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Seat’s positioning within the Volkswagen-Audi Group as the marque providing distinctively styled, competitively priced performance models has been enhanced throughout the summer with the roll out of a series of new FR derivatives, each with a choice of petrol or diesel power.
Standing for Formula Racing, the Ibiza , Altea and Leon FR offer improved handling, more power and sharper looks whilst retaining sensible insurance ratings and running costs. These are important cars to Seat: the previous FR accounted for 40 per cent of all Leon sales.
All six variants were available to drive at Seat UK ’s press presentation on 28 July at the Prodrive circuit in Kenilworth.
As is common practise, the platforms and powertrains are shared with other VAG brands: the Ibiza has the same underpinnings as the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia, whilst the Altea and Leon share with the Mk V Golf. The engines can be found under the bonnets of almost all other models in the group in one form or another.
There are obvious benefits to this policy: reduced development and manufacturing costs, and this is perhaps why Seat are able to sell at such a competitive price: for example, the Ibiza FR petrol has exactly the same 150PS 1.8T 20V engine as the VW Polo GTi but undercuts it by several thousand pounds. The Polo has a higher standard of fit and finish and is more refined but these are hot hatches: above all, they are meant to be fun and affordable. Agile and chuckable, the little Ibiza is true to these principles and is all the better for it.
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Ibiza FR:
small car
+
turbo engine
= cheap fun
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It is worth remembering that the 1.8T engine propelled the previous Golf GTi but has now migrated down a segment into these smaller cars. The Ibiza also scores points for having a diesel option, in the shape of the 130PS 1.9TDi. This engine makes a little more noise and isn’t so keen to rev but offers a more solid 310Nm torque instead of 220Nm, and has a six speed gearbox.
The diesel gets to 62mph in 9.3s and reaches a top speed of 129mph, returning 53.3mpg combined and emitting 143g/km CO 2 .Respective figures for the petrol are 8.4s, 134mph, 35.8mpg and 190g/km.
Both the Leon and Altea are five door only, but the styling is rather different. The Leon makes a good job of impersonating a three door coupé by hiding the rear handles (accessed via scalloped polycarbonate quarterlights), whilst the taller Altea looks a little more MPV. Both come with either a 2 litre TDi diesel; 170PS/350Nm, or a 2 litre T FSi petrol; 200PS/280Nm; the original Leon used the 150PS 1.9 TDi and 180PS 1.8T.
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Altea FR:
goes well as
170PS TDi
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Leon FR:
same TFSI engine as Golf GTi and Audi TT |
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Developed from the 140PS TDi engine, this latest diesel combines piezo technology with the familiar ‘pumpe-düse’ unit-injectors. Camshaft operated via roller rocker arms, the compact units integrate the functions of injector and high pressure pump. Injection pressures are now as high as 2200 bar, offering particularly good fuel atomisation; essential for more complete combustion, and limiting particulate and hydrocarbon emissions whilst maximising output. Replacing solenoid actuation with piezo crystals also means more injections per cycle are possible, which means more efficiency and greater refinement. A maintenance-free particulate filter (DPF) is fitted as standard.
The Leon takes 8.2s to hit 62mph and tops out at 135mph; the Altea 8.6s and 130mph. Fuel economy is impressive at 47.1mpg combined; 45.6mpg for the Altea, with emissions of 161g/km and 167g/km CO 2 respectively.
The petrol engine is the same turbocharged direct injection unit used in the Golf GTi, new Audi TT and the Skoda Octavia vRS. Performance is strong, as you would expect, the engine smooth and quiet throughout – due in part to twin balancer shafts – and the six speed gearbox makes for very refined cruising.
For the Leon , 0-62mph takes 7.3s, before a maximum speed of 142mph; the Altea 7.7s and 136mph. Combined economy is 35.8mpg; 34.4mpg for the Altea and emissions are 190g/km and 197g/km CO 2.
Both feature ABS with emergency brake assist, but the front and rear brakes on the Leon FR have also been increased in size and have the pads clear the disc surfaces of water if the windscreen wipers are switched on. Traction control and electronic stability program (ESP) are standard, with the Leon adding driver steering recommendation; in the event of oversteer, the electric power steering applies a degree of corrective steering input to prompt the driver into regaining control of the vehicle. The system also helps to stabilise the car on split friction surfaces.
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The multi-link suspension of the FR Leon and Altea has been improved with stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Ride height of the Altea has been reduced by 7mm.
The performance of the T FSi engine suits the character of the Leon very well, and the car makes a strong case for itself as a hot hatch. But the diesel Altea is something of a surprise package. Not as fast as its sibling, and less rakish, but more spacious and a lot more economical – a factor increasingly more important as fuel prices continue their inexorable rise. Plus, the TDi engine provides more than enough go for everyday driving: as well as massive torque, this engine has the BMW 320d beaten for power.
For those who want more power still, the new Leon Cupra is due early next year, with the T FSi engine tweaked to 240PS.
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July 2006
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