Motoring: SEAT Leon’s new FR hybrid is a fast and fully loaded hatchback - The Rugby Observer

Motoring: SEAT Leon’s new FR hybrid is a fast and fully loaded hatchback

Rugby Editorial 4th Jun, 2021   0

SEAT Leon e-HYBRID FR – 204PS DSG

Motoring review by Tony Yates

THIS week’s review of the SEAT FR took me into parts of Yorkshire where the grass is green, and the roads are twisty.

The perfect setting for the new Leon FR e-HYBRID.

I think we are all pretty much feeling like we need to buy a HYBRID now and I agree, which is why the pub chatter with my friends is no longer about MPG, it’s now all about how many miles did you get out of one full charge.




Anyway, let’s move this on.

Power and Efficiency:


The Leon FR I had on test was powered by a 1.4-litre TSi petrol engine with a 6-speed DSG gearbox – all backed up by an electric motor with a Lithium-ion battery.

Capacity 12.8 kWh (usable) This gives you a total power output of 204PS and 330Nm of torque.

The Leon FR will also complete 0-62 mph in just 7.5 seconds and will max out at 137mph.

For those of you who wish to know about the Leon green specifications; CO2 (WLTP) emissions are as little as 27g/km. Fuel economy (mpg) (WLTP) 217.3 – 235.4mpg. Electric consumption (kWh/100km)18.1-19. Electric range (WLTP) 36 – 40 miles.

On the road:

As you would expect from a SEAT, the handling is poised thanks to SEAT’s ability to get the suspension setup just right.

For some, the ride can be quite harsh, especially for those of you who wanted a softer approach; although the Leon FR is a car you buy because you want it to do all things a normal hatchback can’t, such as having SEAT drive profile selection options and superb sports suspension, which in turn will help improve your high-speed cornering response by keeping you firmly on the road ahead.

Design & Technology:

As you would expect from SEAT, the cabin materials are of good quality and you can see and feel it’s been trimmed to a high standard and all-round visibility is good. seating is also a big plus point in the FR and it shows.

To be honest, a large family needs a lot of rear legroom and the FR doesn’t disappoint here either.

The Leon FR also comes with a large amount of tech and extras that you wouldn’t normally find in a family hatchback.

Below is just a small amount of what you can expect to find; 17” Dynamic bi-spoke alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 91W tyres, Electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors with fold function, LED Headlights with dynamic turn signals and high beam assist, Rain sensing wipers, Daytime running light with automatic headlight control and Coming Home feature, Wireless phone charger, Leather flat bottomed, perforated steering (with red stitching and FR logo) and, leather gearstick, Front centre armrest, Front seats manual lumbar adjustment, Rear seat armrest, Auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Illuminated front door sill, Three-zone climate control, SEAT drive profile selection and sports suspension.

Space is king and the FR has a few tricks up its sleeve like the 270 litres of load capacity which offers a large family excellent versatility.

With the rear seat backs folded, the boot capacity then rises to 1,191 litres.

To sum up:

As with all SEAT’s, there will be very little to go wrong as reliability, in general, is very good.

Also, SEAT is part of the VW Group, so you can expect build quality to be good.

A fast and fully loaded family hatchback. 5 stars SEAT.

Price (from) £32,835

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