Hot Hatch, Cool Price: SEAT LEON FR FROM ONLY £17K

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To coincide with its world debut today (25th May) at the Madrid Motor Show, SEAT UK has revealed that the eagerly-anticipated new Leon FR will be priced from just £16,995 (RRP on the road). Ordering commences immediately across the SEAT UK Dealer network, ahead of the model’s arrival during July.

By offering such superb value for money, this dynamic new hot hatch looks set to follow in the footsteps of its top-selling predecessor. The previous Leon FR was such a hit that it accounted for more than 4 in 10 of total Leon sales.

Unlike many of its rivals, the new Leon FR (short for ‘Formula Racing’) will be offered with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. The Leon 2.0 T FSI FR develops 200 PS from its turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, while the 2.0 TDI FR, which comes in at £17,495 RRP on the road, produces 170 PS and 350 Nm (258 lb ft) of torque from its

16-valve diesel powerplant with advanced Piezo Pump Nozzle injection system. Both versions promise strong performance along with equally impressive fuel economy.

In addition, fine-tuning of the Leon’s sporty chassis, which features an independent multi-link rear set-up, results in handling that is even more focussed on driver enjoyment.

The new FR has the looks to back up its ability. With aesthetic highlights including exclusive bumpers front and rear, racy 17” alloy wheels (with 18” versions as an option), sports seats, white instrumentation, twin stainless steel exhaust pipes, FR-specific steering wheel and gearlever, plus a number of further stylish FR logos inside and out, the newcomer is bold without being brash.

Those eye-catching prices have not been achieved at the expense of generous standard equipment. On the contrary, every Leon FR comes with a high level of specification, with dual-zone climate control, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance system), alarm with immobiliser, cruise control, four electric windows, remote-control central locking, electrically adjustable and foldable door mirrors, trip computer, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, CD/radio with MP3-compatibility, plus Aux-in audio connection in the centre console among the highlights.

The new Leon FR will take pride of place on the SEAT stand at the British International Motor Show this year. The Show, held for the first time at London’s ExCel Centre, will run from 20-30th July.