I'm looking at getting one of these but I don't know which engine to go with.

Given my needs and usage, I pretty much have two choices; the 150bhp or 184bhp diesel.


Anyone driven either or, preferably, both.

Not driven the newer model, but we have the 140bhp diesel Mk 2 version. I think they all use the same 2 litre TDi unit.

The 140 has plenty of poke, so I'm sure the 150 would be fine. All depends how fast you want it to be verses the fuel economy.

These engines are all about torque, so the top end bhp figure seems less important. The 4th gear shove is awesome.

Personally, I would be tempted with the 184bhp... simply because it will be in FR spec - so bucket seats and nicer trim etc.

One thing to be aware of though is that the sporty versions usually have very firm suspension which you may not like if you are doing big miles on bumpy roads.

That's why we went for the Stylance with the softer suspension in the end, because it was a work car.

Anyway, I love the new shape Leon. They are seriously good cars. We've done 117,000 miles in our MK2 Leon and it has been a good solid car with plenty of poke.

I have the current 184bhp Diesel FR

Awesome vehicle. Test drive one. You will not be disappointed!!

Thanks.

Both are in FR trim so they look identical. The difference in the quoted MPG and 0-60 of either engine is pretty negligible.

The 184 has around 50 more lb/ft of torque though and it's coming no more expensive in the quotes I've been getting.

Hopefully test driving one next week.

34 bhp is quite a difference too. I wonder how they both compare.

I can see which way you are swaying though...

I've hired the diesel twice now from enterprise rentals and it's a fantastic car.

Plenty of mod cons, comfortable, pulls very well.

Highly recommend!

Easiest car I have ever driven!! Quick too ;-)

I have the petrol 1.8 TSI 180 Leon FR and its an absolutely brilliant motor great engine too fast lovely engine note but economical too . Only go for the diesel if you really have too due to the noise and lack of refinement compared to the petrol tsi

I ended up going with the 184 FR diesel. I've been very impressed with it so far. It's has a fantastic amount of standard kit, it's comfortable and it's pretty refined for a diesel (a little noisy first thing in this weather but it warms up and settles quickly).

I'd have liked to get a petrol engine, having not owned one for about 8 years, but my annual mileage is around 20k and it just wasn't viable.

Glad you like it. Still enjoying mine

Really pleased you're happy with it, i love mine as well, you're right about all the kit and gadgets, the LED headlights are fantastic as well. Yeah i guess if your annual mileage is 20k the diesel model is more suitable and you've gone for the best and most powerful diesel they do at the moment, enjoy . If yoy put the car in Eco mode you will notice that theres an overboost function when you click the throttle right down to the carpet .