What is it?
Either a road-going homage to Seat’s one-make Leon Supercopa race series or a chance to use up some of current Leon’s parts before an all-new model is introduced later this year.In truth, it’s somewhere in the middle. The Supercopa is a special edition of the Leon FR+, available with either the 208bhp 2.0 TSI petrol or 168bhp 2.0 TDI diesel engine, the latter of which is tested here. Six-speed manual and DSG gearboxes are offered with both engines.
Being a run-out special edition, the equipment list for the Supercopa is extensive. It includes a Seat Sport bodykit, some meaty looking 18in BBS alloys, and a twin chrome tip exhaust system to differentiate it on the outside, and a touchscreen sat-nav and DAB radio for the inside.
Throw in some rear parking sensors and adaptive front bi-xenon headlights and you’ve an impressive equipment list. All that extra kit will cost you just £300 more than a standard FR+; so £22,530 for the 2.0 TDI model.
What’s it like?
We drove the 2.0 TDI FR+ last year, and unsurprisingly it’s more of the same with the Supercopa. The 18in BBS alloys are the same size as the factory 18s that were fitted before, and they don’t alter the ride quality. It’s as firm as we’ve come to expect from the Leon, but never uncomfortable given its sporting brief.The engine has plenty of low-end grunt thanks to the peak torque of 258lb ft being available between 1750-2500rpm. A 0-62mph time of 8.2sec is decent, even more so in the context of its 55.4mpg economy.
We were yet to sample an FR+ with a six-speed manual before this test of the Supercopa. As smooth as the DSG is, the manual is more suited to this car’s sporting undertones and has the rare benefit of being more economical than the twin clutch option. On our 300-mile test route, we averaged more than 50mpg.
Should I buy one?
If you plan to buy one and sell it a year later when the new Leon comes out then no, the depreciation will be huge.But should you like the idea of a potent hatch that looks the part and has as many toys as you’re ever likely to need, one which is likely to be reliable and economical over several years of ownership then this Leon is still a car to recommend even after accounting for its imminent replacement.
Mark Tisshaw
Seat Leon 2.0TDI FR+ Supercopa
Price: £22,530; Top speed: 133mph; 0-62mph: 8.2sec; Economy: 55.4mpg; CO2: 134g/km; Kerb weight: 1395kg; Engine type, cc: 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbodiesel; Power: 168bhp at 4200rpm; Torque: 258lb ft at 1750-2500rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd manual
source: autocar
