SEAT LEON 2.0 16V TDI FR 5dr (2006)

The Cupra might have been more fun but the MPG makes up for it

I was so chuffed about the idea of getting 47mpg with a hot hatch I didn't even want to tempt myself by trying out the Leon Cupra, or even the petrol version of the FR, so I stuck with this diesel Seat Leon and haven't regretted it at all. It was by far the fastest car I'd driven, so I wasn't going to be disappointed at all, and I really wanted to keep fuel economy high on the list. I suppose it's not quite 47mpg as I've been driving it like it's supposed to be driven, fast! It's still good though, really compares well to any other more boring car I could have got.

It's practical too, plenty of space all round. The biggest regular test is when we take my other half's folks out to the airport for trips places. They tend to pack everything including the kitchen sink, both have a huge hold luggage suitcase and then another maximum size cabin baggage case, and they all just about slot into the boot. It's nice and deep back there.

I'm not all that tall, and nor is my other half, so the back seats are fine for leg and head room, but I reckon if we were much taller it would get a bit cramped back there.

The torque is brilliant in this Seat Leon, so it must be absolutely immense in the more powerful ones. it's got something left at all speeds and all gears. I can overtake easily when cruising at 80 or higher, in pretty much any space that opens up.

Reverse parking is a bit of a nightmare, especially in the fog. The reverse light isn't all that powerful. The headlights also suffer from a bit of water collecting sometimes.

There's lots else really practical and cool about the car. You can adjust the windows with the radio key, which is pretty fantastic. There's some other practical stuff that you don't always get in hot hatches, like the separately folding back seats for more boot space. Definitely recommend the Seat Leon FR, the only problem being that it's pretty uncomfy to drive on anything other than tarmac, you really feel the bumps when they come.