You won’t need to worry VW have now fired the person in control of the technology included in all the new VW group cars, so hopefully they will be back to the quality screen they used to be.
@@mathias61 Yes there is. Honda have reintroduced some conventional knobs in the Civic because that is what their customers want. Touchscreens are a massive con, and are there simply because they are much cheaper to develop than conventional knobs and buttons. They potentially pose a threat to active safety as drivers take their eyes off the road. It is not by chance that the Audi A3, the Leon's most expensive sibling, has retained conventional knobs and buttons for aircon. Get real.
True, but these days this "no Button" design is considered more "premium" i guess? The a3 has physical buttons, but a6 and up, everything has the only touch screens. So while having buttons is nice, this is probably the more futuristic design here.
Yes I currently have an 2018 ST FR 2tsi 7dsg. My lease is up soon, I'm thinking of getting The new ST exl lux. 1.5h. Ive never stuck with the same company twice over The years.
It's great you went through the touch screen and some of the features. I'm seriously considering this car, but I do WISH they'd put some push buttons that navigate directly to the section you need. Perhaps for 'aircon', 'sat nav', 'audio', 'phone' and a couple of customisable buttons for your favourite screens. Whilst driving you need the 'feel' of what you're selecting rather than getting lost in touch screen menus and getting frustrated. The ambient lighting and light bar animations - LOVE IT! I'd be taking a chance with the Seat Leon as I've been a Mondeo man for about 15 years now! For me, it's either this, or the Ford Kuga ST-line.
Had a 3rd gen Leon estate and it was a really great car for day to day use, switched it for an e-208 a few months ago. I have to say I prefer the looks of the 3rd gen (2012-2020) Leon than this version, this one looks a little long in the nose. That said, it's not a bad looking car.
I'm sure you know this by now, but to get into Sport mode in an auto you just pull the gear selector down once so the D changes to S (Hence the D/S). S is sport - that's also why you had the eco tip telling you to move it back to D Not sure if it changes the suspension doing it that way though!
I know there's a lot of people not liking the lack of physical controls, but this is evolution, when you've been with this car for a few days it becomes second nature, it is change, and it does take some getting used to, also the voice control works superb at altering fan speed, temperature etc..
I am so with you on the vents location. Hate it. Sadly only A3 of the siblings kept vents location on the top. I rather prefer the solution of Kia Ceed or even Polestar 2.
I had exactly the same conversation with my SEAT dealer about there being too much tech in the new Leon. Apparently he still drives a 2004 SEAT Altea. I like how they kept the sharp lines of the last Leon. Much nicer to look at than the bland Golf.
You can change the mode by pulling the gear selector switch thing which you put in D if you keep pulling, it goes through the modes you will see it change on the dash
Hello Bob, I had a black Leon like your shape in FR trim and 190 tdi with dsg. Thoroughly loved it. Quick but very economical. Before that I had an Altea sport 150 tdi with dsg. Although the Altea was better to get in / out of the Leon was fabulous on the road. Greetings from Cumbria as always. Stay safe and well.
I have this car and it is absolutely great, the infotainment has been updated somewhat since the release of this video and you can also use the voice recognition to change almost everything within the system. It also has wireless android auto that works very well and i have had no spontaneous disconnects. I dont have the adaptive suspension as like you said its poor and the reviews are the same. I had a Focus ST Line X before this and the quality inside is night and day the Focus trim inside was really poor quality. I do find Sport Mode does not have the kick i think it should and imo needs an update. Please note the lane assist recognises the type of line on the inside, solid painted, split painted and full on Kerb, this is also shown on the display. You have the FR Sport and this is the trim level to avoid as it has the stupid active suspension if paired with the 150BHP and above, i have the FR 130 and has the normal suspension and feels great at all speeds
Interesting,I was looking at this..the focus st x line and maybe push the boat for the new cupra leon...do the entire 150bhp line have active suspension or just the sport version.? Wanted to get the 1.5 tsi evo 150bhp for work commute on the motorway...want something with a bit of kick in it too
15:03 😂😂😂 Priorities Great review 👍 Leon will be a great lease car have already sold two and IV no doubt a lot more will be sold especially when the ST model is released
Nice one Bob, been looking forward to this review. Interesting to see how firm the ride is. The DCC is an option on this? Would be interesting to try it without it for comparison. The tech glitches would be mildly concerning, but it'll be next year before I'm doing a deal, so hopefully they'll be ironed out by firmware updates by then.
Great review 👍🏼 Consensus seems to be buy a mid-range one, they generally ride much better and have enough spec. Agree with your comment that a conventional hatch is a better bet than an SUV too- far better to drive and just as practical. I’d go one better and say get the estate! I have a 2016 Leon ST as my daily car and I love it. Looks great, very reliable and well built, drives, handles and rides well, fuel economy is excellent too. I’ll almost certainly be having the new model when it’s time to change
USB C is the 'normal', and likely to be the only USB in a few years. I recall "activity" in the rear seats of an 850 Mini so the Leon has plenty of space. TMI.
@Nigel Rowe Look at a car from only a few years ago. A CD player, no one uses that any more, it's streaming. In 2025 USB 2 or 3 will be as obselete as CD and cassette tape. Look forward, not backwards.
@@BobFlavinVideo That's ok Bob, I'm used to a hard ride 🤣😂😎 For the new cupra leon, the hybrid sounds good but not sure I could handle having to plug it in every day.. I hate plugging my phone in as is! And the 310hp version is gonna cost too much I reckon
ChopStix at Midday my favourite pit stop on route from Dublin to Killaloe. No EV charger there anymore right outside the food court, they dug it up two years ago when they built the new apple green and instead put a new one miles away in an obscure bog hole location in Portlaoise no where near a cafe or rest room!
I know vag are trying to cut budgets but touch buttons and touch sensors across the board area love or hate for so many people forget bring back the knob, it’s now bring back the button, foil based touch sensor don’t last until this changes I will be looking elsewhere or getting a second hand mk 7/7.5 model
Well said! Getting sick of all the SUV cars. Was behind three the other day all just dawdling along! Grrr. Get some fun back in your life people, stop buying SUV
Turning FR into just a badge is just sad. When we bought our Alhambra in 2016, I do not think FR was available with the base engines. You may laugh at the idea, but with 184BHP, the FR is the sportiest way to haul 7 people at reasonable price. Red paint and go-faster stickers on the side add 5% to speed😜
I couldn't agree with you more Bob, I have the previous model 2 litre 150 bhp tdi Leon and its fast and returns over 50 mpg even around town. Great car with just the right amount of tech, eg bluetooth, maps and voice recognition. Putting all controls into a touch screen is madness, and will stop me from purchasing one.
Problems with disengaging Apple Car Play is a VW Group software problem. It happens regularly in our Alhambra which we’ve been driving since 2016 (via cable). The exact same thing happened on a couple of loaned Audis. However I have yet to see this on BMW i3 (wireless).
@@BobFlavinVideo the MK2 shape was my outstanding favorite Leon shape of all bar none (maybe bias myself too mind as partners is a late 2010 Sport - basically a FR but with cheap to tax 1.4TSI unit - 1.4TSI 125ps. Not had ours as long yours only about 3yrs but always wanted one as the family car but partner didn't). The MK2 shape was just so ahead of it's time and still a fine yoke of a chassis to chuck around and mess around in. Maybe be dated chassis now but it was very well balanced one playful or balanced as mood took you, think the modern electronic's as the MK3 will take that away but it is what it is - technology marches on.
Jei tiktų, pateiksiu savo nuomonę. Viduje, priekyje, yra gan ankšta - matyt, dėl savotiško išdėstymo, kai priekinė važio dalis prailginta (to sąskaita ir atstumas tarp ašių, kuris yra didelis kaip tokio skyrimo važiui ir dar atvožgaliui), tad kojoms vietos skirta daug, o rankoms ir bendrai atstumui iki priekinio skydelio nelabai, užtat vietos antrai eilei laimėta daugiau nei užtektinai. Yra darbo vietos ir kitų nesklandumų viduje, pvz. nepatogu rankas atremti į durų porankius priekiniams keleiviams (t.y. vairuotojui įskaitytinai), nuleidžiant dėklės dureles, jos atsimuša į priekinio keleivio kelius (praėjusios kartos Peugeot 308 sumanytojai išvengė šios bėdos, dėklę įtraukdami gilyn po prietaisų skydeliu!). Medžiagos yra šiaip sau, neįskaitant viršutinės priekinio skydelio dalies, tačiau ir ši yra keistoka - padengta kažkokiais ne itin žviais rombiukais ar grūdeliais. Vidurinė vaizdmena, jos valdymas man ne itin patiko. Išvis, Golf’e viskas išdėstyta skoningiau, patogiau ir kokybiškiau, su rūpestingesniu dėmesiu smulkmenoms, kaip antai kišenėlės skembiams priekinių sėdynių galinėse atkaltėse, skiriant tai galinių sėdynių keleiviams, veikiausiai jaunajai kartai, kuri be skembių jau neįsivaizduoja buvimo. Mantinė maža, siaura, įmantrių sprendimų neradau čia (gal Golf’e tas pats?). Tik patiko, kad ten įtaisytas atsarginis ratas 18-io dydžio, tad esant reikalui jį panaudoti, neatrodytų juokingai, kaip įprastai su pagalbiniais “skritukais”. Važiavimo savybės, daugiasvirtė pakaba puikios. Apsieičiau be mažos gintrinės paspirties, nes važiuojant ramiai, jausmas, kad važį kažkas laiko gniaužtuose, tik stipriai įmygus greičio paminą, atsiveria išlaisvinto žvėries jėga - o tatai įspūdinga, patikėkit. Visgi man atrodo, kad šis pasirinkimas turi būti nulemtas širdies.
Ir dar pamiršau paminėti, kad net sportinių priekinių sėdynių apatinė dalis yra trumpoka. Gal ir polinkio kampas nepatogiai nustatytas, nes jose gana greitai nuvargome, jausmas, kad man kažkiek nuspaudė ties pakinkliais. Žinoma, tai vienašališka nuomonė, tačiau tą patį girdėjau ir iš vienos apžvalgininkės/bandytojos.
My Leon ST FR 2tsi dsg, is up for renewal. I've been that impressed with it, I think I'm going to go for the Leon ST xcel lux 1.5litre hybrid. First time I'm ever been tempted to get the same car when returning one.
I never did get that leon, ended up with a ioniq Hybrid. It's that time again and I am sort of returning to Seat, sort of, with the Cupra born. Going all ev this time. Now the Tesla supercharger network is open to all, I think I'm ready to dip my toes in the EV waters. When I was in the Cupra garage I had a look at the leaon estates, (I had a 19 plate one) and the current one feels huge compared to the one I had. Felt more 5 series size compared to the 19 plate leons 3 series size. I didn't like it, also it felt cheap inside compared to my 19 FR model.
Cheers Bob...great review as usual....I like these cars...but I do think that using these screens when the car is moving...is even more dangerous than using your phone for texting....especially with a system this complex...I feel a ban coming on in the next 5 years....across the board for this type of system....
A nice looking car Bob, I had previous the previous SEAT Leon which had an integrated infotainment system. I think the new one be too distracting. I live in west Clare not far near Kilkee and Doonbeg, were you anywhere near?
I hate the touchscreen watching this video made me want to clean it so bad. I think would've lost my temper too often if it lagged as much as that. Great review Bob. Been watching for a long time now
That MK 2 Leon is still a great looking car. All that tech is going to ruin your driving experience. It will be interesting to see what the new Skoda Octavia will be like.
A decent looking car Bob and good real world review.Currently driving a 184bhp tdi Leon St estate 2017 .Can this 1.5tsi give me similar economy when driven on a daily commute from Mullingar to Dublin ?Will it be off the pace ? Still believing in the diesel .I Also has a Leon MK2 fr but red in 2008 with the golf v GTi 200bhp engine now that was a car!
Brilliant review, like the style of it very real world rather than someone just repeating the brochure. I’ve a mk3 facelift and I wasn’t struck with the mk4 at first but it’s grown on me since it came out. Still think the mk1 is a pretty car. Only thing I don’t like about the mk3 are some cheap plastics, especially stuff you always touch like the interior door Handles. Thinking of changing it to the mk4.
Excellent review .These cars are too tech heavy as you say. I buy a car to drive . I love my MX5 (ten years old) little tech and only as much as is necessary. I have a Cupra with the digital dash. Had it since February and far prefer the Gti Mk7 dash which I swopped from. The ST Cupra Mk3 with four wheel drive is otherwise a superb car.
Does this 1.5 litre engine cruise on 2 cylinders, like the one in the 1.4 litre FR? Regarding the lane assist woes, does it require the sat-nav to be active to avoid your little detours at junctions?
My 2018 Seat Ibiza Fr 1.5 tsi EVO has that annoying eco 2 cylinder set even in sport mode. The options so annoying as it seems to hold back when you want to boot it. At least I have a button to flip through 3 drive options but this eco should not be preset in sport mode at all. Shame.
Suspension settings aimed at smoother European roads. Doubt the adaptive suspension was tested on rough Irish roads. Seat needs to offer more kit to attract golf buyers as its a golf in different clothing
Great review . Sad the modern tech heavy cars are encouraging you to take your eyes off the road to go through 30 menus to change the temperature and offer a bone shaking ride you pay extra for. I also thought the 1.5TSI engine has documented poor reliability within the VW group.
My 2019 mk3 Leon wired Apple CarPlay always disconnects randomly. I think it may have something to do with notifications. Clearly they haven’t fixed it it does exactly the same as your saying even how to fix it.
Nice review but u need more to learn the system media u need to press twice to get in to the drive profile and the report and all this seat do that to not get mistake something u didnt want 12:56 but still nice review 👍🏼
The problem with the infotainment system is that they are using the cheapest as they can Arm chip for it so it just can't keep up which is why the more expensive ones in say a new Renault/Nissan or even with the more prestige marques which are super, on the other hand, the Koren brands are fine so I have seen.
You really like the accelerator if you average like 7l/100km. I can easily get it down to 6 with a lot of driving in the city as well. It's okay, but can't blame the car for it.
Won't be able to touch anything under the bonnet without having a computer to reset the system. My 2006 can be reset with holding down the trip button 😂
Bob, I thought you hated aircon volume being controlled by a touchscreen. Also buggy carplay is seats fault. Good applecarplay systems don't have buggy connections or slow performance . You are often selling your location by Google and apple maps
Double-tapping a screen and not remembering how it works.. So frustrating.. Protip: If you power off the middle screen, you can change driving profiles with a flick or a single tap
Hi Bob. You did spend a lot of time complaining about various issues with the car. Suspension, touch screen, to much tech. And the finger prints on the touch screen were a mess. Oh, and lack of buttons. Also I thought the cabin looked a bit cramped. But even after all the negativity you still recommend it. I think because you own a leon you still have a soft spot for them. But after looking at your review not sure I'd get one...cheers.
that's the thing about an opinion, everyone can gather one from my reviews. I give you everything you need to make a decision which might be a different one from mine. I'd have the new Leon over a Golf or anything else in the segment at the moment.
i know its 5 month 2 late lol but the screen isnt laggy, to open the apps from the "home screen" you have to double tap, that´s why it sometimes does not work for him
I wanted to get this car so much but... if half of the stuff doesn't work or works incorrectly, what's the point? What's the point of "super high tech technology" if it just doesn't work? And this is really a shame cause I really wanted to get this one :/
ok I have had this car for 5 months bought it with 4000 miles on the clock, love the car to drive, however that bloody infotainment system can be a bloody nightmare! It has switched itself off whilst i have been driving! The phone connection can be a bloody nightmare! most of the time it connects, then when it does connect, sometime no contacts are transferred! Why doesn't the satnav show traffic? is that an extra? Also connect to android and the map is smaller shame it doesn't replicate the original map as on the infotainment system! Yes the lack of buttons is a distraction! I actually almost ran into the back of some one fiddling with it!
Bob you do realise that the Focus ST does not have any better engine than any other engine option. It just has harder suspension. Same for the Seat FR or the Golf GT. The new golf has all screens now. Sadly many of these cars are designed for the supersmooth roads of the continent not Irish non-motorway roads. If the suspension is so poor why would you want a sport setting (you can't get a sport suspension that is just standard roll bars). Are you hoping for a better looking cheaper golf. Even Seat needs to keep up with the tech demand.
With all the tech problems and spurious errors - they are set in stone unless Seat has OTA updates. Also, I recall a neighbour had a Citroen with a wayward fuel gauge and Citroen wanted $400 to "fix" the computer or $250 to entirely replace the fuel gauge. Madness.
As an owner of a mk3 Leon pre-facelift I find the mk4 a bit disappointing, I prefer the sharp lines of the mk3 exterior to the roundness of the mk4. On a side note, on the main menus of the infotainment system, you have to tap the sections twice in quick succession to get it to register like at 12:53, it won't register if you tap it once
Seat supposed to be fun car to drive, especially FR and it just isn't from what I can see in this review. Too many things unforgivable. When you want to go in sport mode you want it in the next second so dedicated button is mandatory. Then it's the touch screen, it is incredible slow to respond, by the time you manage to put it in sport you don't want it anymore. Then is the suspension which is either too firm or too soft as Bob described like a boat. All this means a failure from my point of view.
Excellent review as expected from this presenter. When will car manufacturers get it into their head that touch screen controls do not work for consumers in a moving car and are a safety risk. Tactile feel with eyes off is much smarter user interface for a moving shaking car. Touch screen mania just for the sake of it. Geeks push a tech because its possible rather than useful.
The summer-evening-country-lane-nookie-space-test should be a standard part of every car review.
It was the only thing that really mattered when buying a car at one time. That and cool wheels
Jb8
Bob for me feels like one of the most authentic and genuine reviews out there
One of the best videos dedicated to the car we do love.
Thank you sincerely.
Hi Bob, great video. Love the history segments you have been including lately. Keep up the good work!
Got to be honest that new touchscreen on those VW group cars is really putting me off getting one. Not exactly user friendly . ..
On the contrary. I have had new Golf 8 2 weeks now and the touch screens are easy to use and really user friendly. No turning back to old ;-)
You won’t need to worry VW have now fired the person in control of the technology included in all the new VW group cars, so hopefully they will be back to the quality screen they used to be.
True still trying to get use on my mk8 🤬
@@mathias61 Yes there is. Honda have reintroduced some conventional knobs in the Civic because that is what their customers want. Touchscreens are a massive con, and are there simply because they are much cheaper to develop than conventional knobs and buttons. They potentially pose a threat to active safety as drivers take their eyes off the road. It is not by chance that the Audi A3, the Leon's most expensive sibling, has retained conventional knobs and buttons for aircon. Get real.
@@tommietolan Source?
Best looking car on the platform, but the A3 interior (with physical controls for climate control) is much nicer.
But 10.000 euros more expensive
@@jdmortega9121 15-20.000 euros :D
New a3 doesn't have physical controls does it?
@@joe80ss it does, but the car is not worth 10.000-20.000 extra for those few buttons.
True, but these days this "no Button" design is considered more "premium" i guess? The a3 has physical buttons, but a6 and up, everything has the only touch screens. So while having buttons is nice, this is probably the more futuristic design here.
You are so right,The Seat Leon st fr auto is the best car I have ever had.
Yes I currently have an 2018 ST FR 2tsi 7dsg. My lease is up soon, I'm thinking of getting The new ST exl lux. 1.5h.
Ive never stuck with the same company twice over The years.
It's great you went through the touch screen and some of the features. I'm seriously considering this car, but I do WISH they'd put some push buttons that navigate directly to the section you need. Perhaps for 'aircon', 'sat nav', 'audio', 'phone' and a couple of customisable buttons for your favourite screens. Whilst driving you need the 'feel' of what you're selecting rather than getting lost in touch screen menus and getting frustrated. The ambient lighting and light bar animations - LOVE IT! I'd be taking a chance with the Seat Leon as I've been a Mondeo man for about 15 years now! For me, it's either this, or the Ford Kuga ST-line.
How many of the touch controls people are unhappy about can be bypassed by the voice control nobody appears to show this in reviews
Best video on this car so far.
I think your channel is underrated.
Big Like.
Had a 3rd gen Leon estate and it was a really great car for day to day use, switched it for an e-208 a few months ago.
I have to say I prefer the looks of the 3rd gen (2012-2020) Leon than this version, this one looks a little long in the nose. That said, it's not a bad looking car.
Nose from side reminds me of mazda
I have the new Leon Estate fr 1.5 ETSI dsg. Really nice to drive.
Holy crap Bob, where did you find sunshine in the week?
I'm sure you know this by now, but to get into Sport mode in an auto you just pull the gear selector down once so the D changes to S (Hence the D/S). S is sport - that's also why you had the eco tip telling you to move it back to D
Not sure if it changes the suspension doing it that way though!
I know there's a lot of people not liking the lack of physical controls, but this is evolution, when you've been with this car for a few days it becomes second nature, it is change, and it does take some getting used to, also the voice control works superb at altering fan speed, temperature etc..
I am so with you on the vents location. Hate it. Sadly only A3 of the siblings kept vents location on the top. I rather prefer the solution of Kia Ceed or even Polestar 2.
I had exactly the same conversation with my SEAT dealer about there being too much tech in the new Leon. Apparently he still drives a 2004 SEAT Altea. I like how they kept the sharp lines of the last Leon. Much nicer to look at than the bland Golf.
Love my Leon, after a 3 year lease finishes next year, my 2018 diesel model will be changed, possibly a focus 1.5 diesel, or a diesel Leon. 🤔
You can change the mode by pulling the gear selector switch thing which you put in D if you keep pulling, it goes through the modes you will see it change on the dash
Hello Bob, I had a black Leon like your shape in FR trim and 190 tdi with dsg. Thoroughly loved it. Quick but very economical. Before that I had an Altea sport 150 tdi with dsg. Although the Altea was better to get in / out of the Leon was fabulous on the road.
Greetings from Cumbria as always. Stay safe and well.
I have this car and it is absolutely great, the infotainment has been updated somewhat since the release of this video and you can also use the voice recognition to change almost everything within the system. It also has wireless android auto that works very well and i have had no spontaneous disconnects. I dont have the adaptive suspension as like you said its poor and the reviews are the same. I had a Focus ST Line X before this and the quality inside is night and day the Focus trim inside was really poor quality. I do find Sport Mode does not have the kick i think it should and imo needs an update. Please note the lane assist recognises the type of line on the inside, solid painted, split painted and full on Kerb, this is also shown on the display. You have the FR Sport and this is the trim level to avoid as it has the stupid active suspension if paired with the 150BHP and above, i have the FR 130 and has the normal suspension and feels great at all speeds
Interesting,I was looking at this..the focus st x line and maybe push the boat for the new cupra leon...do the entire 150bhp line have active suspension or just the sport version.? Wanted to get the 1.5 tsi evo 150bhp for work commute on the motorway...want something with a bit of kick in it too
Great stuff, I hope they've stopped using the gaudy blue fabric on the seats.
Great review. I'm waiting for my new Leon to arrive. Greetings from Spain.
15:03 😂😂😂 Priorities
Great review 👍
Leon will be a great lease car have already sold two and IV no doubt a lot more will be sold especially when the ST model is released
Nice one Bob, been looking forward to this review. Interesting to see how firm the ride is. The DCC is an option on this? Would be interesting to try it without it for comparison. The tech glitches would be mildly concerning, but it'll be next year before I'm doing a deal, so hopefully they'll be ironed out by firmware updates by then.
A quick flick down of the gear selector cha ges between sports mode.
Great review 👍🏼 Consensus seems to be buy a mid-range one, they generally ride much better and have enough spec. Agree with your comment that a conventional hatch is a better bet than an SUV too- far better to drive and just as practical. I’d go one better and say get the estate!
I have a 2016 Leon ST as my daily car and I love it. Looks great, very reliable and well built, drives, handles and rides well, fuel economy is excellent too. I’ll almost certainly be having the new model when it’s time to change
USB C is the 'normal', and likely to be the only USB in a few years. I recall "activity" in the rear seats of an 850 Mini so the Leon has plenty of space. TMI.
@Nigel Rowe Look at a car from only a few years ago. A CD player, no one uses that any more, it's streaming. In 2025 USB 2 or 3 will be as obselete as CD and cassette tape. Look forward, not backwards.
After owning a Mk2 Leon, a Mk3 FR and now a Mk3 Cupra, I don't think I'll be getting another Leon sadly.
I'd wait for the updates to happen for the suspension. There's also a Cupra version of this one on the way. Might be worth the wait
@@BobFlavinVideo That's ok Bob, I'm used to a hard ride 🤣😂😎
For the new cupra leon, the hybrid sounds good but not sure I could handle having to plug it in every day.. I hate plugging my phone in as is! And the 310hp version is gonna cost too much I reckon
So have VW Group sorted the kangaroo 🦘 and hesitation of the 1.5 Tsi ?
I own new golf with 1.5 tsi 110kw and it have kangaroo and vibrations during 2-cylinder mode.
What the hell is Kangaroo?
ChopStix at Midday my favourite pit stop on route from Dublin to Killaloe. No EV charger there anymore right outside the food court, they dug it up two years ago when they built the new apple green and instead put a new one miles away in an obscure bog hole location in Portlaoise no where near a cafe or rest room!
I know vag are trying to cut budgets but touch buttons and touch sensors across the board area love or hate for so many people forget bring back the knob, it’s now bring back the button, foil based touch sensor don’t last until this changes I will be looking elsewhere or getting a second hand mk 7/7.5 model
Well said! Getting sick of all the SUV cars. Was behind three the other day all just dawdling along! Grrr. Get some fun back in your life people, stop buying SUV
You can get a fr with a 1 litre engine so fr is just for styling now
Turning FR into just a badge is just sad. When we bought our Alhambra in 2016, I do not think FR was available with the base engines. You may laugh at the idea, but with 184BHP, the FR is the sportiest way to haul 7 people at reasonable price. Red paint and go-faster stickers on the side add 5% to speed😜
Another great review! :) even though I live on the old continent I always find your reviews much better than the European ones. Congrats!
I couldn't agree with you more Bob, I have the previous model 2 litre 150 bhp tdi Leon and its fast and returns over 50 mpg even around town. Great car with just the right amount of tech, eg bluetooth, maps and voice recognition. Putting all controls into a touch screen is madness, and will stop me from purchasing one.
Very curious your opinion which is all round best
Leon/ Ibiza / VW polo? And which model did you have ?
Problems with disengaging Apple Car Play is a VW Group software problem. It happens regularly in our Alhambra which we’ve been driving since 2016 (via cable). The exact same thing happened on a couple of loaned Audis. However I have yet to see this on BMW i3 (wireless).
Seat Leon just brilliant from then to now. Hope my partners 2010 Leon can be replaced with this year's to come.
It was best around 2006 but I might be a bit bias 😂
@@BobFlavinVideo the MK2 shape was my outstanding favorite Leon shape of all bar none (maybe bias myself too mind as partners is a late 2010 Sport - basically a FR but with cheap to tax 1.4TSI unit - 1.4TSI 125ps. Not had ours as long yours only about 3yrs but always wanted one as the family car but partner didn't). The MK2 shape was just so ahead of it's time and still a fine yoke of a chassis to chuck around and mess around in. Maybe be dated chassis now but it was very well balanced one playful or balanced as mood took you, think the modern electronic's as the MK3 will take that away but it is what it is - technology marches on.
Great review Bob the Irish are very funny and lovely people 😀 keep up the good work kev from Liverpool
hi Bob, great review! do you think this or the VW Golf 8 would be a better buy ?
Jei tiktų, pateiksiu savo nuomonę. Viduje, priekyje, yra gan ankšta - matyt, dėl savotiško išdėstymo, kai priekinė važio dalis prailginta (to sąskaita ir atstumas tarp ašių, kuris yra didelis kaip tokio skyrimo važiui ir dar atvožgaliui), tad kojoms vietos skirta daug, o rankoms ir bendrai atstumui iki priekinio skydelio nelabai, užtat vietos antrai eilei laimėta daugiau nei užtektinai. Yra darbo vietos ir kitų nesklandumų viduje, pvz. nepatogu rankas atremti į durų porankius priekiniams keleiviams (t.y. vairuotojui įskaitytinai), nuleidžiant dėklės dureles, jos atsimuša į priekinio keleivio kelius (praėjusios kartos Peugeot 308 sumanytojai išvengė šios bėdos, dėklę įtraukdami gilyn po prietaisų skydeliu!). Medžiagos yra šiaip sau, neįskaitant viršutinės priekinio skydelio dalies, tačiau ir ši yra keistoka - padengta kažkokiais ne itin žviais rombiukais ar grūdeliais. Vidurinė vaizdmena, jos valdymas man ne itin patiko. Išvis, Golf’e viskas išdėstyta skoningiau, patogiau ir kokybiškiau, su rūpestingesniu dėmesiu smulkmenoms, kaip antai kišenėlės skembiams priekinių sėdynių galinėse atkaltėse, skiriant tai galinių sėdynių keleiviams, veikiausiai jaunajai kartai, kuri be skembių jau neįsivaizduoja buvimo. Mantinė maža, siaura, įmantrių sprendimų neradau čia (gal Golf’e tas pats?). Tik patiko, kad ten įtaisytas atsarginis ratas 18-io dydžio, tad esant reikalui jį panaudoti, neatrodytų juokingai, kaip įprastai su pagalbiniais “skritukais”. Važiavimo savybės, daugiasvirtė pakaba puikios. Apsieičiau be mažos gintrinės paspirties, nes važiuojant ramiai, jausmas, kad važį kažkas laiko gniaužtuose, tik stipriai įmygus greičio paminą, atsiveria išlaisvinto žvėries jėga - o tatai įspūdinga, patikėkit. Visgi man atrodo, kad šis pasirinkimas turi būti nulemtas širdies.
(…) ne itin *žAviais rombiukais (…).
Ir dar pamiršau paminėti, kad net sportinių priekinių sėdynių apatinė dalis yra trumpoka. Gal ir polinkio kampas nepatogiai nustatytas, nes jose gana greitai nuvargome, jausmas, kad man kažkiek nuspaudė ties pakinkliais. Žinoma, tai vienašališka nuomonė, tačiau tą patį girdėjau ir iš vienos apžvalgininkės/bandytojos.
The online translator didn't translate properly, unfortunately.
My Leon ST FR 2tsi dsg, is up for renewal. I've been that impressed with it, I think I'm going to go for the Leon ST xcel lux 1.5litre hybrid. First time I'm ever been tempted to get the same car when returning one.
I never did get that leon, ended up with a ioniq Hybrid. It's that time again and I am sort of returning to Seat, sort of, with the Cupra born. Going all ev this time. Now the Tesla supercharger network is open to all, I think I'm ready to dip my toes in the EV waters.
When I was in the Cupra garage I had a look at the leaon estates, (I had a 19 plate one) and the current one feels huge compared to the one I had. Felt more 5 series size compared to the 19 plate leons 3 series size. I didn't like it, also it felt cheap inside compared to my 19 FR model.
Cheers Bob...great review as usual....I like these cars...but I do think that using these screens when the car is moving...is even more dangerous than using your phone for texting....especially with a system this complex...I feel a ban coming on in the next 5 years....across the board for this type of system....
A nice looking car Bob, I had previous the previous SEAT Leon which had an integrated infotainment system. I think the new one be too distracting. I live in west Clare not far near Kilkee and Doonbeg, were you anywhere near?
I hate the touchscreen watching this video made me want to clean it so bad. I think would've lost my temper too often if it lagged as much as that. Great review Bob. Been watching for a long time now
That MK 2 Leon is still a great looking car. All that tech is going to ruin your driving experience. It will be interesting to see what the new Skoda Octavia will be like.
It's not tech heavy at all I have ....the shift stick changes to sport from drive just pull it down ....
You have the new Leon already? Are you saying there's a shortcut to sportsmode?
@@ReflexorHardstyle yes
Just bought the Leon how do you get it into sport mode if not via the touch screen?
Bit dark in the back. Looks like I'd wait till the dealer heard about a tech update for the incar system
A decent looking car Bob and good real world review.Currently driving a 184bhp tdi Leon St estate 2017 .Can this 1.5tsi give me similar economy when driven on a daily commute from Mullingar to Dublin ?Will it be off the pace ? Still believing in the diesel .I Also has a Leon MK2 fr but red in 2008 with the golf v GTi 200bhp engine now that was a car!
Our son has one of these and loved it, just replaced it with an e208
Brilliant review, like the style of it very real world rather than someone just repeating the brochure. I’ve a mk3 facelift and I wasn’t struck with the mk4 at first but it’s grown on me since it came out. Still think the mk1 is a pretty car. Only thing I don’t like about the mk3 are some cheap plastics, especially stuff you always touch like the interior door Handles. Thinking of changing it to the mk4.
Excellent review .These cars are too tech heavy as you say. I buy a car to drive . I love my MX5 (ten years old) little tech and only as much as is necessary. I have a Cupra with the digital dash. Had it since February and far prefer the Gti Mk7 dash which I swopped from. The ST Cupra Mk3 with four wheel drive is otherwise a superb car.
Looking at getting this sport version. Test drove and loved but worried about complaints re. Infotainment systems... Still recommend in 2022?
Does this 1.5 litre engine cruise on 2 cylinders, like the one in the 1.4 litre FR? Regarding the lane assist woes, does it require the sat-nav to be active to avoid your little detours at junctions?
My 2018 Seat Ibiza Fr 1.5 tsi EVO has that annoying eco 2 cylinder set even in sport mode. The options so annoying as it seems to hold back when you want to boot it. At least I have a button to flip through 3 drive options but this eco should not be preset in sport mode at all. Shame.
Suspension settings aimed at smoother European roads. Doubt the adaptive suspension was tested on rough Irish roads. Seat needs to offer more kit to attract golf buyers as its a golf in different clothing
Very detailed review Bob. Nice car too
Hi bob would you be able do a video on all the latest safety tech in cars, city brake etc, be intresting see if works for "normal" driver
Brilliant review Bob..
Great review . Sad the modern tech heavy cars are encouraging you to take your eyes off the road to go through 30 menus to change the temperature and offer a bone shaking ride you pay extra for. I also thought the 1.5TSI engine has documented poor reliability within the VW group.
Bob, Would you buy the new leon now or another similar priced car?
My 2019 mk3 Leon wired Apple CarPlay always disconnects randomly. I think it may have something to do with notifications. Clearly they haven’t fixed it it does exactly the same as your saying even how to fix it.
Very very nice car !
Very curious your opinion which one all round would be the best
Leon / Ibiza / VW polo?
Nice review but u need more to learn the system media u need to press twice to get in to the drive profile and the report and all this seat do that to not get mistake something u didnt want 12:56 but still nice review 👍🏼
The problem with the infotainment system is that they are using the cheapest as they can Arm chip for it so it just can't keep up which is why the more expensive ones in say a new Renault/Nissan or even with the more prestige marques which are super, on the other hand, the Koren brands are fine so I have seen.
"The metal bit is expensive" have you seen the price of VW plastics recently? Then there is spraying and labour
Does the pull to the slip roads still happen if you put a destination into the sat nav??
You really like the accelerator if you average like 7l/100km. I can easily get it down to 6 with a lot of driving in the city as well. It's okay, but can't blame the car for it.
Seat have done a nice job on the design. Doubt you’d be able to do most of the servicing and maintenance by yourself on that one unlike a 2006 model!
Won't be able to touch anything under the bonnet without having a computer to reset the system. My 2006 can be reset with holding down the trip button 😂
Bob, I thought you hated aircon volume being controlled by a touchscreen. Also buggy carplay is seats fault. Good applecarplay systems don't have buggy connections or slow performance . You are often selling your location by Google and apple maps
Us fellas in our 40s don’t appreciate firm suspension, soft for me please, with a bit of cornering prowess 😉
Why does the seat software looks soooo much more ahead of the Volkswagen one?
My friend has a mk2 but it's a cupra r running 380bhp
What piano music is this ?
Double-tapping a screen and not remembering how it works.. So frustrating.. Protip: If you power off the middle screen, you can change driving profiles with a flick or a single tap
Saving from now for a Leon Mk4 eTSI🚗
Which red color is this one? The default one or the metallic one?
Hi Bob. You did spend a lot of time complaining about various issues with the car. Suspension, touch screen, to much tech. And the finger prints on the touch screen were a mess. Oh, and lack of buttons. Also I thought the cabin looked a bit cramped. But even after all the negativity you still recommend it. I think because you own a leon you still have a soft spot for them. But after looking at your review not sure I'd get one...cheers.
that's the thing about an opinion, everyone can gather one from my reviews. I give you everything you need to make a decision which might be a different one from mine. I'd have the new Leon over a Golf or anything else in the segment at the moment.
Has there been any software updates since filming? Hoping that they improve the laggy touch screen
i know its 5 month 2 late lol but the screen isnt laggy, to open the apps from the "home screen" you have to double tap, that´s why it sometimes does not work for him
You missed out the MK3 version.
The touch screen requires a longer touch than your woodpecker jabs. User error.
I wanted to get this car so much but... if half of the stuff doesn't work or works incorrectly, what's the point? What's the point of "super high tech technology" if it just doesn't work? And this is really a shame cause I really wanted to get this one :/
The closest we can get to a Leon is seeing one on the freeway from Mexico.
ok I have had this car for 5 months bought it with 4000 miles on the clock, love the car to drive, however that bloody infotainment system can be a bloody nightmare! It has switched itself off whilst i have been driving! The phone connection can be a bloody nightmare! most of the time it connects, then when it does connect, sometime no contacts are transferred! Why doesn't the satnav show traffic? is that an extra? Also connect to android and the map is smaller shame it doesn't replicate the original map as on the infotainment system! Yes the lack of buttons is a distraction! I actually almost ran into the back of some one fiddling with it!
Someone wants the new version in the driveway. Suddenly the old ibiza is looking alot more tired than he thought.
Great review Bob, Seat have come a long way with this model
Bob you do realise that the Focus ST does not have any better engine than any other engine option. It just has harder suspension. Same for the Seat FR or the Golf GT. The new golf has all screens now. Sadly many of these cars are designed for the supersmooth roads of the continent not Irish non-motorway roads. If the suspension is so poor why would you want a sport setting (you can't get a sport suspension that is just standard roll bars). Are you hoping for a better looking cheaper golf. Even Seat needs to keep up with the tech demand.
With all the tech problems and spurious errors - they are set in stone unless Seat has OTA updates. Also, I recall a neighbour had a Citroen with a wayward fuel gauge and Citroen wanted $400 to "fix" the computer or $250 to entirely replace the fuel gauge. Madness.
Min 14:03 ... Dacia DUSTER style SEATS 🤣
Great style
Skoda or Seat, which is better
As an owner of a mk3 Leon pre-facelift I find the mk4 a bit disappointing, I prefer the sharp lines of the mk3 exterior to the roundness of the mk4.
On a side note, on the main menus of the infotainment system, you have to tap the sections twice in quick succession to get it to register like at 12:53, it won't register if you tap it once
Is this any good for a first car
You should try Openpilot (comma.ai) connected to a Toyota. Beats all the smart driving systems, hands down.
in the home screen u need to press 2 times on this to get in for not mistake press on someting learn the system before u said its not work
If I need to press something twice on a touch screen while hurtling along a road at 120kph at night in the rain I’m sorry but it’s not working.
Bob Flavin u need to press twice only because to not mistake and touch something else
Seat supposed to be fun car to drive, especially FR and it just isn't from what I can see in this review. Too many things unforgivable. When you want to go in sport mode you want it in the next second so dedicated button is mandatory.
Then it's the touch screen, it is incredible slow to respond, by the time you manage to put it in sport you don't want it anymore.
Then is the suspension which is either too firm or too soft as Bob described like a boat.
All this means a failure from my point of view.
Don't know about the main screen where to add shortcuts like driving mode? Yes it does exist. So the long time suddenly becomes a short time (swipe)
It's 2020. USB C is the new standard.
A panel beaters nightmare?
Yikes sounds like the infotainment system isn’t fully cooked yet
In ford Focus 2018 has more space on the back you know that mr Bob Flavin
Excellent review as expected from this presenter. When will car manufacturers get it into their head that touch screen controls do not work for consumers in a moving car and are a safety risk. Tactile feel with eyes off is much smarter user interface for a moving shaking car. Touch screen mania just for the sake of it. Geeks push a tech because its possible rather than useful.
Why no sunroof ?!!!!!
It’s an option.
The boot is just a space.