SEAT Leon FR 2006-2012 Photos, engines & full specs

SEAT introduced the FR as its high-performance hot-hatch on the market in 2006, and it was basically a reshaped Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Many customers complained about the bland styling of the Volkswagen Golf. Although it remained for decades on top of the hatchback customers' lists, its exterior design was nothing to write home about it. But then, after the German manufacturer decided to do something with the Spanish brand SEAT and allowed it to create its own design language, things took a different turn.

The Leon was in its second generation when it came on the market in 2005 and surprised the customers with its fluid shapes and waved lines that created a dynamic look. Come 2006, the Spanish brand unveiled the FR version, which was not the most powerful version for it, but it was an adequate mix for use as a family vehicle and a sporty hot-hatch. The redesigned front bumper sported a broader center air intake on the lower side flanked by two scoops for the fog lamps. In addition, the car came fitted with unique light-alloy wheels. At the back, the carmaker lost its appetite for showing off and just painted a big chunk of the rear bumper black and kept a dual exhaust on the side.

Inside, SEAT offered high-bolstered seats for the front occupants, while a pair of Recaro Sports seats were available as an option. Inside the instrument cluster, the dials received an upgraded design with silver background and red needles. Last but not least, the center-mounted tachometer

sported the FR logo on it.

Under the hood, SEAT carried over the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine from Volkswagen Golf GTI. It was paired with a six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) was on the options list.