The GT and FR abbreviations define the most sports versions 308 and Leon fed by oil. Two wheelers background with excellent balance between sportiness and economy.

Abbreviations GT, from Gran Turismo, Y FR, from Racing formula, define the Peugeot 308 and Seat Leon sportsmanship but without ignoring that must also provide comfort in everyday use. They are, in short, well balanced car, that above, and a more radical approach, contemplate the GTI and Cupra versions, unlike these only with petrol engines and not the possibility of also choose Diesel.

He Peugeot 308 GT we can find an engine 1.6 THP petrol engine with 205 hp, associated with a 6-speed manual transmission, and with BlueHDI 180 hp 2.0 Diesel, only it combined with a change automatic by torque converter, also with six speeds, called EAT6. Both both proven body five-door as with family.

Outwardly the Peugeot 308 GT distinguished by their 18 “wheels, his sports cushioning lowered by 10 mm, its LED headlights, the housings of the mirrors lacquered black, the side skirts, he rear diffuser and exhaust. In its interior upholstery stitching a red aluminum pedals and put the note of color.

The Seat Leon FR range It is much more complete, with 1.4 TSI 125 and 150 hp 180 hp 1.8 TSi gasoline and the 2.0 TDI with 150 or 184 hp Diesel. With the advantage of being able to choose at all, except the 125 hp between the manual gearbox or automatic dual-clutch DSG driven, with 7 gears for gasoline and diesel 6.

His image also brings out distinctive features, with 17 “wheels, bumpers differentiated, grid, sports damping LED drivers, chrome exhaust dual output and FR logos gate grid and among other details. Inside are thresholds front doors with trim with the FR logo, sports seats and a steering wheel with flattened bottom area.

308 GT and Leon FR, modernity against tradition

Nothing climb the interior we find great differences between the two contenders. the Peugeot 308 GT, with its i-cockpit presents an original very small diameter steering wheel with a plane very low dashboard. The idea is that the driver instrumentation see above the rim, but in practice, it is easy to partially cover. From Peugeot, we always emphasize to be get used to a lower steering wheel position, but I personally do not convince me. Others yes. Matter of taste, but requires acclimatize. Otherwise very good ergonomics. But the Seat Leon FR, with all its classicism is better. Collect our body like a glove, not obliged to make efforts and in a few seconds, with its wide possibilities of regulation, we are fully identified.

For its cosmetics, the Peugeot 308 GT may look more sporty, but just walk a few meters to verify that it is not. his HDI engine it feels more refined, smooth and progressive in its response, with a more attenuated rumorosidad; but simply press the sport button center console so that it becomes a great roar when accelerating while the color of the instrument becomes deep red, we find a faster response to the throttle and steering stiffens slightly. The same, except for changing noise happens with button “Drive Profile» Seat Leon FR; although in this case It lets you choose between use four different ways: Normal, Sport, Eco and customizable, Individual. Also, if we chose the option of adaptive damping DCC (690 €) which equips our unit-proofing also from here we can change their behavior.

But we do not stray from the thrusters and continue with the TDI. An engine shown nerve stretched more -a 4,500 rpm still has 165 hp and a feeling superior thrust. But they are not just feelings, just a simple look at the performance figures obtained by our Technical Center to observe that recovers more easily, but especially accelerating much faster.

It is true that the Peugeot 308 GT this conditioned by the automatic transmission, but if the unity of our Seat Leon FR contase with automatic DSG figures do not vary too much. And since we are with transmissions, both convinced, though differently. The 308 for its softness and comfort, but not fast enough when we try to squeeze all the possibilities of your engine. For it is better Lion manual transmission, fast and accurate, with good guidance, although we would like to ask tours had somewhat shorter lever.

Peugeot 308 GT and Seat Leon FR, with great enjoyment to their commanders

On the road both exhibit exemplary ride quality, although Seat Leon FR tread you feel something stronger. His driver suddenly realizes that he has a sportier set-point, with a more precise when drawing the line drawn as the rear helps round off the sharp turns when we have been optimistic about the speed when entering the curve front. And always with a neutral attitude, leading to not think that the thing ends in oversteer. Thus the driving enjoyment is assured, especially with DCC adaptive damping in Sport mode, where you feel noticeably firmer, but without compromising the comfort and, in any case, with high quality patching. How well Seat dominates this section!

The character of Peugeot 308 GT is clearly understeer, with a rear very subject, making it easy to go fast not very experienced drivers with confidence that there will be no unexpected excesses but eventually you subtract agility. Its direction responds unblemished, but the steering wheel so small, that city is a great ally to maneuver also in circuit-, very twisty roads, the limit does not allow sharpen both drawn. Especially if, as was the case in our journey of testing, you get off the Seat León FR with its precise steering, which also sends very good information to the driver of everything that happens between the wheels and the asphalt, and then you get on the Peugeot 308 GT.

But not only live sportiness and comfort these two compact balanced, with its mechanical Diesel also of great importance its economy of use and acquisition. For consumption, the difference is small, with one tenth less for the Peugeot 308 GT in the city and, more importantly, 0.2 Seat Leon FR for road, which is where increasing number of kilometers covered. In price, if equip the Seat León FR with automatic transmission, are again in tables, although the Peugeot 308 GT It has a provision in its more complete series.

¿Peugeot 308 GT and Seat Leon FR, who wins?

Virtually tied to points. But the reality is that the winner is one for each type of customer. If you like driving, feel of the car a sporty driving, but do not give up a great pleasure to use, Seat Leon FR is your car. Yes Conversely You are looking for a very quick but high refinement compact, you put it easy under any circumstances, the Peugeot 308 GT is the one you should choose. But are not the only options in its segment, with the likes of Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM 175 TCT; although with slightly lower performance; the Ford Focus ST 2.0 TDCI-185, which ranks as one of the compact with frame sportier response, although our bank roller has not reached the declared capacity, or Volkswagen Golf GTD, the car that everyone tries to dethrone and shares genes with the Seat Leon FR.

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