SEAT

Tuesday, 14th of October 2008

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SEAT Leon road test report

SEAT Leon

The SEAT Leon is a good- and distinctive-looking small family car. The Leon features a fine choice of excellent petrol and diesel engines. Good value for money and good running cost make this spacious family hatch a very appealing proposition.

Performance

There is a choice of four engines; two petrols and two diesels. The petrol engines available are the 1.6-litre (101bhp) and the 2.0-litre (148bhp). The diesel engines available are the 1.9-litre (103bhp) and the 2.0-litre (130bhp). The 2.0-litre diesel will be the popular choice among the company car drivers while the 2.0-litre petrol engine offers the best performance.

Ride & Handling

The Leon corners with aplomb and is arguably one of the finest drives in the small family car category. SEAT has got the suspension just right and it can cope comfortably with the worst that the UK roads can throw at it.

Build Quality & Reliability

Volkswagen’s influence shows in the improvements made to the Leon’s interior. The cabin is extremely well put together and the quality of the materials used is very good. The Leon’s controls are precise. The reliability should be impressive as the engines are tried and tested Volkswagen units.

Safety & Security

The SEAT Leon performed well in the Euro NCAP road tests. It was awarded four-stars out of five for both adult and child protection and two-stars for pedestrian protection. Front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic driver’s aids come as standard. Security is up to the usual Volkswagen standard.

Space & Practicality

The SEAT Leon can comfortably seat four adults. The boot is large but access is difficult as a high load lip makes things awkward. The rear seats split and fold to offer more load capacity.

Ownership & Value

Insurance groups start at 5, going up to 17 for the 2.0-litre TSI Cupra. The residual values are good, the entire range retaining between 45 and 49% of its original price after three years. The 1.9-litre diesels are the “greenest” of all, emitting 141g/km of CO2. Fuel economy is excellent, once again across all variants, the Cupra manages 34mpg while the 1.9-litre diesels will give you 55 miles to the gallon. Good value for money and good running costs.

Submitted: 26/06/2008 15:53:35

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