SEAT has opened the order books for its new Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS, which it claims offers "true hot hatch performance" and low running costs.
Underneath, the Leon is fitted with the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as its nearest competitor and VW Group stablemate, the Golf GTD. Both cars produce 181bhp and 280lb-ft of torque and will hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds.
It's the same story when it comes to fuel efficiency. Both the Golf and the new Leon emit just 109g/km of CO2 and will return a claimed 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.
So, if the two cars are so similar, why would you choose the SEAT? Well, whereas the Golf will set you back £25,285 in three-door form and £25,940 in five-door form, the Leon costs just £22,075 as a three-door and £22,375 as a five-door.
And don't think that by keeping the price low SEAT has skimped on standard kit. You get 17-inch alloys, LED tail lights, FR front- and rear- bumpers, tinted windows, twin chrome exhausts, lowered sports suspension, dual-zone climate control, front sports seats, Bluetooth and SEAT's Easy Connect media system.
The first customer deliveries of the new SEAT Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS are expected in September.
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