SEAT Leon review
The all-new SEAT Leon shares its platform with the Mk7 VW Golf, and runs it much closer in terms of drive, quality and practicality
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The latest SEAT Leon is shorter, wider, lower and has a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces. It’s the third car to be built on the Volkswagen Group’s advanced, lightweight MQB platform that underpins the Mk7 Golf and new Audi A3 but will eventually form the basis for almost 30 cars, ranging from the all-new Polo to the next-generation Passat. It’s by far the best-looking car of the trio, too, and it even undercuts its VW brother by around 10 per cent across the range. The SEAT also gets new petrol and diesel engines, a lower kerbweight than before and, although it is smaller than the car it replaces, it still offers more interior space and a bigger boot, too. It’s more comfortable, thanks to a much more supple ride, while quality has also been improved, with much better materials used for the interior and extremely precise bodypanel gaps. SEAT now offers a three-door Leon SC for the first time, to rival cars like the three-door Hyundai i30 and the Vauxhall Astra GTC. It gets a 35mm shorter wheelbase and a more steeply raked rear windscreen for a sportier, more aggressive profile, which does sacrifice a bit of head and legroom in the back. A more practical Leon ST estate will complete the line-up when it’s unveiled at the 2013 Paris Motor Show in September.
Our choice: Leon 1.6 TDI SE
Styling
The new Leon is inspired by the IBE concept and is the first SEAT to get the new simplified ‘S’ logo and the firm’s reinvented ‘Arrow Head’ design language. The profile is dominated by two horizontal lines, while a crease down the middle of the bonnet and flat-edged wheelarches create a crisp, modern look. The rear door handles are now on the door panel rather than hidden in the C-pillar, while optional new all-LED front lights are a first in the C-segment. The interior is a much more interesting place to be than the sober A3, and quality isn’t far behind, either. Three trim levels are available: S, SE and FR. The entry-level Leon S gets a touchscreen to control the audio and sat-nav (if you opt for it), as well as air conditioning and Bluetooth, for hands free phone calls. Mid-spec Leon SE cars get SEAT’s XDS electronic differential lock system, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while range-topping FR models get 17-inch alloys, a sporty bodykit, sports seats and sports suspension. The extensive list of options includes 18-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, satellite navigation, and full LED headlamps. The only slight criticism is that, while forward visibility is good, the kicked-up C-pillar does hamper your rear three-quarter visibility.
Driving
The Leon has exactly the same platform, engines and gearboxes as the latest Golf. There are three petrol and two diesel engines to choose from, with highlights including a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel Leon Ecomotive that is expected to be the biggest seller, plus the smooth and punchy 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol. The top-spec 181bhp 2.0 TDI FR is a fantastic driver’s car, with a punchy diesel engine that's matched with great brakes, precise steering and impressive traction that helps it complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 7.5 seconds. It's also the only model to get the more complicated multi-link rear suspension setup, rather than a simpler torsion beam, but both give a slightly firm ride. All versions come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a seven-speed DSG automatic is available as an option. All versions get SEAT’s Drive Profile system, which allows you to adjust steering and throttle response. An even faster Leon Cupra will be revealed at a later date.
Reliability
As the new Leon is based on the same platform, features the same powertrains and has the same tech as the new Golf and A3, there’s no reason why the Leon shouldn’t prove to be extremely reliable. However, SEAT finished a disappointing 24th out of 30 in the 2012 Driver Power reliability survey, while the second-generation Leon finished 65th in the Top 100, having slid down the chart by 45 places in 12 months. Its biggest problems seem to be its disappointing practicality and frustration with its ride quality. As for safety, the Leon has a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, thanks to the use of more high-strength steel in the body, standard-fit stability control and a plethora of airbags.
Practicality
Although it’s actually 52mm shorter than the car it replaces, the new Leon is more spacious. That’s because it has a more traditional hatchback shape this time, with its wheels pushed out further towards the four corners of the car, and a 58mm longer wheelbase. This ensures more space on the inside, with wide-opening rear doors and plenty of leg and headroom for tall passengers. There’s also lots of space for front seat passengers, and lots of adjustability for the seat and wheel, giving a comfortable driving position. Forward visibility is good, but the large C-pillars do interrupt the view rearwards. The boot is 39 litres bigger than before, at 380 litres – it’s bigger than the Golf’s and considerably larger than that of a Ford Focus or Volvo V40. It’s a nice, deep shape, too, although the high lip makes it harder to load heavy items and the rear seats don’t quite fold flat, either. If you do need more space, though, a Leon ST estate will be made available towards the end of 2013.
Running Costs
Every engine in the Leon range is now turbocharged and features direct injection, with some units up to 22 per cent more efficient than the engines they replace. The MQB platform has also cut weight by 90kg from the previous car, and it’s also 10 per cent more aerodynamic than before. The 1.6 TDI Ecomotive returns average fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2, which makes it very cheap to run. The entry-level 1.2 TSI engine manages 57.6mpg and emits 114/gm, while the 1.4 TSI can do 54.3mpg and 119g/km. But even the top-spec FR TDI diesel still returns more than 65mpg and emits 112g/km, despite being capable of a going from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. An even more frugal Ecomotive model, which emits 89g/km, will join the range later in 2013. Lastly, the Leon’s real trump card is a price tag that’s around 10 per cent cheaper than an equivalent Golf, plus predicted residuals that are every bit as strong.
Disqus - noscript
As a Golf Mk 6 owner I'm thinking more and more about this than a Golf MK 7 for the next car.
The last generation Leon was good value but always a compromised choice against the Golf Mk6, being noticably less comfortable, noisier and with a cheap looking interior. On the face of it this new one seems to have closed the gap and doesn't give much away to the Mk7 Golf, whilst still offering more flair and (most importantly) undercutting it by a significant margin. it deserves to do well and shouldn't be overlooked.
It's a real shame they have been so conservative the design.
Best looking of the VW C-segment offerings and the best value too. Still I can't help thinking that the value of the pound is shrinking. Every new car makes me feel more and more out of pocket.
Conservative styling is a VAG hallmark, and a reason to buy if that's your preference.
If not, there's plenty more adventurous styling out there from other makers.
The Seat arm of the company is supposed to be the sporty one with flair.
not hard really when you could easily fall asleep looking at the new golf or a3!!
My Wife had an 2003 Ibiza, and for the reviewer to say the Leon still has "scratchy plastic" Ten years later is unforgivable.
Once again, given the slightest excuse, the Golf/A3 bashers are out, yet again obsessively attacking it's styling, and once again (sigh) they need to be countered. The Seat is an excellent car, and it's looks are nice. In addition, to be sure, they'll be millions of people who prefer the stylish design of the Golf. Both designs are sleek, understated and stylish, in a world of garish car designs -some of which are truly ugly and horrendous. Golf/A3 hating trolls - please, move on.
It looks like a Ford Focus.