The all-new SEAT Leon might not be fairly as excessive profile as its VW Group cousins, the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia, however should you’re available in the market for a brand new household hatchback, it’s positively value a check drive.
Not solely is it the most effective Leon but, it’s a fantastic all-rounder mixing type, affordability, practicality, financial system and nice driving dynamics.
Externally similar to the A3, its different rivals on this hotly contested sector embrace the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus and Renault Megane.
Priced from £19,855, it’s obtainable with a set of environment friendly petrol and diesel engines, plus a plug-in hybrid for the primary time – there’s additionally a good-looking property model should you want more room.
We examined a mid-range FR spec hatchback fitted with a powerful 1.5 TSI (turbo petrol) four-cylinder engine creating 128bhp, paired with a six-speed handbook gearbox.
Claimed gas financial system is 46.3-50.4mpg, although we managed an indicated 58.7mpg on one lengthy journey consisting of largely A-roads and motorways, thanks largely to the intelligent 2-cylinder deactivation mode when cruising.
Once more, on paper it’s good for 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds, however it feels sooner. OK, it’s nonetheless no scorching hatch, however SEAT isn’t pretending it’s.
The truth is that this Leon sports activities a easy, refined and responsive engine that can do exactly high-quality for many drivers. Nonetheless, should you’re a excessive miler, then in fact the diesel or plug-in hybrid are value contemplating.
The excellent news doesn’t cease there. The transmission is slick, whereas the steering is mild and correct with a decent turning circle – and you may select from three completely different driving modes: Eco, Regular and Sport.
General, it’s to drive providing one thing for everyone. Comfy and enjoyable with good grip and little physique roll in sooner corners, it’s suitably agile and swift in Sport mode for extra spirited drivers.
The brand new Leon is a lot better inside too, the place there’s now loads of area within the cabin with a aggressive 380-litre baggage capability and room within the again seats for adults.
Normal tools on entry-level SE fashions consists of an 8.0-inch infotainment display screen, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless begin, two entrance USB ports, LED headlights with computerized primary beam, electrical heated mirrors.
Step as much as SE Dynamic and also you get sat-nav, a ten.3-inch digital driver’s show, plus a 10-inch central touchscreen, entrance and rear parking sensors, tinted rear home windows and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Our sportier FR spec automobile got here with twin exhaust pipes, a decrease sports activities suspension, a leather-based multifunction steering wheel, three-zone air-conditioning, wi-fi charging tray on the entrance and two further USB factors for rear passengers.
We just like the intuitive infotainment system, however similar to the most recent Golf, integrating temperate controls right into a touchscreen set-up is a step too far – particularly on a chilly morning if you simply need to whack up the warmth asap.
The Leon usually is properly designed inside and high quality is sweet, however not excellent. There are some soft-touch surfaces excessive up within the cabin, however – as you’d anticipate on the extra inexpensive finish of the market – there’s a variety of scratchy arduous plastic decrease down.
As you’d anticipate, the Leon is secure too, scoring a most 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash checks. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is customary, whereas driver help aids together with lane-keep help, site visitors signal recognition and adaptive cruise management are additionally obtainable.
Verdict: The fashionable all-new SEAT Leon is likely one of the most completed household hatchbacks available on the market, providing, affordability, financial system, tech, refinement, area and driving pleasure.
SEAT UK
