IT'S usually a trade off. You opt for a high performance car but you have to pay the penalty in terms of fuel consumption.
But there are some cars out there where you get the best of both worlds, and one of them is the SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI FR.
This powerhouse diesel offers exhilarating performance and a high top speed yet boasts combined average fuel consumption of 47mpg. Even when you drive it hard that figure rarely dips below 40mpg.
With 170bhp on tap this is one very responsive diesel. When you floor the accelerator this car really does respond superbly well, although there is a slight delay until the turbo charger cuts in.
The only downside is that by managing to extract so much extra performance from this engine compared to lesser mortals in the Leon diesel range SEAT has also produced an increase in noise levels on high revs. Exactly the same thing applies in the VW Golf family of cars, which uses the same engine.
But during normal driving the Leon is very civilised and the performance blast it delivers at high revs is good enough for most people to disregard the extra noise that comes with it.
The really impressive aspect of the diesel FR is its mid-range performance, which is second to non in its price bracket. That means you get spirited performance whatever gear you are in and there is less need to make as many gear changes - making for more relaxed motoring.
The FR - it stands for Formula Racing - is one of those cars which not only delivers sporting prowess but looks as if it can, particularly the version in yellow.
With its deep front bumpers and skirt incorporating large air intakes, its swept back roofline and its distinctive rear hatch this is one car that shouts speed at you at first glance.
Inside, too, the sports theme is continued with high-backed figure hugging rally seats to hold you in place and the traditional white dials of a sports saloon.
You could easily take the five-door Leon for a three-door coupe because there are no obvious rear door handles. Look closer and you find the handles are built into the rear side windows, an idea that started with the Alfa Romeo 156.
The Leon is a sensible family car when it comes to carrying luggage with an enormous boot, accessed by pushing the large S emblem set into the boot lid.
In fact there are 341 litres of space with the rear seats in place and a massive 1,166 litres with them folded down.
From behind the wheel you soon appreciate a very smooth, slick six speed gear change and a decidedly firm suspension which nonetheless produces a comfortable ride and excellent handling characteristics.
The FR is well equipped, coming with features like cruise control, one-touch electric windows and dual climate control as standard.
It's a superb all-round package, offering family space with big car refinements and an engine that takes some beating.
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: 135mph
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