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The SEAT León family is being expanded by the addition of the most eagerly anticipated member yet: the new León FR. As soon as the first version of this model hit dealer showrooms it became one of the most sought after models for anyone searching for a car with sporty styling that stands out clearly from the other models in the range and delivers class-beating performance.

The task of propelling the new León FR falls to two power units, one petrol and one diesel. The former is a 2.0 TFSI delivering 200 hp. This four-cylinder 2.0-litre model featuring FSI direct-injection technology puts a peak torque of 280 Nm on tap between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. Powered by this engine, the León reaches a top speed of 229 km/h and is propelled from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

As far as the diesel variant is concerned, the León FR is driven by the same 170 hp 2.0 TDI powerpack first showcased by its genetic sibling, the SEAT Altea FR. Partnered by a six-speed manual gearbox, this engine generates its maximum power of 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rpm. The result: a top speed of 214 km/h and 8.2 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill.

First petrol engine from SEAT with a DSG gearshift

Highlights of the SEAT León FR drive train include the DSG automated gearshift that is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI version. Praised by the motoring press and customers alike, this is the first time that this transmission has been made available in a petrol-powered SEAT. The DSG package includes shift paddles on the steering wheel, marking another first for a road-going model from the Spanish manufacturer.

Equipped with this gearshift, the León FR returns exceptional performance figures which better the marks set by the manual version. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is over in 7.2 seconds compared to the 7.3 seconds taken by the manual model. Consumption on the combined cycle is also minor (7,8 litres per 100 kilometres compared to 7,9 of the manual model). (Provisional values for the TFSI DSG motor).

A cut above the rest of the range

The model’s exterior makes it clear from the very outset that this is not just another León. It starts at the front with a bumper that is larger than the one used on the other models in the range and includes an enormous air intake with honeycomb grille. The bumper at the rear of the car sports a black finish at the bottom, where the polished-steel twin tailpipes of the exhaust protrude prominently.

Moving round to the side, the door mirrors come with the silver-painted housing that is a hallmark of the FR models. The light-alloy wheels, which are available in 17-inch or optionally 18-inch formats, are particularly eye-catching. The wheels come in an exclusive FR design that gives a clear view of the impressive brake discs behind.

The sporty theme is continued inside the car where each and every element has been honed right down to the finest detail to immerse drivers in that unmistakable FR ambience the instant they take the wheel. Highlights include the exclusive sports seats with the initials FR embroidered into the seat backrest. Given the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities, the seats have been ergonomically designed to optimise support for the occupants. The steering wheel with its micro-perforated leather grips at the sides as well as the gearshift knob are also exclusive to this version, as testified by the FR initials adorning both elements. Finally, the interior’s sporty feel is accentuated by the use of a white background for the instrument cluster in place of the customary black together with the FR logo in the rev counter.

New equipment features

The León FR also showcases a number of firsts when it comes to the optional equipment list. On the safety front, there are bi-xenon headlights incorporating the Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS). The AFS system uses the information gleaned from various rotational and speed sensors in the vehicle to adjust the direction of the beam of light emitted by the headlights, resulting in optimum illumination in all situations.

Besides this, the León FR, along with all the other models in the range, now offers customers the option of either a connection which allows an iPod to be integrated into the vehicle or a special connection for all USB memory devices and MP3 audio players with a USB port. There is also an Aux-in audio connection as standard, which allows external audio sources to be plugged into the standard headphone socket and the sound played through the vehicle’s speakers.

Source: Internal