Thanks Martin. Someone else mentioned this and I’ve tried it and it works. Feel a bit stupid but my excuse is I’ve never had to press it before, plus I always assumed auto hold was for when you are driving, not when you switch off. In fact I’ve just checked and the manual doesn’t say it has anything do with parking brake and ignition off. Anyway, it works 👍👍
I’ve got 1.4 petrol 150bhp ST FR and managed 62mpg on a 100mile motorway run using cruise control in normal mode set at 70mph occasionally 50mph during roadworks. The car also has the 2 cylinder technology.
The st is a nice looking estate car it looks like it was designed with some thought rather than just having a saloon car and squaring it off at the back like on the golf.
Also Barry, SEAT will be allowed to make their cars look better at the expense of practicality. The fact VW didn't give the GTD Estate the proper led lights of the GTD does suggest it was a bit of an afterthought.
I just love my Leon ST FR. For 10 years I drove a Golf MKIV and it had more and more issues. It was like a culture shock to suddenly have so many modern things. The one thing I noticed is that the touchscreen on the radio has false touch when it‘s exposed to cold temperatures. But could be only with mine.
Re the handbrake not engaging when you remove the key, if you have the ‘auto’ handbrake function selected (orange light should be on) it should engage then.
This, auto brake, the button underneath it, needs to be engaged. Then, when you turn of the car, it will engage. Also when standing still, with auto brake engaged, holding down the brake and releasing it will auto engage the hand brake.
I vaguely remember seeing park brake settings when I was using OBD Eleven. Have a look at SEAT forums there’s a surprising amount of little tweaks available.
I've customized mine using carista obd Bluetooth reader. You can change the release point. It's still possible for it to release before you reach biting point though. Takes a bit of getting used to
Have had an Ecomatic ST new since 2014. Economy has been very good, better in warmer weather. If you stick within speed limits 70 mpg is realistic. Even pushing it on you have to be rough to push it much under 60 mpg. I do miss the torque of the 2 litre when fully laden but that's rare. Overall a super useable day to day car, spacious and decent to drive and so cheap to run. Did I say it was at the 90k service before I needed front brakes replaced? Awesome.
I have a Nevada white 1.5 manual Leon FR ST exactly like this with the leather, digital dash and 18s. I love it. The new shape has grown on me though and I am tempted to replace mine with one, but only in Nevada white of course!
Usual quality and honesty Andrew, thanks for airing your experiences. As the credits were about to scroll, I was poised to type - I needed to see the Seat's lovely blue paint clean - and, as always, you didn't disappoint. A better weather update with popping blue coach-work will be a fitting addition to your ownership storyboard. Loved the Spanish lisp inclusion - amusing, top man. All the best.
You can switch into sport mode by tapping back on the gear select. Or Atleast I can on my 19 2l tsi St fr. When you hit it a second time it goes back into whatever setting you where previously in.
Hi Stephen, I think you are talking about sport mode on the gearbox rather than sport mode as a driving mode? It's easy to mix up the two and it's a good point as when in ECO (or any mode actually), if you want it to sharpen up temporarily say to overtake or to enjoy a good bit of road, easiest thing to do is bang the gearbox into sport mode. The driving mode stays the same but the gearbox changes later and doesn't use 7th gear.
@@volkswizard yes. I leave the car in Normal mode the majority, hit the gear select when taking over etc.. Not a fan of eco mode, will only engage it on motoway runs. Feels line about 80 of the 200bhp had been stolen.
Leon’s are very good value especially used. I was looking at a polo 1.2 tsi 90 6c. However I might be able to get a Leon SC with the 1.4 tsi engine for similar money
I have the same car, if you have to auto hold function on (button under handbreak) then it will hold brakes every time you stop and the handbreak will automatically engage when you open the drivers door or take the key out! I never have to touch the button on mine!
Great honest report on a great car. I agree that your mpg sounds disappointing but hopefully higher tyre pressures will help. My 1.6tdi manual averages 58mpg and has been known to hit 73mpg when driving very slow and light footed on a run. Totally love CarPlay too 👍🏼
totally different engine I know, but in my 2017 TTS I couldn't get over 30mpg no mattr how hard I tried. But when the car ticked over 3000 miles, for some reason the fuel economy improved dramatically - almost as if the engine switched into a different mode it was that noticeable. Now at 11,000 miles and I have to try really hard to get under 30mpg.
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting. I do wonder if the ECUs are programmed to do different things at different mileages. After dieselgate, anything is possible in that respect
Andrew, glad you are in principle enjoying your workhorse new wheels. We can always find fault with any car when we are living with it daily.Role on 3000miles when the engine has eased up and you are gaining more enjoyment with improved performance and efficiency.
Great video again Andrew. Have to say these sorts of cars make brilliant daily drives. Not quite the same but I had a 63 plate 2.0 TDi 150 Octavia Elegance estate from new for nearly 3 years/37k miles and to this day it's probably the best VAG daily I've had. It had it quirks (not very supportive seats and slightly buggy MIB1 infotainment) but it never failed me, was pleasant to drive and was v economical. Thing that saddened me the most was that it was worth about the same as a bag of crisps after 3 years (given its huge rental/fleet success) but then such is life. Like yours it had beam rear axle, but also non sports suspension.....It didn't handle wonderfully but the benefit was performance.......it weighed less than 1300kgs because of this and in a straight line went like a rocketship......performance wise wasnt much in it between it and the MK7 Golf GTDs I had (though they were far nicer to drive admittedly). It also had a wonderfully precise gearshift which I've not experienced in a car since....odd since it's gear linkage is probably just a Mk7 Golf one and little/no different. E-handbrakes......I'm on the fence with those. My last Mk7 GTD I got rid of as it developed a penchant for deactivating the handbrake upon opening the door to exit the car....final straw was me chasing the car down my road as it headed towards a busy road and a series of parked cars with my young son on board......brown trousers moment for sure. That said I have a car with an e -brake now and it's been perfect......and that Golf had been a Friday afternoon build I am sure of it 🤣
Thanks for the info Chris, weird. I'm running on 39 now front and rear and there is no way you can drive it in anything but comfort mode. All very odd. 29/32 sound a lot more normal.
What is your screen washer like? On my Gti it was a powerful fan type. My Cupra has pathetic jets . I see on the Cupra forums it is suggested you can swop to VW fan type as the parts are generic . Worth a video showing how it’s done. And before and after result ?
Looked fun as hell in sport mode. You’ll have to give the Audi TT RS APR Stage 3+ a go if you get out here to Texas. I’ve got it in the shop right now being fitted with RacingLine carbon ceramic brakes. Should lighten the unsprung weight by 100 lbs.
I have a 64 plate Octavia tdi. It’s been in eco mode from day one and never changes . It also displays the mode on the head unit in the top left permanently. Odd considering the platform similarities.
That bit at the end with you trying to remember the model and spec in full... 😆 Great video, you may convince me to get one. Love the colour. Good car wash skills too!!
I had brand new 184dsg estate for 3 years absolutely superb in every way just got my brand new 2021 150efrdsg very disappointed the only improvement I found in this petrol 17inch wheeler is comfortable over our poor British roads the 184 had 18 inch wheels so go for standard 17s if your unfortunately living in England
Very interesting. I got a demo 2019 reg Cupra ST four wheel drive dsg. At the same time as you . Love the car . On way back to north of York from Warrington (mostly motorway) it averaged an amazing 39mpg. Since then, on rural roads , it is doing 33mpg. Didn’t buy it as an economy car so very pleased with this . If I drive it in Cupra mode though it’s then into the high 20s ! Got winter tyres fitted and I think they have worsened the mpg a bit. See in springtime when the summers go back on. Overall it’s an excellent car and a step up from my Golf Gti
The parking brake should come on/off with the key i could see on the video the A button next to the brake wasn’t on? It needs a stage 1 remap for economy mine was running 195bhp returning 56mpg on the motorway at stready speeds
The eco mode is not healty for the gearbox, it one of the issues with the DSG 7. Have the same car, and love it.. and the handbrake Can be programed to come on automatic. The eco, sport and normal mode, the gear shows E,D or S then you know with mode you are in.
Andrew, it is certainly a funny one because I watched your videos of the Up GTI and went on to buy and enjoy one. Now I am looking to buy a Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI 150 and yet again your video popped up. I am a bit torn between the petrol 190 and the diesel though. Tempted by the the extra economy of the diesel though - especially after the mpg of the Up GTI. One thing that I didn't know was that the 150 TDI had the torsion beam rear setup. I believe the 190 have full independent however from your review you don't seem to find that a problem.
I found an odd thing out re the electric parking brake, you have to have the car lifted off the ground when you use Obd port to release it to enable you replace the rear brakes The only thing that slightly grates on me in my Audi is that it also resets mode each time it’s started, despite it sounding and showing it’s still in the same mode you left it, it’s not, odd Not being able to turn off completely Stop start also annoys me 😂
Neil Harding - I collect my new Motability 1.5 TSI ST FR DSG in Mystery Blue tomorrow morning! Been delayed 3 months due to Covid-19 but collection is finally here. You say it’s the best car you’ve ever had, sounds great. How are you finding the fuel economy? I’m going from a 2 litre diesel Astra estate back to petrol with the Leon. I am curious about start/ stop and electronic handbrake, never had them before. There are so many gadgets to look forward to, my Astra SRI didn’t have a very good spec really , no usb or rear electric windows.
A good video , thinking of getting one , a fr black edition, petrol 150 bhp. Dont do enough miles for a diesel, and the hatch is just a little to small , with a big boot lid, so might catch it trying to get a bike in n out. Plus these are mot as common as the hatchback . Skoda octavia vrs is just too big, seat cupra estate, wow love one but wouldn't have my license for long, not to mention running costs.keep up the good work , like all ya videos.
Hi Edward, ECO mode does 'work' with comfort DCC in Individual mode but it doesn't work fully because it loses the most useful feature of ECO mode which is the coasting function. Does yours do that?
@@volkswizard Coasting does work for me, in individual mode with DCC comfort and engine ECO. Now every time I start the car it starts in individual BUT the engine/drive will be in normal mode, i need to cycle off individual and back to get eco back on (showing E for the gears), (it will still show eco in settings but drive mode is in normal)..
The new model is a little plump . I have speech problems that I had from birth getting Google to do stuff 📢 is mostly frustrating 🐪 pronouncing . Thanks for the update also 👍 don't ever be discouraged you look very much confident also if reads as annoying sorry Mr and is good looking estate I prefer it to alot of others cheers ps the Ford Grand tourneo 2019 is a keeper according to the lady in trousers for 6 years maybe (I really enjoy driving it when I get the fob) think maybe I shot myself in the foot 🤕
Great review. Do you know if there's any mods you can do to improve the sound deadening? My Leon ST 1.6tdi engine always audible. Don't mind that under acceleration which is typical diesel but at a constant 30mph I'd expect less hum. Only at 1700rpm in 3rd, 4th drops this to 1100 and then it booms. Even audible at 70mph. I had 1.6tdi Leon mark 2 before and I don't remember it droning. There's far less road noise on this car which exacerbates the problem. There's less clatter but a constant hum/drone. I test drove one in 2014 before I got my previous petrol version and I remember it being similar then too and a key reason to opt for the petrol car. But I forgot about this when I got this one for a good deal rather than buy out the PCP on the last one. Depending on how clogged up filter is refinement varies. Is this refinement compromise necessary to meet Euro 6? I swear its quieter outside than in. Not loud outside at idle. Last one a Leon 1.4tsi FR. Lovely engine that. Punchy and quiet in town. Only about 7 lower mpg. 45 v 52 for the diesel. Other than the drone the 1.6tdi is quick enough and fairly easy going
What made you go for the 150bhp version compared to the 184bhp version since your not really sacrificing much mpg. My golf Sv you can't buy with that engine since they're not a gtd version. Don't get me wrong I've got the 150bhp version pulls along nicely but I've driven a a4 with the more powerful version its pulls much better
Easy answer is 184 is no longer available. The torque figures are close (10% more in 184 that's all) and a review said don't bother with 184 as 150 is good enough. In all honesty I've never really thought I want more power, paddles maybe though!
volkswizard more power is always better anyway. I will be trading up soon anyway with the congestion law in Birmingham is the reason for that. My cars free in London but now the Birmingham law says it has to be registered after sep 2015 and my car is registered April 2015 so I would have to be £8 a day. Leon fr estate is up on my list again
Great to see a video on how you are getting on with your new car, also it's good to know about the paddles for £500.I am also unsure about getting them as i never really used them. One question is do you have to use diamondbrite s/poo or can you use other s/poo such as autoglym ? Great video as usual...
Good video, I did 50,000 miles in 2 years in an mqb platform Skoda Octavia vrs tdi with similar commutes, averaged 40mpg.... The eco mode had minimal benefit to me. Great cars though just dubious economy claims!
I’ve got the Tsi 1.8. Excellent all rounder. Looks good drives surprisingly well. Put some Michelin pilot sports on as well. Only bugbear is the dsg at junctions can be annoying by appearing to not allow you to accelerate hard, can be difficult when trying to make a quick move into traffic!
Don't worry about the mpg it will get to 50mpg plus once it's worn in. I do miss Apple car play I've had an aftermarket head unit which I used in my previous cars
Interesting video Andrew and pleased that you are happy with your new workhorse. Just a question about applying the electric parking brake after switching off the ignition. I assumed you had to apply the brake while the engine was still running, to avoid running the battery down. I don’t think it mentions that in my golf’s instruction manual, but it does in my wife’s Audi A4 manual. Also, I always leave my car in gear (manual gearbox) while it’s parked up, just in case!
C L U B S P O R T all day long. R is OK but unless you need AWD you are going miss out on a very exciting and involving car by not choosing the CS and one which will go down in the best Golf hall of fame - just choose spec carefully. I'd recommend DCC and bucket seats.
volkswizard exactly what I was thinking too but just wanted your opinion. It’s the DSG and bucket seats. There’s just something about the CS which the R doesn’t have. I think it’s the character... thanks for the reply mate
I find the eco mode frustrating as you say when I restart the engine as it reverts to drive. Similar to sports mode, I assume it’s H&S so can drives standard when you return and forces you to select driving mode?
I get that as someone else getting in and driving might find it a little slower responding that they were used to in other modes and the coasting function might freak them out. So I don't mind it reverting to normal mode but I do mind it saying it's in ECO mode when it's not!
They all do this. In the cupra the car always starts with the engine in normal mode whatever what the drive mode select button is on. You just have to cycle the button.
Ii have tried back to back testing between sport and eco mode on my 20 mile commute on alternative days for a few weeks and the difference in mpg is only about 1mpg. (country roads, a little queuing and 5 miles on dual carriageway)
With your ‘eco engine - coasting’ issue; knock the car into neutral? Might be totally mistaken but I thought it being in neutral would be the same as coasting.
Thanks for the video, it's nice to get a bit more depth on the dynamics. I'm considering an FR Technology with the 1.8 TSI vs an Octavia vRS 220/230 (both manual) - do you have any thoughts on how they compare dynamically? Cheers
I've got a compressor at work but I use an old school pen type gauge on every car to measure the pressures. I used to use a cheap Ring 12v pump from Amazon for a tenner
Great video Andrew and excellent choice of car in both spec and colour - thankfully you’re not so Peaky Blinders in the accent department so the car can understand you - should last you until 2035 before UK goes electric only :)
Jarrus Killa I got this car in grey 3 wks ago and I find myself pressing the button to check. It will Say sport on the dash but normal on the mode button.
It's good, typical Mk7 Golf which is no surprise as they are they same platform, it's been good since Mk5 and is better than say B6/B7 Audi A4. I'm 6 foot and can sit behind me comfortably. Will try and cover this in the 3k review
There aren't many cars that do allow it oddly. I don't miss it TBH but I'd miss Waze and on the main screen is better than using it on my phone so I am happy. Still haven't worked out if TT with virtshriual cockpit can do Car Play at all as it only has the VC, no central screen...
Hi mate, I’ve got a Skoda Fabia 1.2 colour edition 2017 version, funny enough I find the dampers and the suspension is very similar to Seat’s, also would you say getting a Seat Leon FR Estate would be a better upgrade to my current car? 💪🏻
Hey Will, that was the original plan but SEAT have dropped the 184 so none were available new/nearly new. I didn't really want the extra power but I did want the fully independent rear suspension as that makes a difference nearly all the time, while speed/power don't so much (torque is very close anyway). However at the price (£18k with 30 miles on the clock) I can't grumble and DCC does largely make up for the clunkly old rear end.
Really enjoy your videos. I am undecided Between gtd estate and stfr like yours. As a vw guy curious why you chose the leon? How do noise levels compare? I like a quiet car. And finally what size wheels suit the st fr best? Keep up the great reviews.
Thanks man! Leon was silly cheap at £18k with 30 miles on it. GTD was £4k more and spec was same give or take BUT you got independent rear suspension with GTD for better ride and handling. The Leon was hard even with DCC in comfort. GTD next time I think
@@volkswizard I'm in kenilworth I think.near you. I'm in the trade. Looking for a quiet all rounder. The STs are cheap but maybe pay a bit more and get a gtd estate. You seem.to suggest you are doing that also ? Thanks for taking the time to reply.
That seemingly bloody sheet in the trunk made it appear that you're a part time serial killer that also does car reviews 😂. Great review and that bit made me laugh, so great job
I have 2019 fr evo,petrol hatch back in the same colour. It's a superb car and such a better car than the Golf. I test drove a golf but the Seat just seemed a far better car
👍great vid. Used to have a Leon FR 1.4tsi and unfortunately as you were saying in one of your previous videos, people were starting to eye it up. Changed to a Skoda Yeti which was abysmal. Now got myself a low mileage MK 7 Golf 1.6 TDI for less than 11 grand for ultimate comfort, economy, security and free tax! Enjoy your new car mate it looks fantastic in that blue colour!
Also I definitely agree that VW group cars are at the peak of usability and technological advances. The new Golf and Leon seem to be going backwards making them too fiddly and less practical.
volkswizard it should also work as described here- Automatic switch-on of the electronic parking brake if not activated properly when the driver leaves the vehicle, In vehicles with an automatic gearbox the electronic parking brake switches itself on when leaving the vehicle in the following circumstances: 1: When the vehicle is in gear positions D, S or R, or if the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position 2: When the ignition is switched on 3: When the vehicle is stationary 4: If the driver door is open. www.vwgolf.org/electronic_parking_brake-243.html
Agreed but it just wasn't suitable when I lived in a city as it was hard to get 4 wheels in and when I knew I was moving, I just didn't fancy it as a motorway car. I'll be making more content with them soon though I hope so stay tuned.
The parkingbrake only activate it self when you have the Autohold feature button below the parkingbrake active.
Thanks Martin. Someone else mentioned this and I’ve tried it and it works. Feel a bit stupid but my excuse is I’ve never had to press it before, plus I always assumed auto hold was for when you are driving, not when you switch off. In fact I’ve just checked and the manual doesn’t say it has anything do with parking brake and ignition off. Anyway, it works 👍👍
I’ve got 1.4 petrol 150bhp ST FR and managed 62mpg on a 100mile motorway run using cruise control in normal mode set at 70mph occasionally 50mph during roadworks. The car also has the 2 cylinder technology.
The st is a nice looking estate car it looks like it was designed with some thought rather than just having a saloon car and squaring it off at the back like on the golf.
Also Barry, SEAT will be allowed to make their cars look better at the expense of practicality. The fact VW didn't give the GTD Estate the proper led lights of the GTD does suggest it was a bit of an afterthought.
Honestly that is one damn good looking wagon, the designer did excellent job.
I just love my Leon ST FR. For 10 years I drove a Golf MKIV and it had more and more issues. It was like a culture shock to suddenly have so many modern things. The one thing I noticed is that the touchscreen on the radio has false touch when it‘s exposed to cold temperatures. But could be only with mine.
I thought it was just my Leon that had a fit changing songs and things in the cold!
Re the handbrake not engaging when you remove the key, if you have the ‘auto’ handbrake function selected (orange light should be on) it should engage then.
I thought the same, auto handbrake not turned on
In my mk7 golf the handrake engages when you take the seatbelt off.
This, auto brake, the button underneath it, needs to be engaged. Then, when you turn of the car, it will engage. Also when standing still, with auto brake engaged, holding down the brake and releasing it will auto engage the hand brake.
I vaguely remember seeing park brake settings when I was using OBD Eleven. Have a look at SEAT forums there’s a surprising amount of little tweaks available.
I've customized mine using carista obd Bluetooth reader. You can change the release point. It's still possible for it to release before you reach biting point though. Takes a bit of getting used to
Have had an Ecomatic ST new since 2014. Economy has been very good, better in warmer weather. If you stick within speed limits 70 mpg is realistic. Even pushing it on you have to be rough to push it much under 60 mpg. I do miss the torque of the 2 litre when fully laden but that's rare. Overall a super useable day to day car, spacious and decent to drive and so cheap to run. Did I say it was at the 90k service before I needed front brakes replaced? Awesome.
I have a Nevada white 1.5 manual Leon FR ST exactly like this with the leather, digital dash and 18s. I love it.
The new shape has grown on me though and I am tempted to replace mine with one, but only in Nevada white of course!
Usual quality and honesty Andrew, thanks for airing your experiences. As the credits were about to scroll, I was poised to type - I needed to see the Seat's lovely blue paint clean - and, as always, you didn't disappoint. A better weather update with popping blue coach-work will be a fitting addition to your ownership storyboard. Loved the Spanish lisp inclusion - amusing, top man. All the best.
This car is absolutely fantastic and puts my Golf SportWagen almost to shame. I wish we had SEAT or Škoda here.
You can switch into sport mode by tapping back on the gear select. Or Atleast I can on my 19 2l tsi St fr. When you hit it a second time it goes back into whatever setting you where previously in.
Hi Stephen, I think you are talking about sport mode on the gearbox rather than sport mode as a driving mode? It's easy to mix up the two and it's a good point as when in ECO (or any mode actually), if you want it to sharpen up temporarily say to overtake or to enjoy a good bit of road, easiest thing to do is bang the gearbox into sport mode. The driving mode stays the same but the gearbox changes later and doesn't use 7th gear.
@@volkswizard yes. I leave the car in Normal mode the majority, hit the gear select when taking over etc..
Not a fan of eco mode, will only engage it on motoway runs. Feels line about 80 of the 200bhp had been stolen.
Leon’s are very good value especially used. I was looking at a polo 1.2 tsi 90 6c. However I might be able to get a Leon SC with the 1.4 tsi engine for similar money
I have the same car, if you have to auto hold function on (button under handbreak) then it will hold brakes every time you stop and the handbreak will automatically engage when you open the drivers door or take the key out! I never have to touch the button on mine!
Very strange that I was looking at a Leon FR as my next car, this comes up in my recommended and then I realise I live just up the road!
Did you check with a service about the missing settings? Some stuff might be configurable via a data cable even though it's not in the menus.
Getting my 2017, leon Fr estate tomorrow. Very excited, been watching your channel for a while now. Keep it up!
Great honest report on a great car. I agree that your mpg sounds disappointing but hopefully higher tyre pressures will help. My 1.6tdi manual averages 58mpg and has been known to hit 73mpg when driving very slow and light footed on a run. Totally love CarPlay too 👍🏼
totally different engine I know, but in my 2017 TTS I couldn't get over 30mpg no mattr how hard I tried. But when the car ticked over 3000 miles, for some reason the fuel economy improved dramatically - almost as if the engine switched into a different mode it was that noticeable. Now at 11,000 miles and I have to try really hard to get under 30mpg.
Thanks for the feedback, very interesting. I do wonder if the ECUs are programmed to do different things at different mileages. After dieselgate, anything is possible in that respect
Andrew, glad you are in principle enjoying your workhorse new wheels.
We can always find fault with any car when we are living with it daily.Role on 3000miles when the engine has eased up and you are gaining more enjoyment with improved performance and efficiency.
Hi Keith, these are just minor niggles, the core car is great and as you say will get better when loosened up fully.
Great video again Andrew. Have to say these sorts of cars make brilliant daily drives.
Not quite the same but I had a 63 plate 2.0 TDi 150 Octavia Elegance estate from new for nearly 3 years/37k miles and to this day it's probably the best VAG daily I've had. It had it quirks (not very supportive seats and slightly buggy MIB1 infotainment) but it never failed me, was pleasant to drive and was v economical. Thing that saddened me the most was that it was worth about the same as a bag of crisps after 3 years (given its huge rental/fleet success) but then such is life.
Like yours it had beam rear axle, but also non sports suspension.....It didn't handle wonderfully but the benefit was performance.......it weighed less than 1300kgs because of this and in a straight line went like a rocketship......performance wise wasnt much in it between it and the MK7 Golf GTDs I had (though they were far nicer to drive admittedly). It also had a wonderfully precise gearshift which I've not experienced in a car since....odd since it's gear linkage is probably just a Mk7 Golf one and little/no different.
E-handbrakes......I'm on the fence with those. My last Mk7 GTD I got rid of as it developed a penchant for deactivating the handbrake upon opening the door to exit the car....final straw was me chasing the car down my road as it headed towards a busy road and a series of parked cars with my young son on board......brown trousers moment for sure. That said I have a car with an e -brake now and it's been perfect......and that Golf had been a Friday afternoon build I am sure of it 🤣
Auto-Hold must be active to have the E-brake auto engange when you turn the engine off.
My biggest issue with it is when you use the cruise control there's nowhere to put your right foot.
By the time you have 10k on it the MPG will be a lot better, however you do not normally keep them too long!
I’m on my 3rd FR great reliable cars never had a single problem with any of them! Great review btw⭐️👍🏻
I have a 19 fr st184bhp fr and the handbrake does come on auto
Nice review! I am looking at importing a Seat Leon FR to Ireland, is it possible to change the digital dash speedo from Mph to Kph? Thanks
Just put 4 new bridgestone potenza 6 tyres on. So quiet and amazing in the wet 👍
Lovely Jubbly, you have difficulty remembering it's model spec, imagine what it's like for the sales people.
The tyre pressures are different on my leon fr with 18s they say 29 psi rear and 32 psi front ?
Thanks for the info Chris, weird. I'm running on 39 now front and rear and there is no way you can drive it in anything but comfort mode. All very odd. 29/32 sound a lot more normal.
What is your screen washer like? On my Gti it was a powerful fan type. My Cupra has pathetic jets . I see on the Cupra forums it is suggested you can swop to VW fan type as the parts are generic . Worth a video showing how it’s done. And before and after result ?
I thought these FR Sport models did come with independent rear suspension. Dont all Leon models with more than 150 hp ?
Fix the handbrake thing with vcds mayby?
Looked fun as hell in sport mode. You’ll have to give the Audi TT RS APR Stage 3+ a go if you get out here to Texas. I’ve got it in the shop right now being fitted with RacingLine carbon ceramic brakes. Should lighten the unsprung weight by 100 lbs.
A comprehensive review and an enjoyable watch
Great video and I agree with the eco mode annoyances, my 2018 Passat GT follows exactly the same logic 🤔
I have a manual 2014 one of these coming on Saturday for a test drive, very helpful for me. thanks.
I do very much like the look of the current model Seat Leon. It looks fantastic and even more so in estate form.
Thanks for commenting Les - wonder if you will like the new one as much...?
@volkswizard, no not all. I believe you already said as much but it looks 'too Peugeot' for my liking.
I have a 64 plate Octavia tdi. It’s been in eco mode from day one and never changes . It also displays the mode on the head unit in the top left permanently. Odd considering the platform similarities.
Does your coast when you come off the gas?
That bit at the end with you trying to remember the model and spec in full... 😆 Great video, you may convince me to get one. Love the colour. Good car wash skills too!!
I had brand new 184dsg estate for 3 years absolutely superb in every way just got my brand new 2021 150efrdsg very disappointed the only improvement I found in this petrol 17inch wheeler is comfortable over our poor British roads the 184 had 18 inch wheels so go for standard 17s if your unfortunately living in England
Very interesting. I got a demo 2019 reg Cupra ST four wheel drive dsg. At the same time as you . Love the car . On way back to north of York from Warrington (mostly motorway) it averaged an amazing 39mpg. Since then, on rural roads , it is doing 33mpg. Didn’t buy it as an economy car so very pleased with this . If I drive it in Cupra mode though it’s then into the high 20s ! Got winter tyres fitted and I think they have worsened the mpg a bit. See in springtime when the summers go back on. Overall it’s an excellent car and a step up from my Golf Gti
Love my leon fr st 184 diesel. All the speck. Amazing cruzer from Northumberland to Devon on a regular basis. Boot full and off we go 😂😂
MPG. It's winter so it's cold, it's also winter diesel time and like you say, not run in. Another 3 months and it will be a lot better.
The parking brake should come on/off with the key i could see on the video the A button next to the brake wasn’t on? It needs a stage 1 remap for economy mine was running 195bhp returning 56mpg on the motorway at stready speeds
The eco mode is not healty for the gearbox, it one of the issues with the DSG 7. Have the same car, and love it.. and the handbrake Can be programed to come on automatic. The eco, sport and normal mode, the gear shows E,D or S then you know with mode you are in.
Andrew, it is certainly a funny one because I watched your videos of the Up GTI and went on to buy and enjoy one.
Now I am looking to buy a Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI 150 and yet again your video popped up. I am a bit torn between the petrol 190 and the diesel though. Tempted by the the extra economy of the diesel though - especially after the mpg of the Up GTI. One thing that I didn't know was that the 150 TDI had the torsion beam rear setup. I believe the 190 have full independent however from your review you don't seem to find that a problem.
I found an odd thing out re the electric parking brake, you have to have the car lifted off the ground when you use Obd port to release it to enable you replace the rear brakes
The only thing that slightly grates on me in my Audi is that it also resets mode each time it’s started, despite it sounding and showing it’s still in the same mode you left it, it’s not, odd
Not being able to turn off completely Stop start also annoys me 😂
I have the same but a 1500 cc,same colour and dsg gearbox as my motability car and it's the best I have ever had.
Seems like the 1.5 TSI is popular Neil. Glad you are enjoying yours 👍
Neil Harding - I collect my new Motability 1.5 TSI ST FR DSG in Mystery Blue tomorrow morning! Been delayed 3 months due to Covid-19 but collection is finally here. You say it’s the best car you’ve ever had, sounds great. How are you finding the fuel economy? I’m going from a 2 litre diesel Astra estate back to petrol with the Leon. I am curious about start/ stop and electronic handbrake, never had them before. There are so many gadgets to look forward to, my Astra SRI didn’t have a very good spec really , no usb or rear electric windows.
Great little video, I would have like too seen how much rear leg room there is in the back, (the joys of having kids eh).
Sorry, just my OCD hitting off the limiter. Nice car Andrew and a good review. 👍
A good video , thinking of getting one , a fr black edition, petrol 150 bhp. Dont do enough miles for a diesel, and the hatch is just a little to small , with a big boot lid, so might catch it trying to get a bike in n out. Plus these are mot as common as the hatchback . Skoda octavia vrs is just too big, seat cupra estate, wow love one but wouldn't have my license for long, not to mention running costs.keep up the good work , like all ya videos.
Have you compared it with the 1.4 Tsi for driveability? I'm torn between the two...
Strange eco doesn't work with comfort suspension, works on my leon cupra st (also 2019).. that could be a glitch.
Hi Edward, ECO mode does 'work' with comfort DCC in Individual mode but it doesn't work fully because it loses the most useful feature of ECO mode which is the coasting function. Does yours do that?
@@volkswizard Coasting does work for me, in individual mode with DCC comfort and engine ECO. Now every time I start the car it starts in individual BUT the engine/drive will be in normal mode, i need to cycle off individual and back to get eco back on (showing E for the gears), (it will still show eco in settings but drive mode is in normal)..
I hope the Cat made you a good offer on the Cupra
Yes, he wanted to pay by PCP - Personal Cat Purr-chase
Could you live with one of these without dcc? I'm looking at a 2019 2.0tsi variant of this at the moment but wasn't sure as I don't think it has dcc
The new model is a little plump . I have speech problems that I had from birth getting Google to do stuff 📢 is mostly frustrating 🐪 pronouncing . Thanks for the update also 👍 don't ever be discouraged you look very much confident also if reads as annoying sorry Mr and is good looking estate I prefer it to alot of others cheers ps the Ford Grand tourneo 2019 is a keeper according to the lady in trousers for 6 years maybe (I really enjoy driving it when I get the fob) think maybe I shot myself in the foot 🤕
Great review. Do you know if there's any mods you can do to improve the sound deadening? My Leon ST 1.6tdi engine always audible. Don't mind that under acceleration which is typical diesel but at a constant 30mph I'd expect less hum. Only at 1700rpm in 3rd, 4th drops this to 1100 and then it booms. Even audible at 70mph. I had 1.6tdi Leon mark 2 before and I don't remember it droning. There's far less road noise on this car which exacerbates the problem. There's less clatter but a constant hum/drone. I test drove one in 2014 before I got my previous petrol version and I remember it being similar then too and a key reason to opt for the petrol car. But I forgot about this when I got this one for a good deal rather than buy out the PCP on the last one. Depending on how clogged up filter is refinement varies. Is this refinement compromise necessary to meet Euro 6? I swear its quieter outside than in. Not loud outside at idle. Last one a Leon 1.4tsi FR. Lovely engine that. Punchy and quiet in town. Only about 7 lower mpg. 45 v 52 for the diesel. Other than the drone the 1.6tdi is quick enough and fairly easy going
What made you go for the 150bhp version compared to the 184bhp version since your not really sacrificing much mpg. My golf Sv you can't buy with that engine since they're not a gtd version. Don't get me wrong I've got the 150bhp version pulls along nicely but I've driven a a4 with the more powerful version its pulls much better
Easy answer is 184 is no longer available. The torque figures are close (10% more in 184 that's all) and a review said don't bother with 184 as 150 is good enough. In all honesty I've never really thought I want more power, paddles maybe though!
volkswizard more power is always better anyway. I will be trading up soon anyway with the congestion law in Birmingham is the reason for that. My cars free in London but now the Birmingham law says it has to be registered after sep 2015 and my car is registered April 2015 so I would have to be £8 a day. Leon fr estate is up on my list again
Great to see a video on how you are getting on with your new car, also it's good to know about the paddles for £500.I am also unsure about getting them as i never really used them. One question is do you have to use diamondbrite s/poo or can you use other s/poo such as autoglym ? Great video as usual...
Anyone know how the xcellence models drive compared to the fr?
Good video, I did 50,000 miles in 2 years in an mqb platform Skoda Octavia vrs tdi with similar commutes, averaged 40mpg.... The eco mode had minimal benefit to me. Great cars though just dubious economy claims!
Did yours coast on eco mode
@@RealistJ yep but it doesn't work with the adaptive cruise
I chose the same car but with 300 horse power engine. Best choice ever made.
I'm in the process of buying a 184bhp one of these. How do you find the 150bhp motor compares to the GTD performance wise?
I’ve got the Tsi 1.8. Excellent all rounder. Looks good drives surprisingly well. Put some Michelin pilot sports on as well. Only bugbear is the dsg at junctions can be annoying by appearing to not allow you to accelerate hard, can be difficult when trying to make a quick move into traffic!
Don't worry about the mpg it will get to 50mpg plus once it's worn in. I do miss Apple car play I've had an aftermarket head unit which I used in my previous cars
Looks as big as my B5 RS4 ? Slightly higher roof thou
Interesting video Andrew and pleased that you are happy with your new workhorse. Just a question about applying the electric parking brake after switching off the ignition. I assumed you had to apply the brake while the engine was still running, to avoid running the battery down. I don’t think it mentions that in my golf’s instruction manual, but it does in my wife’s Audi A4 manual. Also, I always leave my car in gear (manual gearbox) while it’s parked up, just in case!
LEON OWNERS, how do you find the road noise?
Don Johnson driving a spanish car!!👏👏👏😁
Great video as always. Cheers
Would anyone recommend a 2.0 TDI 150 DSG over a 1.6 TDI DSG for 90% motorway daily driver? Will i suffer mpg by going for a 1.6 to a 2.0?
Hi mate I’m deciding between a clubsport 2016 or a 2015 golf R which do you recommend both 20.000 miles on the clock
C L U B S P O R T all day long. R is OK but unless you need AWD you are going miss out on a very exciting and involving car by not choosing the CS and one which will go down in the best Golf hall of fame - just choose spec carefully. I'd recommend DCC and bucket seats.
volkswizard exactly what I was thinking too but just wanted your opinion. It’s the DSG and bucket seats. There’s just something about the CS which the R doesn’t have. I think it’s the character... thanks for the reply mate
I find the eco mode frustrating as you say when I restart the engine as it reverts to drive. Similar to sports mode, I assume it’s H&S so can drives standard when you return and forces you to select driving mode?
I get that as someone else getting in and driving might find it a little slower responding that they were used to in other modes and the coasting function might freak them out. So I don't mind it reverting to normal mode but I do mind it saying it's in ECO mode when it's not!
@@volkswizard I find the the accelerator feels spongy. I drive on normal mostly, and frlick in and out of sport (via the gear select) when needed.
They all do this. In the cupra the car always starts with the engine in normal mode whatever what the drive mode select button is on. You just have to cycle the button.
Ii have tried back to back testing between sport and eco mode on my 20 mile commute on alternative days for a few weeks and the difference in mpg is only about 1mpg. (country roads, a little queuing and 5 miles on dual carriageway)
With your ‘eco engine - coasting’ issue; knock the car into neutral? Might be totally mistaken but I thought it being in neutral would be the same as coasting.
A very nice car for being reliable and dependable how long are you planning on keeping it
I have a push button start and stop the hand break doesn’t come on when I switch off. Oh no, I have to lift a little chrome button. Nightmare!!!
Thanks for the video, it's nice to get a bit more depth on the dynamics. I'm considering an FR Technology with the 1.8 TSI vs an Octavia vRS 220/230 (both manual) - do you have any thoughts on how they compare dynamically? Cheers
2.0 TSI > 1.8 TSI
@@acoguslov4604 cheers, I got a vRS 230 in the end
@@Fuzzarr Great choice. What is your fuel economy at highway speeds? ~130 km/h
@@acoguslov4604 I'm in the UK so run about 70-75mph, usually get about 42mpg on a long run, I'm surprised how economical it has been
What air pump do you use to adjust your tyre pressure?
I've got a compressor at work but I use an old school pen type gauge on every car to measure the pressures. I used to use a cheap Ring 12v pump from Amazon for a tenner
Another good vid Andrew. The VC looks good !
When will we get to see Tobys driving debut on the channel?
This guy is a proper geek
Great video Andrew and excellent choice of car in both spec and colour - thankfully you’re not so Peaky Blinders in the accent department so the car can understand you - should last you until 2035 before UK goes electric only :)
it would annoy me so much if I couldnt see which mode Im in I would press the button every now and them just to check if im in the selected mode
Jarrus Killa I got this car in grey 3 wks ago and I find myself pressing the button to check. It will
Say sport on the dash but normal on the mode button.
What’s the space like for rear passengers.
It's good, typical Mk7 Golf which is no surprise as they are they same platform, it's been good since Mk5 and is better than say B6/B7 Audi A4. I'm 6 foot and can sit behind me comfortably. Will try and cover this in the 3k review
Use the handle inside the boot to close it
Such a shame that waze/ google maps do not show up on the virtual cockpit 😠
There aren't many cars that do allow it oddly. I don't miss it TBH but I'd miss Waze and on the main screen is better than using it on my phone so I am happy. Still haven't worked out if TT with virtshriual cockpit can do Car Play at all as it only has the VC, no central screen...
Hi mate, I’ve got a Skoda Fabia 1.2 colour edition 2017 version, funny enough I find the dampers and the suspension is very similar to Seat’s, also would you say getting a Seat Leon FR Estate would be a better upgrade to my current car? 💪🏻
intresting, but why not the 184bhp tdi ?
Hey Will, that was the original plan but SEAT have dropped the 184 so none were available new/nearly new. I didn't really want the extra power but I did want the fully independent rear suspension as that makes a difference nearly all the time, while speed/power don't so much (torque is very close anyway). However at the price (£18k with 30 miles on the clock) I can't grumble and DCC does largely make up for the clunkly old rear end.
volkswizard Ah okay thanks I had a feeling the 184 is not in use in the leon any more and yes not much power difference 👍
Why is the FR detuned now ? Seems odd.
Emissions I bet
Have you Murdered someone in the boot?
Someone else said that? No, it wasn’t in the boot ....😉
@@volkswizard The phoney email call to your wife fooled no-one😎
Really enjoy your videos. I am undecided
Between gtd estate and stfr like yours. As a vw guy curious why you chose the leon? How do noise levels compare? I like a quiet car. And finally what size wheels suit the st fr best? Keep up the great reviews.
Thanks man! Leon was silly cheap at £18k with 30 miles on it. GTD was £4k more and spec was same give or take BUT you got independent rear suspension with GTD for better ride and handling. The Leon was hard even with DCC in comfort. GTD next time I think
@@volkswizard I'm in kenilworth I think.near you. I'm in the trade. Looking for a quiet all rounder. The STs are cheap but maybe pay a bit more and get a gtd estate. You seem.to suggest you are doing that also ? Thanks for taking the time to reply.
No flappy paddle gearbox as standard? That's a shame
That seemingly bloody sheet in the trunk made it appear that you're a part time serial killer that also does car reviews 😂. Great review and that bit made me laugh, so great job
I have 2019 fr evo,petrol hatch back in the same colour. It's a superb car and such a better car than the Golf. I test drove a golf but the Seat just seemed a far better car
I know what you mean 🙌🏻
Careful about your coments about the gtd estate. Yr gonna buy one in the future lol 😂😂😂
👍great vid. Used to have a Leon FR 1.4tsi and unfortunately as you were saying in one of your previous videos, people were starting to eye it up. Changed to a Skoda Yeti which was abysmal. Now got myself a low mileage MK 7 Golf 1.6 TDI for less than 11 grand for ultimate comfort, economy, security and free tax! Enjoy your new car mate it looks fantastic in that blue colour!
Also I definitely agree that VW group cars are at the peak of usability and technological advances. The new Golf and Leon seem to be going backwards making them too fiddly and less practical.
How do you mean eyeing it up?
Sold my ST after less than a year. Not impressed with the build quality especially the LED lights which constantly steamed up.
What else was the problem with build quality?
I believe you can code the the parking brake to do as you want using VCDS. 👍
Thanks for that, will check it out, might have to finally upgrade my cable 😥
volkswizard it should also work as described here-
Automatic switch-on of the electronic parking brake if not activated properly when the driver leaves the vehicle,
In vehicles with an automatic gearbox the electronic parking brake switches itself on when leaving the vehicle in the following circumstances:
1: When the vehicle is in gear positions D, S or R, or if the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position
2: When the ignition is switched on
3: When the vehicle is stationary
4: If the driver door is open.
www.vwgolf.org/electronic_parking_brake-243.html
Such a shame you got rid of the Up GTI 😕
Agreed but it just wasn't suitable when I lived in a city as it was hard to get 4 wheels in and when I knew I was moving, I just didn't fancy it as a motorway car. I'll be making more content with them soon though I hope so stay tuned.