2012 Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa review

• Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa reviewed
• Priced from £22,700
• On sale now

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The Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa is based on the sporty FR+, but adds a bodykit to make it look more like a Seat Leon you'd see on the racetrack.

The makeover includes chunky front and rear bumpers, sideskirts, rear spoilers, chrome twin exhausts and 18-inch alloys.

The Supercopa is available with either a 208bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which can be combined with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox.

What’s the 2012 Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa like to drive?
The Supercopa has no mechanical tweaks over the FR+, so it’s the same to drive.

The diesel engine and DSG gearbox – that we tried – work well together, and there’s a useful kick of power when pushed hard above 2000rpm. The engine itself is relatively subdued when cruising, and gearchanges are smooth and swift in all traffic conditions.

There’s plenty of grip and the steering is fairly responsive, but there's far too much body lean for a mid-sized hatch. The ride is fine when cruising on the motorway, but less appealing on lumpy urban roads.

What’s the 2012 Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa like inside?
The Supercopa has more than enough room for four tall adults, while the driver will easily get comfortable at the wheel. Supportive sports seats should ease the pain of longer trips, too. Thick windscreen pillars hinder visibility, though.

The cabin trim isn’t as good as in rivals such as the VW Golf, but everything feels solid and well built.

The Supercopa trim also comes with standard kit such as sat-nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, adaptive xenon headlights and rear parking sensors.

Should I buy one?
The bodykit makes the Supercopa look the part, and it’s good value for money compared with some of its rivals – the extras cost just £750 over the FR+. However, there are other hot hatches that are more fun to drive.

Rivals:
Skoda Octavia vRS
Volkswagen Golf GTI/GTD

What Car? says…


Rosie McMahon