Putting verve into derv – the award-winning Seat Leon FR

The fiery yet frugal SEAT Leon FR has been voted ‘Scottish Diesel Car of the Year 2006’ by The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

Featuring an advanced 170 PS 2.0-litre diesel engine with 16 valves, Piezo-Pump Nozzle injection and a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), the Leon TDI FR is at the leading edge of diesel technology. Its high-pressure – yet incredibly accurate – injection process delivers smooth and urgent power, whatever the engine speed, while returning the sort of fuel economy and low emissions diesels are justly famed for. For the record, the car can go from zero to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds, hit a top speed of 135 mph, where permitted, and yet average 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle.

Stephen Park, Chairman of the ASMW, was quick to recognise the Leon TDI FR’s abilities: ‘The belief is that you either enjoy performance or fuel economy when it comes to diesel-powered vehicles. Never the twain shall meet, so they said. Until now, that is...’

The Leon FR is one of SEAT’s most popular models, accounting for a sizeable proportion of Leon sales. One of the major reasons for this success is that SEAT offers a choice of two great engines for its hot hatch – aside from the aforementioned diesel, there’s also a sophisticated direct-injection 2.0-litre T FSI 200 PS petrol model.

However, there’s more to the Leon FR than what lurks beneath the bonnet. With dramatic styling, keen handling, robust build quality and motor-sport breeding (the track version of this car has recently enabled SEAT to win the BTCC Manufacturers’ Trophy), it is a complete hot hatch. And that’s without mentioning its high residual values, attractive prices (£16,995* for the 2.0-litre T FSI FR, £17,495* for the 2.0-litre TDI FR) and generous equipment levels, resulting in ultra-competitive whole-life costs.

Those frugal facets didn’t go unnoticed by the panel of ASMW experts. Stephen continued: ‘The Leon FR has devastating pace, crisp razor-sharp handling and, above all, the ability to squeeze every last drop out of the tank. And you know how we Scots have a reputation for that...’

* Recommended retail prices, including on-the-road charges