Seat has launched the Leon FR550 on the eve of the new HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season, which kicks off at Brands Hatch on Sunday 30th March, and best of all it’s claimed to be a ‘hot hatch with a green conscience’.
Under the bonnet, the ‘550’ shares the same 170PS, turbo-charged 2.0-litre TDI that powers the Leon FR TDI.
It has a top speed of 135 mph car and blasts from rest to 62 mph in a mere 8.2 seconds, yet is also capable of offering 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle, and as much as 56.5 mpg out of town.
All this, and CO2 emissions of just 161 g/km, adds up to a tempting ‘hot hatch with a green conscience’.
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The unveiling of the exciting new Leon FR550 coincides with SEAT Sport UK’s assault on the 2008 BTCC crown. The Northants-based team once again promises to be at the business end of the grid as drivers Jason Plato and Darren Turner bid for glory in their diesel-powered, Leon TDI racers.
The special edition FR550 costs £18,405 to buy – the ‘550’ name represents the total number of these models being made available. The car is based on the popular Leon FR TDI, with a raft of unique styling and equipment additions ensuring it looks every inch the track star.
Simon McBride