Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2006 | Page 82

MOTORING

Off to a
flying start...
Devilishly Good Fun
Under starters’ orders, chewing at
the bit, T minus, ten, nine, eight,
is the only way to explain the
anticipation of test driving the Seat
Leon FR. Formula Racing unravels
the ‘FR’ abbreviation - and so it
should. Subtle and without bravado,
Seat deliver on mind gripping
performance.
Jeff
Simmonds
the new Seat specialist at Wight
Motors Car Zone took me through
the awe inspiring specification and
technical detail. Now, the 2.0 litre
TFSI petrol produces 200ps with a
top speed pushing 142mph and it
only takes 7.3 seconds to complete
0 to 62 mph. However these are just
numbers and I wanted to see it, feel
it and drive it.
Gripped firmly into the sports
style bucket seat, the engine roars
into life. Attentively I select first and
pull away; all seems very civilised as
I ponder through Brading, turning
left and up onto the Downs road to
Newport. A distant national speed
limit sign triggers the emotions of
the final countdown.
“Gentlemen, start your engines -

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two, one, zero, lift off!” and boy did
it lift off. You don’t need to exceed
60 to experience the gut wrenching
thrust, as the first three gears
brought a Cheshire cat grin from ear
to ear.
There was a distinctive surge
forward as the revs danced towards
the red. The performance was
pushing all the right adrenaline
buttons as it is practical with a
sporty firm ride and so much fun,
which makes this 5 door Leon a top
choice.
Sleek, with a high waistline and
aerodynamic curves, the 17 inch
alloy wheels allow positive driver
feedback via the purposeful firm
suspensi