OKAY, so looks can be deceiving, but enter the world of the SEAT Leon and prepare yourself for a very big surprise.
It boasts smooth, streamlined curves and a front honeycombe grille that warns of a wild animal caged inside, but not even the tinted windows and dazzling bright colour prepares you for the awesome performance this car offers.
With a two-litre turbo-powered diesel engine the power is relentless, although don’t expect a smooth ride. In fact, ownership of the Leon FR should come with a pre-paid subscription to a chiropractor – it’s a very bumpy ride and that explains why FR stands for Formula Racing.
But with its sports-style handling comes outstanding performance with superb road-holding abilities, both in and around town and on the open road.
Everything about the Leon FR accentuates its sportiness from the sports seats, extended dashboard, circular air vents and driver-facing central console, which makes all the instruments and dials clear and easy to read.
Although the SEAT Leon FR has been designed to hold three passengers, there is not a huge amount of legroom in the back but there is plenty of luggage space in the boot. Added to this, there are numerous little storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin.
The list of class-leading features seems almost endless with dual climate control, an MP3 compatible CD player, cruise control and one-touch electric windows.
And, as one would expect with a car this powerful, the safety specifications are also impressive.
They include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, speed sensitive electro-hyraulic power steering, six airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The Leon FR is a great drive and offers optimum fun levels. In fact, one thing is for certain, SEAT is officially the King of the Leons!
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 2.0 FR TDi
Price: £17,495
Mechanical: 170bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via a 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 8.2secs
Combined mpg: 47.1mpg
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust