16 Nov 05
If you go easy on pulling away, you'll find the engine extremely flexible, as the maximum amount of torque is delivered from 1,900 all the way to 5,000rpm. This means there's no need to change down a gear for a quick overtake - even when cruising along in sixth on the motorway. The engine note could be described equally as characterful or annoying - there's a little wastegate whistle when you lift off the throttle, but the overall exhaust note can sound a little boomy after a while.
Overall, the Leon TFSI is plenty quick as a family car, in the same way that a Vauxhall Astra SRi (0-62 in 7.9secs, 136mph) or Peugeot 307 Feline (8.2secs, 137mph) is. But its tour de force is its price - just £15,995, over £1,500 cheaper than the Astra or 307.
So if you're after a quick family car, without the in-yer-faceness of a proper hot hatch, then the Leon TFSI could be the car for you.
However, don't think of it as a true driver's car - something like the Focus ST is much better at that and not actually that more expensive.
Just avoid McDonalds at weekends and you'll be laughing.
