BRAKING ability has never been my highest priority when trying out a car. Call me shallow but looks, handling, acceleration and power have always been more important in terms of overall rating.
Excellent braking seemed a given with new cars these days. You hit the B-pedal, the car slows down.
But then I drove the Seat Leon FR – and realised how important good brakes really are.
I was driving the bright yellow diesel along a dual carriageway on a quiet Sunday morning when a crazed woman motorist nearly ran me off the road!
I was travelling in the outside lane and was about to cruise past her Vauxhall Vectra which was on the inside. But just as I reached her tail-light, she inexplicably swerved into my lane.
No indicator. No warning. No sense.
I had a split second to react and hit the brakes hard to avoid a certain collision. The Leon reacted magnificently by slowing instantly and calmly – without any loss of control.
The woman driver, by now realising my presence, threw a hand up in apology before slinking back into her lane (I also made a hand gesture when I eventually passed her).
But the near-miss had, unexpectedly, shown me just how safe the new super-charged Seat Leon FR is.
It has 16ins brakes instead of the normal 15ins and is equipped with the latest ABS plus traction control.
The Leon is also fitted with an ingenious device SEAT calls Driver Steering Recognition. It transmits a signal to the steering system's electronic motor which helps to automatically turn the car in the appropriate direction during hard-braking.
The improved braking systems were brought in by the Spanish motor company after increasing the power of the Leon FR by introducing a new two-litre, four cylinder, 170bhp engine – a turbo diesel in this case.
The power boost now offers a nippy 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.
Yet despite its racy performance, the FR still offers a combined mpg figure of 47.
The Leon is a great looking car, inside and out. I particularly liked the the large front bumpers, containing air intakes with honeycomb grill, and the sporty stainless steel twin exhaust pipes.
It also comes with stylish 17ins allows and plenty of FR (Formula Racing) badges in the cabin and on the body.
Standard FR kit includes climate control air-con, cruise control, remote central locking, height and reach adjustable steering column and radio and MP3 compatible CD player.
The agile Leon looks and drives more like a low-slung coupé than a five door supermini, providing a fun ride with excellent handling.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI FR 5dr
Price: £17,495
Mechanical: 170bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 8.2 secs
Combined mpg: 47.1
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust