On the road: SEAT Leon FR and SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra
A quicker and more populist route to Volkswagen’s innovative power train technology has often been through its two value brands, Skoda and SEAT. Neither is marketed in the U.S.; however, both brands are popular in Europe, with SEAT strong in its native Spain and Skoda a particular favorite in Eastern Europe.
SEAT, in particular, has developed a following for its sportier model derivatives. These incorporate all of the latest VW Group engine, transmission and chassis developments in a vehicle package that is often racier and more youthful than the equivalent Volkswagen – and a good deal cheaper and better equipped, too.
As an example, the new Volkswagen Polo GTi that we reviewed in May has been very quickly paralleled by the equivalent SEAT, the Ibiza Cupra. The Cupra’s three-door body style may be more low-slung and coupé-like than the staid silhouette of the Polo, but the engineering platform is the same. The key ingredients that sports-minded drivers care about – the 1.4 liter turbo- and supercharged TSi engine, the seven-speed, dual clutch transmission and the XDS traction control system – are copied across from the VW, too. Most importantly, however, the Cupra is available for about €1,500 less than the Polo GTi, making it one of the lowest cost DCT-equipped cars in Europe.
Assessed here is the top Bocanegra version, complete with sporty body kit and the “black mouth” frontal treatment that gives it its name. Mechanically, the two are similar, boasting 180 hp from the Twincharger engine and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds.
With a low, coupé-style driving position and a small, flat-bottomed steering wheel, the Bocanegra sends out all the right messages for the young sports enthusiasts who form its target market. The only odd note is struck by the black and red quilted seat facings that look like loose aftermarket seat covers.
In action, the Bocanegra is energetic and mechanically smooth, but also noisier and with more of a raw feeling than the Polo. Though noisy and hollow-sounding when driven hard, the engine is excellent and works very well with the seven-speed, dry clutch DCT. The shift paddles behind the steering wheel spokes are of the standard configuration (right for upshift, left for down) and their precise, positive feel is a perfect complement to the eager engine.
This is a car that has sharp handling, and is fast and fun to drive thanks, in no small measure, to the responsiveness and sophistication of its engine and dual clutch transmission. But it is clearly aimed at the sportier buyer, and the relentlessly hard ride and noisy engine may not be so welcome on a long intercity trip.
The first SEAT to feature DCT technology was the slightly larger Leon, which is based on the Golf platform. Again offered in sporty Cupra trim, the Leon is unusual in providing the choice of either gasoline or diesel power for this top edition. The gasoline model has just been recalibrated for a giddy 265 horsepower (from two liters). Here, we assess the top diesel with its 170 hp and substantial 350 Nm torque. The transmission in this case is also slightly older technology – VW’s six-speed, DQ250 wet clutch DCT.
Like the smaller Ibiza, the Leon Cupra is more aggressive and mean-looking than its VW equivalent. The same applies to the ride and handling, too, with very firm suspension, quick-reacting steering and a tense, sporty demeanor. The brakes are also very sharp.
The gutsy diesel initially feels a bit rough and ready, but soon proves to be a strong asset. It pulls hard from low rpm to give the Leon quick throttle response whatever the speed, and its relative noisiness adds to the sporty sensation. The six-speed DCT, again triggered with steering wheel paddles, is satisfying to use, though the diesel engine’s heavier flywheel means full-bore gearshifts are not quite as snappy or satisfying. Selecting the S mode makes the power train more responsive, but at the expense of drivability. Sixth gear is barred, making higher speeds noisy, and the system shifts down when slowing for roundabouts and junctions. Surprisingly, it does not change down when approaching bends as some DCTs and automatics do.
Of the two Cupras, the diesel Leon is in many ways the most extreme. For the hardcore sports enthusiast who likes a vivid driving experience, it is a neat way of combining racy looks with decent economy and useful family and luggage space. The Ibiza, on the other hand, is more mechanically sophisticated and often more satisfying to drive as a result – a useful and youthful alternative to the Polo GTi.
| SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra | SEAT Leon
Cupra FR |
|
|---|---|---|
| Engine Model | 1.4 liter turbo & supercharged gasoline | 2.0 liter turbo diesel |
| Max Power (hp) | 180 | 170 |
| Peak Torque (Nm) | 250 | 350 |
| Transmission | 7-speed, dry clutch DCT | 6-speed, wet clutch DCT |
| 0-100 km/h (sec) | 7.2 | 8.2 |
| CO2 Emissions | 148g | 148g |
| Price (approx.) | €21,250 (28,388 USD) | €23,700 (31,661 USD) |
Story Filed: 10/02/2010
By Tony Lewin, managing editor DCTfacts.com