SEAT Leon

	Once on the move, the firm suspension makes it clear this is a tighter offering than more basic variants. Body control impresses and, crucially, the wheel responds well to inputs, while front-end grip is strong

When it comes to giving the FR a racy appearance, SEAT’s designers have a big advantage. Due to the standard Leon’s long and low, coupé-like shape, even the base model looks sporty.

There’s plenty of pleasing detailing, with the teardrop headlights, stylish tail clusters plus hidden rear door handles, and the FR complements these with unique bumpers and subtle badges. The Leon is undoubtedly an attractive machine and, having been designed uniquely as a five-door, its rear doors are integrated very well indeed.

The low roof does mean access to the back seats is tighter than in the Focus, but once inside, space is virtually the same. However, the boot isn’t great; a high lip hampers the 341-litre bay.

All the buttons on the simple dashboard are located close to hand and the cabin is very driver focused. There’s an excellent range of seat and wheel adjustment, while the FR’s sports chairs are comfortable and supportive. The only problem is the blind spots caused by the A-pillars. The robust build quality is impressive, although some of the plastics are rather brittle and the dark cabin feels a little claustrophobic.

However, driver enjoyment is key here, and the Leon scores well thanks to the chunky steering wheel and spot-on seating position. Once on the move, the firm suspension makes it clear this is a tighter offering than more basic variants. Body control impresses and, crucially, the wheel responds well to inputs, while front-end grip is strong.

The FR doesn’t have the same delicacy to its steering as the ST, though, and its chassis is never as communicative or adjustable. Unlike in the Ford, small throttle adjustments or steering corrections are not followed by an instant reaction. But the Leon is a stable, balanced and reassuring hatch – although it’s not a smooth-riding one.

This is where the FR really falls down. We can make allowances for sporting cars, but the SEAT doesn’t have the ST’s compliancy, is hard on country roads and can get crashy in town – so comfort isn’t a strong point. The brakes are firm underfoot, and the Leon stopped from 60mph in 36.6 metres – just over a metre longer than the Focus. Acceler­ation was less competitive, too. While peak power is delivered nearly 1,000rpm further down the rev range, the FR’s smaller engine offers 25bhp less, and also trails by 40Nm in the torque stakes.

Given that the Ford has a five-cylinder engine, we’re surprised the SEAT is only 19kg lighter. This, combined with the power deficit, means the car was 0.8 seconds behind in the 0-60mph sprint, while at the test track the gap grows to 3.4 seconds by 100mph. Still, in real-world terms the FR copes well, and is less than a second slower than the ST in each of the in-gear increments.

The engine is punchy and flexible, but lacks the five-cylinder Ford’s warble and, strangely, doesn’t have the same raspy exhaust note as the Golf GTI. However, with stability control, six airbags and a CD player all standard, the £16,995 price means the Leon offers excellent performance per pound.