Imagine this scenario: you need space, but you don't want to give up a machine with a little more… attitude. Faced with this dilemma, will it be that after about six years on the market the SEAT Leon ST FR 1.5 TSI what we talked about today is still an option that fulfills these requirements?
Faced with Leon Cupra R ST that we looked into a few months ago, the Leon ST FR presents itself as a kind of “Light” version (or zero calories, whichever you prefer). In other words, it doesn't have, of course, the mind-blowing performances of its counterpart — with half the horses, it would hardly be possible — but it doesn't disappoint when we decide to “pull” more for it.
Aesthetically, the Leon ST FR has some details that give it greater exclusivity, such as the 18” wheels or the double exhaust outlet. Personally, I like the path taken by SEAT in terms of decorating the Leon ST FR, opting for a decor that gives it a sporty character without giving up sobriety.
The truth is that throughout the trial, SEAT's goal of making the Leon ST FR more distinctive seemed to have been achieved, with the Spanish van managing to capture some attention, even though it was far from being a novelty in the market (the unit's blue color tested should also have some “guilt”).
Inside the SEAT Leon ST FR
Once inside the Leon ST FR, two things stand out: space and ergonomics. Starting with space, the Spanish van not only offers good levels of habitability and a (very) good luggage compartment with 587 liters, it also offers us several storage spaces, some of them very practical, such as the one for the smartphone.
The good ergonomics on board the Leon ST FR are due, above all, to a design that bets on ease of use. All controls appear where we are waiting and the lately forgotten physical ventilation controls continue to make their presence felt (thank you SEAT).
With regard to quality, this is in a good plan, especially in terms of assembly, resulting in an almost total absence of parasitic noises. As for the materials, we find the softest, and pleasant to the touch, to the hardest ones, but all of them appear to have a good quality.
Finally, the infotainment system is easy to use (thanks to the presence of several shortcut keys), but it doesn't hide a certain antiquity compared to those found in other more recent SEAT. Especially in terms of graphics (the image quality is a little inferior), being the only element in the Leon ST FR that reminds us that this one already has some “narrows” on top.
At the wheel of the SEAT Leon ST FR
Once seated at the controls of the Leon ST FR it is easy to find a good driving position. The seats, despite having a “simple” look — in terms of visual appeal they are below those used by Mégane ST GT Line, for example — are comfortable and with q.b. support, and the steering wheel has a good grip.
Already underway, the 150 hp 1.5 TSI allows the Leon ST FR to live up to the sportier nature of this version. Associated with this engine is a six-speed manual gearbox that has proven to be precise, well stepped and with a pleasant feel (close, for example, to the one presented by the Mazda CX-3) gearbox.
In dynamic terms the Leon ST FR kind of reveals two personalities. At calm and typically familiar paces it is comfortable (even bearing in mind that the eye-catching 18” wheels have low-profile tires), predictable and safe.
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When we decided to explore the “FR” side of this Leon, we were presented with precise and direct steering that, combined with a well-calibrated chassis/suspension set, encourages us to explore the Leon's dynamic capabilities and reveals a more fun facet of the Spanish van whose behavior is, above all, effective.
The double tailpipe reveals the sportier character of this version.
Finally, with regard to consumption, without major concerns, but with some calm, they easily walk around 6 to 6.5 l/100 km . If we let ourselves get excited and want to explore the capabilities of the Leon ST FR and always opt for the “Sport” driving mode, they will travel 11 l/100 km.
In the rear seats, the Leon ST FR transports two adults with space and comfort.
Is the car right for me?
It's true that it's not the latest model in the segment, however, the SEAT Leon ST FR 1.5 TSI still has its say when choosing a van with a sportier spirit.
Well built, spacious and well equipped, the Leon ST FR combines two personalities quite well: one more familiar and comfortable and the other more fun and sporty. So, if you are looking for a sportier van, the truth is that the SEAT Leon ST FR is today, as in the past, one of the main options to consider.
The digital instrument panel is complete and easy to read.
Ahh, and if you don't want to opt for the version equipped with the 1.5 TSI, SEAT also sells it with a 2.0 TDI with equal power value.