SEAT Leon hatchback Review

SEAT Leon hatchback

Being part of the Volkswagen Group, the latest SEAT Leon is built using the same engine range, technology and mechanical parts that also make up the latest models of the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. But it's easily the best looking of the three cars and, unlike before when SEAT had to make do with the group's older technology leftovers, the new Leon is constructed with the very latest VW know-how. Amazingly, it's still approximately 10 per cent cheaper to buy than the equivalent Golf. So, it's really more of a rival for the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra than its sister cars. And dont let the overtly stylish dimensions distract you, because the new Leon which is lower, wider and has also been made a lot more practical than its predecessor, with both the interior and the ride comfort also being noticeably improved over the previous model. It comes in three specs S, SE and FR. You can also now get a three-door SEAT Leon SC model as a rival for the Vauxhall Astra GTC and Hyundai i30, while an even more practical Leon ST estate is due in 2014.

Drive

Plenty of power to match its style, the best SEAT yet

It stands to reason that if the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 is good to drive, then the Leon, which uses the same underpinnings, will also be fun from behind the wheel. In fact, it's the best SEAT to drive yet. All models have a comfortable and supple ride, even though the basic models do get a less sophisticated rear suspension setup. All cars have excellent, precise steering, strong, powerful brakes and gearboxes that move smoothly through the gears, but the more powerful models do handle that little bit better. Bearing that in mind, the seven-speed DSG automatic gearboxes arent as good as the manual models, which bring out the best in the car. And even though the Leon is actually smaller than the previous model, it has a longer wheelbase and wider chasis, making it much more stable and secure through the corners. Meanwhile, the 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI FR model is one of the best diesel hot hatchbacks ever sold, capable of going from 0-62mph in only 7.5 seconds - and that includes the Volkswagen Golf GTD. All cars come with SEAT's Driver Profile system, which lets the driver adjust the steering and throttle settings. But if that's not enough, a Leon Cupra model is expected to be launched very soon.

Comfort

More comfortable ride and improved interior increase appeal

Many cars could learn from the Leon. It's certainly a sporty car but it's never uncomfortable to ride in and is definitely much improved over the previous version. The seats in all models are comfy, but the sports seats that come in the top-spec FR models offer even better side support. The quality of the interior is also much improved, with a lot more space and barely any wind or road noise making it inside the car even driving on the motorway. The engines are all nicely quiet, too, even though the diesel is a little noisy when starting up from cold. Visibility is truly excellent out the front of the car, thanks to slimmer A-pillars, particularly around the wing mirror, which is now mounted on the door. Unfortunately, the view out of the back is nowhere near as good, with a thick C-pillar making seeing out pretty difficult.

Reliability

Stylish looks underpinned by proven VW Group technology

Consider that SEAT and Skoda are both owned by VW, with both using a lot of the same parts to make their cars, and the gap between them in the 2013 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey is quite astounding. SEAT has dropped three places to 27th in the manufacturers rankings, while Skoda is at number two. Unfortunately reliability is one of the reasons cited for customer frustration. Reflecting this, no individual SEAT models made the top 100 cars, with the previous generation Leon placing 128th in the top 150. But there's no reason why it should actually be unreliable given that the Golf and Audi A3 are dependable family cars. The new body is stiffer than before, with lots of airbags and electronic stability control now included as standard, which helped it achieve the top five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety test. Quality, particularly on the dashboard, has increased noticeably over the previous Leon, and interior build quality and fit-and-finish of the exterior body panels are now genuinely impressive. It will be interesting to see how it performs in the next poll.

Practicality

Bigger boot and improved access make it a decent family car

A significant criticism of the previous model of the Leon was the lack or practicality. SEAT has made sure this has improved this time around, with plenty of space in the front for the driver and front-seat passenger. The driving position is good, while lots of storage cubbies and cup holders are dotted around. The rear doors open nice and wide, making getting in and out of the back a lot easier, and there's loads of leg and headroom for even taller passengers in the back. Loading into the boot is a bit trickier than it could be thanks to a high load lip, but the boot itself is relatively deep and offers a lot more space than the old one, with a 380-litre luggage capacity. That's bigger than the Golf, Ford Focus or Volvo V40. Unfortunately, the rear seats dont quite fold flat because the bases cant flip forward, but there's a bigger estate model due in early 2014.

Value for money

Undercuts the VW Golf by around 10 per cent

The Leon's real trump card is that it undercuts the list price of the Volkswagen Golf by approximately 10 per cent, depending on which model you buy. Now that the Leon finally offers the very latest equipment that's also available in its sister car, it looks like better value for money than ever before. The three specifications, S, SE and FR, and all are well equipped, coming with air-conditioning, a colour touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity. All SE and FR models come with an upgraded touchscreen sat-nav, with an integrated proximity sensor that hides its buttons when theyre not needed. All engines are fast an efficient, while all models are lighter than before, by up to 90kg. Resale values should be high when you come to sell your Leon on the used car market, too.

Running costs

Frugal engines across the whole range - especially the 1.6-litre TDI

The new Leon is the most efficient model yet, with all engines coming with special fuel-saving technology to make the most of the lighter weight and smaller dimensions of the current car. The most popular car in the range is set to be the 1.6-litre TDI diesel, returns nearly 75mpg and emits a little less than 100g/km of CO2, yet remains a decent drive, with enough power for you to take it easy on the engine and not to compromise fuel economy. An even more frugal Ecomotive model, with emissions below 90g/km is likely to join the range in 2014. The current range-topping 2.0-litre TDI FR model is very powerful and a great driver's car, managing to go from 0-62mph in only 7.5 seconds, while still managing to return more than 65mpg and emit 112g/km of CO2.

Last updated: 12 Jul 2013