Thanks to stand-out looks and an engaging driving experience, the second-generation SEAT Leon was a very popular choice with buyers who were looking for a hatchback with a sporty edge. Now there’s an all-new Leon arriving in UK dealers, and it promises to add a higher level of quality to this already winning combination.
But if the Leon wants to be regarded as a real driver’s car with a premium edge, it has to prove itself against one of the best-handling hatchbacks on the market: the BMW 1 Series.
In its first test, we pit the most powerful Leon at launch – the 181bhp 2.0 TDI FR – against the 118d M Sport. Both cars have 2.0-litre diesel engines, but while the SEAT is front-wheel drive, the 1 Series relies on BMW’s traditional rear-wheel-drive layout.
Will this put the new Leon at a disadvantage when it comes to driving fun, or can it offer a genuine alternative to fans of sharp-handling hatchbacks?
The new SEAT Leon is a clear step forward from its predecessor. It looks great, performs well and the interior has the same upmarket feel as the latest Volkswagen Golf. It’s a very strong contender in this class – and arguably the best model yet to be based on the VW Group’s new MQB platform.
It’s certainly much better looking than the BMW 1 Series. But that car has always traded on its ability to put a smile on your face, rather than its styling. Yet the SEAT manages to run the BMW close for driving fun, too. Both have a sporty edge and the limitations of the SEAT’s front-wheel-drive layout only really become apparent when you’re reaching the limit of grip on a test track.
However, when you look at the numbers, the new Leon pulls out a clear advantage. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is more powerful and more efficient than the BMW’s, while our top-of-the range model is over £1,000 cheaper than the 118d M Sport. And for that reason, the Leon wins this test.
Few drivers are going to fully exploit the 1 Series’ superior handing during everyday driving, and the SEAT’s considerable depth of talents – from a larger boot and rear seats to extremely refined motorway cruising ability – mean the BMW has to settle for being second best this time around.
Disqus - noscript
How very amateur of you to state something as subjective as looks as an outright fact in your article.
"It’s certainly much better looking than the BMW 1 Series. But that car
has always traded on its ability to put a smile on your face, rather
than its styling."
Most people seem to think the current 1 Series is a grower, and even handsome in M-Sport guise. Your ugly jibes are quite weak and outdated.
Golly, what a lot of bile you get on the AE forums! Not saying whether right or wrong - quite often right, I think - just quite striking. More than any other mag/newspaper website I've seen.
I don't see the word ugly in the review? and I agree with AE that the SEAT is better looking than the BMW.
I think the 1 series the ugliest car in existence. It started off a shocker and consistently never ceases to amaze me it ever made it into production. I've owned a BMW (135i) in the past and am neither a hater of the marque or an outright fanboy (ie. unbiased). I think most will agree it looks like poo, so for Auto Express to state this is right on the mark.
Styling sells cars at least as much as other factors, so it's not amateurish to voice an opinion.
I have never cared for 1-series stying, but respect your differing view.
In this particular case, my vote goes to the SEAT.
My neighbour has just replaced his 1 series with another one! I just can't help thinking WHY? Anything that size in the VW group is going to be better looking, cheaper to run and better to drive in UK conditions (wet, slippery.)
I agree. It's just lazy to dislike the 1 Series' styling, but it's also the one thing we can make up our own minds about. Tell us about the rise, the handling etc, We'll decide about the styling. Personally I think the 1 Series will be regarded well in the future when people look back at it. Its styling is interesting and clever. The Seat is merely pleasant, but better for people who shop at Next.
The latest 1-Series has a back end that looks like a new Polo, very much like a new Polo, so there's one to chew on for the BMW-lovers/VAG-haters. Oh, and the Polo came first in case you wondered...
The Leon just looks like an Ibiza. The stupid crease at the rear wings are odd. The first Leon's were the ones to have. Different at the time and unmistakeable.
It's a BMW at the end of the day. Prestige. And probably more reliable.
You can't buy the 181bhp Seat in question in the UK yet - I've tried, we only get 150 for now! I strongly suspect they will slap on £3k and a Copa/Cupra badge as and when we do. This is the classic example of the UK Auto Express re-hashing content from mainland Europe where Seat aren't being so cynical!!
It certainly is a grower. It gets uglier every time I see it.
I think you're in the very small minority. Care to elaborate on your last sentence? Where would BMW 1 series drivers shop? You sound like an expert, please discuss because i can't understand what it it you're implying and how you have come to that.
The Leon is a better package in nearly every respect for people who want something effortlessly stylish and cool to get places, not to drive around for the sake of posing around with a badge. Those people are seriously uncool. Soz BMW, but i think there's no logic for buying the 1 series.
Better looking - I think this is down to personal preference really... the golf is SOOOO BORING imo!!
Cheaper to run - My 118d is £30 a year to tax and achieves 55mpg with ease... my old Audi A1 1.6tdi couldn't get close to that as Audi's economy figures are so off the mark!
Better to drive... This is the one area you shouldn't have gone as the 1 series is unrivalled in its class for driving experience. YES in the snow you would be better off walking than attempting to drive it but any other time, no comparison... 3 words - Ultimate Driving Machine.
He or she presumably bought the 1 series because he/she appreciates driving and possibly RWD, I understand the concept of this is unknown to you VAG drivers, as the ability to tune the attitude of the car using your right foot is off the menu and an alien concept to you all in any case.
Well said
BMW is the best. Rear wheel drive and fun to drive.
The Leon is just a Golf but more boring and cheap.. because it is cheap and nasty
"ugliest car in existence"... no chance!
Fiat Multipla?
PT Cruiser?
SsangYong Rodius?
Not defending its looks... but definitely not the ugliest car ever!!!
I think Androo is simply implying that the leon a little on the conservative/boring side... and i agree, VAG group cars are fantastically built but they are a little boring!
Everyone keeps arguing "God the 1 series is SOOO ugly... I'm SOOOO glad i chose the VAG alternative"... but who are you trying to argue your point to??
Yes the 1 series isn't a looker but it is the best handling car in its class... you can argue this point all you like but im afraid its FACT. Now as a petrol head... that matters more than any styling.
It really depends what you are looking for, if your single /childless then 1 series is for you but I have a kid and another on the way and the 1 series is smaller inside than my Polo so I'll be repacing it with a golf / Leon etc.. Also I don't drive on race tracks and unless you've got about 220+ bhp it wont make a difference on the road. In which case I'd go for the S3 / R32 with 4wd.
Shop at Next? What a typical BMW Snobbish remark!!! The majority of BMW owners are cheap, low paid Chavs... and the majority of BMWs on the road aren't worth very much at all.... You know it, I know it... Everyone knows it!!!
What do you mean "prestige"? What does that mean exactly? It's a car, and will be judged on it's merits. At the end of the day, the Seat is the better car, so surely the Seat is the more "Prestigious" - IE defined as "having respect and admiration".
Perhaps 'as ugly as...' suits better.
Mind you, I saw a PT recently with adjusted suspension to level the body somewhat - amazing what a difference that subtle change makes.
yah but like AE stated... all that best handling stuff only really matters on the limit at a track day. And the Leon doesnt trail to far behind in that area either. So that makes the Leon a better car. what could be simpler than that to understand?
yes... but you can get that from a Sierra RS or Skyline GTR or SX200 etc. The fun factor is overrated as it does not matter on public roads. therefore it makes it less useful for everyday driving than the front wheel drives.
on public roads? do 1 series drivers even know anything about tuning with the right foot? how many even get to ever go a little sideways without crashing the poor car?
yep...very polo like
reliable my foot. prestige yes... whatever that means
pretty sure they also said that in everyday driving... the 1 series is the best to drive?
your one very angry little man arnt you petrolhead? haha
I had a fair amount to say in response (some of it in defence of rear wheel drive), but on seeing your offensive comments above, together with your other comment (VW Golf review) where you're also being offensive, I've deleted it.
This is a forum for car lovers to enjoy lively debate... not a place for foul mouthed, offensive comments and making other people feel uncomfortable. I also do not regard something that I do not have, as being as you have described it above.
You are obviously not worthy of being included in a civilised discussion.
Good night, and I sincerely hope that you do not kill yourself or anyone else.
haha WHERE exactly have i been offensive? your the one who bullies their opinion across as if it is FACT and ANYONE who says otherwise needs gunning down? Jog on you pathetic child