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1st October 2013
06:30pm BST

The Style
From the interior to the exterior, the designers of the new Leon FR really have done a stellar job. The car sits nice and low and looks sporty without looking like a dodgy boy racer-mobile thanks to sharp lines on the exterior door panels and an overall sleek look. Inside, the dash and door panels again feature sharp lines and there’s plenty of room in the cabin making the car incredibly comfortable to drive. In fairness, for a hatchback, the car is pretty spacious throughout, but there might be a bit of a squeeze if you try to fit three of your rugby-playing mates in the back.
When you select ‘Sport’ mode the interior ambiance lighting changes from bright white to a devilish red. While that doesn’t affect the performance of the car, it certainly looks seriously cool.
The only thing I didn’t like about the interior of the new Leon FR (and it’s a problem with a lot of new cars) was the buttons on the steering wheel. While they make the infotainment system a lot easier to use when driving, they can get in the way when you’re turning tight corners, especially if you need to slide your hands around the wheel. Granted, it’s not a major issue and it might not get in the way of some drivers, but it kind of bugged me after awhile.
Sex Appeal
This car is seeping sex appeal. Even now, when I’m walking through town or sitting idly on a bus, I can’t help but turn my head every time I see a new Leon, whether it’s the FR or not; ten out of ten, in that regard.
Options
The FR comes with three different engine types including the 1.8TSI 180bhp (€26,825), the 2.0TDI 150bhp (tested) and the 2.0TDI 184bhp (€28,645). The FR is seriously ‘tricked out’ and you’ll find everything you’d expect from a top end car including front light sensors, rain sensors, rear parking assist, tinted windows, Bluetooth, cruise control and a whole host of other cool extras.
Stats
Price Range - €26,825 to €28,645
0-100 kph – 8.4 secs.
Max Speed – 215kph
Length – 4271mm
Width – 1816mm
Height – 1444mm
The Verdict
It was tough trying to find something wrong with the car and I truly enjoyed every single second in it. It stands out a more than other cars in its class and if you’re not one to follow the rest of the flock, but you want something with a good name, then this is the car for you.
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