras have always been multilink but it's an issue with 150 FR especially when 184 got dropped. I've got 2020 SEAT badged Cupra ST coming next week so look out for that. Unfortunately it's a got a bit too much copper on it but I'll try and ignore that 😁

[@067997ful]

@@volkswizard haha they have gone very heavy on the copper, commuted to it through the branding so don’t think there will be any lack of it in years to come !

[@Birmingham_racing]

I would have loved one as a first car and I still want one now but only the cupra version. Still would be a really tough choice between this and the mk7 golf

[@curtiswalker3135]

I currently have this SEAT Leon FR in Desire Red... lovely looking car and is great to drive..I'm currently waiting for my New Audi A3 to be built... but I'm going to miss this car

[@darkphoenixb4u81]

The exact car I bought as 21 yo, insurance for me is crazy high

[@volkswizard]

At 21 it's the perfect car as even if you can afford the insurance on a Cupra, it's best to build up to it as you'll then enjoy it more. Safe driving 👍

[@Maurice_Moss]

I've got the 150 estate in Boheme purple. Best car I've ever owned, great on fuel and drives like a hot hatch when you get it on some good roads. 😎

[@ScottZ370]

Think you are bang on, I had a 140hp 1.4 Ibiza FR ACT as my first car, nippy 7.8 seconds to 60 meant at a 18 year old I didn't feel left completely behind by the Fiesta STs of this world yet it sipped petrol and insurance group 22

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mk8 ST, yes that engine in an Ibiza is nuts!

[@fatwalletboy2]

Do many parents buy their kids cars anymore.....thats a lot to spend on a car to hand over.

[@volkswizard]

They can always finance it I guess but to some parents, £14k to not have to give lifts is a bargain

[@LSD04]

Need a job working for test and trace on £6000 a day

[@sk4tec]

I had the previous gen Leon. I currently run a BMW 320D. I'd love to go back to a Leon. The BMW is a great car and only really affordable if your a hobbist mechanic. Where as the Leon will have sensible running costs

[@lewisgoddard9585]

Review mineee, lima green 3 door, 1.4 tsi (140) stage 1, what a brill car

[@johna.4334]

Not for sale in the States ;~/

[@volkswizard]

That's a real shame John

[@tonyosullivan2382]

You getting locked in the back made me chuckle 😆 Great review 👍

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony, could have edited it out but hoped someone would find it funny 👍

[@untuchaball9611]

You mentioned CoD (cylinder on demand). Does this system actually go wrong? Haven’t heard much about them on forums. What’s the failure rate on these?

[@johnmull59]

Good to see a good informative review of a car at this end of the market. Nice one.

[@kevinbegley5881]

Great choice of hot hatch cars for kids these days, i had a 1.0 Nova back in the day, my son is after a Leon Cupra for his first hahaha (some chance son) great video 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Kevin! Think the son should get a 1.4 FR and some badges, get some NCB together and save for that Cupra 👍👍👍👍

[@robprior1246]

I think young people should start with older cars to get to know how to drive then upgrade , seen so many young people buy high power cars and drag them out of a ditch 5 days later .

[@kevinbegley5881]

@@robprior1246 definitely Rob, cars are so automated these days and with parking sensors, cameras etc new drivers loose core driving skills and awareness 👍

[@neilhibbert5201]

Hi I like this car that much I have a 1.5 fr on 69 plate for Monday to Friday and for weekends my golf mk7 R stage 1+ in blue 😉😉😉😉😉🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@volkswizard]

Great 2 car garage Neil, enjoy 👍👍

[@jerryrawlings8885]

neil hibbert Hi I'm thinking of buying a 1.5 any kangarooing issues at low speed heard a lot of stories.

[@neilhibbert5201]

@@jerryrawlings8885 Hi Jerry my leon 15fr has got dsg box in it it's only done 9,000 miles and 2 years old we have had no problems with car at all I am a mechanic by trade it's been good and cannot fault car.

[@Chris-q2b1u]

I hope young drivers aren't watching you wave both hands around whilst driving on a motorway (or anywhere)! otherwise a good review.

[@Y333HJMS]

Can't believe how deep that boot is compared to my mk7 R 😳 ps getting caught by the child lock was priceless 😂

[@BlackFlag94]

Nice to see standard cars in reviews. Shame it wasn't the 1.4ecoTSI 150ACT DSG though. 7.0 to 60!!

[@malcolmscott4150]

Lol getting caught out by childproof locks - what a nice combo - we got the 1.4 TSI in 90, 103 and 110 kw forms here and such a robust economic powertrain - Alfa Giulietta only slightly better looking :)

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

There are some nice metal-work styling features which black completely extinguishes. Only the original keeper can explain this conundrum.

[@volkswizard]

I think he bought it for the spec not the colour, it wasn't a factory order.

[@Pixelpeeps-69]

Nice review as always 👌👍🚘 exciting part was when you got locked in😜

[@volkswizard]

Exciting for me too that bit😅

[@benhull6952]

You sure throw that Leon round them B roads mate looks like you was moving swiftly down them great video been looking at getting one of these you video might have convinced me

[@volkswizard]

I was genuinely very surprised, it was SO much better than my 2019 FR Plus estate, I had to check it had the same suspension (it did!)

[@80sBaby925]

Ours is going back today to get the newer model. Kind of sad to see this one go I won't lie. I wont miss the amount of brake dust it makes tho.

[@80sBaby925]

sport mode actually makes a difference in this and the front assist is great but can be too sensitive on highest setting

[@Flowster1000]

Excellent car if I do say so myself. Just wish they didn't have so much throttle lag in the low rpms

[@Guardiamar]

Perfect! Thank you!

[@volkswizard]

You're welcome!

[@andym1908]

Good stuff Andrew . I know my partner loves her 1.5 evo FR.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Andrew 👍 Your partner clearly has fine taste 😊

[@andym1908]

@@volkswizard All down to me getting the GTI last year . And the Mk6 before that .

[@benedictbarker8569]

Such a good looking car

[@volkswizard]

👍

[@Rogge73]

Best car I have owned

[@ingopaul67]

Exterior design is fairly sharp but interiors, especially the dash is horrible. The real trouble is Seats are bought by 21 year old boy racers who drive like nutters.

[@whoisgoogle]

Looks pretty

[@volkswizard]

Y es In deed Ja son😁👍

[@muckspreader1able]

The old one is nicer

[@Rogge73]

Mr Picky Picky, its not a Ferrari!!!

[@E50HW]

Perfect?