Seat Leon 2.0 TDI Stylance
In the beginning, our paths never crossed. My colleague Vinko went to an international presentation, but when the first copy was on our big test, I was on vacation. So, I started to change when I saw the Leon 2.0 TDI mentioned in the list. If they say it has great handling, a sporty chassis overall, and a sprightly 140bhp modern turbo diesel engine, that would be just for my (dedicated automotive) soul. Even before the editorial meeting raised the question of whether anyone would answer, I had already raised my hand. And all in the style that we have to shape our own destiny from time to time!
We caught up with the first few kilometers. Those of you who drive a lot often know for sure that some cars lie more than others. That's why there are so many different sheets for cars in the world that you can choose for yourself what you need. In Leon, from the first moment I felt like a fish in water. I was impressed by the sports seats with pronounced lateral support that even fit my back (which means that the car is not only for heavier drivers with a fat wallet, as is customary on more powerful cars, where I dance with my 80-kilograms between side mounts), all the more so because of the short shifter movements that commanded the roar of the six-speed gearbox.
The gearbox has shorter gear ratios in favor of a sporty feel, so with a great gear lever (with which you can feel the gears meshing with each nerve ending on your fingertips) it loves a faster right hand. Together with the possibility of a low ride, you can create a driving position that many (even more) established cars can only bow to. First of all, a hat, cap or helmet is down in front of the steering system. Although he is aided by electricity at work, he is so sociable that it is really enjoyable to turn it on twisty roads at higher speeds regardless of the ground, but it is not "too heavy" even when driving in town.
If anyone else tells me that the nature of the electric power steering is such that the steering wheel is not responsive enough, I immediately send him for a test drive with Leon. What do you say about this Renault (new Clio) or Fiat (new Punto)? Apparently, their designers had to hone their knowledge of what a good electric power steering should be in Seatovci. ... Although the story about the new Leon has not only bright sides that should clarify us!
The pedals could be sportier, especially the high clutch (good morning Volkswagen), the braking feel is not the best when the braking system is really sweaty, and above all the automatic locking inside (which could soon be fixed at the workshop) and the center console is also plastic. And if we can boast of three circular gauges (revs, speed, everything else), the markings for the direction of heating (cooling) and ventilation of the cabin at the top of the center console are so small that during the day, let alone at night.
The engine is a longtime acquaintance from the Volkswagen concern. From two liters of volume and with forced turbocharging, they identified 140 healthy “horses” that will satisfy both the athlete and the lazy person behind the wheel. There's enough torque to override the shift lever a bit, and yet the turbocharger's full-breath thrust is such that you'd be the envy of the full-blooded petrol sports car that was a fashion hit a year ago. In fact, the engine has only two serious drawbacks: volume (especially on cold mornings, a roar like the legendary Sarajevo Golf D) and periodic craving for engine oil. Believe me, we already have another super test car with this engine in our garage!
In addition to the steering system, engine and transmission, position is what gives Leon the stigma of an athlete. The wheels are more secure, and the stabilizers and springs are in the genes that responsiveness and excellent position on the road are more important than comfort. While, for example, my son didn't particularly complain about the uncomfortable ride, sportiness still comes first, so you can feel just about every hole through the 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires, and there are plenty of them on our roads. We all counted!
But none of the passengers complained about the equipment as Leon was equipped with power windows and rearview mirrors, ABS, TCS switchable, two-channel automatic air conditioning, radio (CD that also recognizes MP3, buttons on the steering wheel!), Central locking. as many as six airbags and a low tire pressure warning. More than too much, trust me.
But Seat's sportiness has a big drawback. Although Seat is considered the most recognizable in the VW group for its sportiness, we miss them in racing. How can a brand create a reputation, if they surrendered in the rally for the World Cup, they are not in F1, only at the WTCC World Touring Car Championship they try something. What about Slovenia? Also no . ... But if I turn the page and look at it from the other side, the test Leon 2.0 TDI also convinced me as an avid racer. From now on, I trust my colleagues as well, although I had to try their statements on my own experience!
Alyosha Mrak
Photo: Aleš Pavletič.
Seat Leon 2.0 TDI Stylance
Basic data
| Sales: | Porsche Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 20.526,62 € |
| Test model cost: | 21.891,17 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 103kW (140 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,3 with |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 5,6l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 1968 cm3 - maximum power 103 kW (140 hp) at 4000 rpm - maximum torque 320 Nm at 1750 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 225/45 R 17 91H (Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25). |
| Capacity: | top speed 205 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 9,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,4 / 4,6 / 5,6 l / 100 km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1422 kg - permissible gross weight 1885 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 4315 mm - width 1768 mm - height 1458 mm. |
| Inner dimensions: | fuel tank 55 l. |
| Box: | 341 |
Our measurements
| T = 12 ° C / p = 1020 mbar / rel. Owner: 46% / Km counter status: 3673 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,0 years ( 135 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 31,0 years ( 170 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 7,0 / 11,0s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 8,9 / 11,8s |
| Maximum speed: | 202km / h (WE.) |
| test consumption: | 9,3 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 41,9m |
| AM table: | 40m |
evaluation
Good engine, great chassis and therefore handling: what more do you want from a sports car? There are a few small things that bother you (engine oil consumption, noisy cold engine, and auto-lock), but overall there are many more positives. Convincingly more!
We praise and reproach
engine
six-speed gearbox
steering communication
position on the road
(narrow) sports seats
hidden hooks on the back door
Automatic blocking
too plastic center console
loud (cold) engine
insufficient marking on the keys and screen for heating (and cooling) and ventilation of the passenger compartment
