SEAT LEON
SEATs latest Leon claims to have brought a fresh approach to family hatchbacks. Vanessa Hinkley Gets Behind The Wheel
SEAT is apparently now a sporty brand rather like
Alfa Romeo. At least, thats what the marketeers are telling me. If thats really so, then I reckoned that I ought to be able to tell after a drive in the Spanish companys latest Leon family hatchback. Its based on the same underpinnings as other VW Group offerings in this sector both past and present, VW's mkIV Golf,
Audi's original A3 and
Skoda's Octavia and it feels that way too. If Id had a blindfold on in the carpark, I would have guessed this to be a previous generation VW Golf. Still, thats no bad thing, given prices that start at just £10,215.
Space in the back isn't huge but is more than adequate for the smaller family hatchback sector in which this car competes. Even so, you can understand why SEAT decided not to do a three-door version. Sheer space apart however, that interior has to be one of the Leon's strongest suits. Like all VW-sourced products, you feel behind the wheel that you're in something much more expensive, thanks to the choice of trim materials and the way the switches and stalks snap into place with an expensive click. There are lovely touches everywhere, including red backlit instruments and a steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach.
On the road, the driving experience isn't much different to that of a mkIV Golf (or an Octavia or an original
Audi A3 come to that). Surprise, surprise. Unless you're in the sporty Cupra models, that means a predictable, easy, forgiving but not particularly inspiring recipe. Best of the mainstream bunch has to be the 1.9 TDi 110, with its superb pulling power from almost any speed and exemplary refinement. It's as quick or quicker than all the ordinary petrol engines (0-60mph in 10.7s en route to 120mph) and of course much more frugal (an astonishing 70mpg on the extra urban cycle). For £13,965, it makes a lot of sense.
Every Leon model comes well equipped. Air conditioning, power steering, twin front and side airbags, ABS and EBD (electronic brake distribution), electric front windows and remote central locking are included, even on entry-level S 1.4-litre petrol or 90bhp turbo diesel models. At SE level (from £14,015), you get traction control and lowered sports suspension along with a choice of more powerful engines: a petrol 1.8-litre unit (developing 125bhp) and the brawny 130bhp TDi diesel. The value-packed SX trim level is offered with the 1.9TDi 110 diesel or the 105bhp 1.
6-litre petrol engine at £13,965 and £12,200 respectively. Featuring sports seats, climate control, electric mirrors. 15-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and traction control it looks a canny pick.
I found a lot to like in the Leon - though whether that's enough to successfully fend off tough competition in Europe's most competitive market sector is open to question. Certainly the
SEAT is well equipped for the task - and built to last the course. Try one: you'll probably be surprised.
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