Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

SEAT Leon vs Volkswagen Golf vs Vauxhall Astra

Can the updated SEAT Leon still make the grade against its Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra hatchback rivals?

The facelifted SEAT Leon has a hard act to follow. Its predecessor was a multiple victor at our New Car Awards, taking the Best Compact Family Car crown three times in a row. However, the tweaks to the 2017 five-door Leon are only minor, so SEAT hasn’t altered the recipe too much.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This means it should still offer what you want from a family hatch, with plenty of space, decent driving dynamics and strong efficiency, only there’s now more tech in the mix. However, one of its closest rivals, the Volkswagen Golf, has also been updated recently, and it too is sporting more tech, thanks to a smarter infotainment system, plenty of practicality and a strong engine.

Best hatchbacks on sale

Diesel might be a dirty word these days, but sales of oil-burning hatchbacks like those we’re testing here still make up a massive proportion of the market. And our current family favourite, the Vauxhall Astra, will also take some beating.

This sector spans all kinds of owner, from private buyers to business users, so the outcome will be one of the most important of the year. Which car will emerge victorious?

SEAT Leon

Model:SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI 150 Xcellence Technology
Price: £23,830
Engine:2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp 
0-60mph:8.4 seconds
Test economy: 38.0mpg/8.4mpl 
CO2: 112g/km 
Annual road tax: £140

Updates to the SEAT Leon are fairly minor, although the Xcellence Technology trim tested here is a new addition to the range. It offers a decent level of standard kit, and combined with the 2.0-litre TDI engine and manual box, it costs £23,830.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Leon uses the same 148bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and six-speed manual gearbox as the Golf. It’s a refined engine that revs smoothly without emitting too much of a diesel grumble from under the bonnet. Only at higher revs does it get a little coarse.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s plenty of performance on offer too, with 340Nm of torque from 1,750rpm. If you’re in the wrong gear you can just catch the engine off the turbo, where it understandably feels flat. But from here the torque ramps up smoothly. It delivered decent in-gear performance on test, outsprinting the Golf in every gear, although it couldn’t match the Astra.

The Leon’s grunt is more than adequate, though, and in very few situations on the road will you want for more performance. It’s nice to drive, too. The steering is direct, the six-speed manual has an easy but reassuringly mechanical shift action and the dampers deal with most surfaces well. On crowned roads, over surface changes and potholes the Leon can lumber along a little, with jolts felt through individual corners of the car, but it’s calm and relaxed most of the time.

That steering and a good level of grip means it handles well, too. However, the Leon’s XDS torque vectoring system on the front axle is very aggressive. It doesn’t cut in smoothly and you can hear the system clicking in, and although it helps give the front tyres more bite coming out of corners, it feels as if the car is fighting itself quite noticeably. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Testers’ notes: “The updates to the Leon are minimal, but the hot Cupra has been thoroughly reworked. Power rises to 296bhp, while the ST estate version can be had with four-wheel drive.”

Volkswagen Golf

Model:Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150 SE Nav
Price: £23,465
Engine:2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 148bhp 
0-60mph:8.2 seconds
Test economy: 46.5mpg/10.2mpl 
CO2: 109g/km
Annual road tax: £140

Like the Leon, the new Volkswagen Golf is essentially an update of its predecessor. Yet the brand left no stone unturned in its efforts to improve the car’s competitiveness, with the result that it took a well-earned victory on its road test debut. However, that was the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol; can the Golf repeat the feat in £23,465 2.0 TDI SE Navigaton trim test here?

Not only does the new Golf look similar, it also drives in very much the same way. You get a desirable package that blends refinement and composure.

That’s not to say there haven’t been any changes. The 2.0-litre TDI is lightly tweaked, so it delivers a decent blend of performance, refinement and frugality. Yet despite being identical to the unit used in the Leon, the VW actually trailed its Spanish twin during our in-gear assessments. For instance, it covered the sixth-gear 50-70mph dash in 9.7 seconds, which was three-tenths slower than the SEAT. Only on the 0-60mph sprint was the VW quicker, beating the Leon by two-tenths at 8.2 seconds.

On the road, these differences are hard to detect, and with 340Nm of torque at just 1,750rpm, the Golf delivers muscular real-world pace. You don’t need to work the engine hard to make decent progress, but even when extended, the 2.0-litre isn’t as gruff and strained as the smaller unit used in the Astra.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The positives continue when you enter a series of corners, where the Golf responds swiftly to the direct and well-weighted steering. There’s also bags of grip and rock-solid body control, which make the VW a confidence-inspiring machine. Better still, this agility is matched to impressive refinement . It’s not as entertaining as the Vauxhall, but it delivers a good blend of poise and comfort.

Testers’ notes: “The 2.0-litre diesel tested here is a strong performer and delivers excellent economy, but we’d save £3,000 and go for the new 1.0 TSI instead. The refined unit is better suited.” 

Vauxhall Astra

Model:Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo SRi Nav
Price: £23,315
Engine:1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 158bhp 
0-60mph:7.8 seconds
Test economy: 48.3mpg/10.6mpl 
CO2: 109g/km
Annual road tax: £140

The Vauxhall Astra was reinvented for this seventh generation, and it edged ahead of its rivals to take the compact family hatch honours in our 2016 New Car Awards ceremony in the process. It’s beaten the best in popular diesel form and in 1.0-litre turbo guise, but can it maintain its advantage against more powerful diesel rivals? To find out we test it with the firm’s 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo in £23,815 SRi Nav trim.

The Astra’s 1.6 CDTi diesel is the smallest unit here, but it uses a pair of turbochargers, so the four-cylinder unit punches well above its weight. With 158bhp and 350Nm, the Vauxhall has a comfortable power and torque advantage over its rivals here.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

As a result, the Astra was the fastest on track, accelerating from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, which was four-tenths up on the Leon. The Vauxhall rammed home its advantage during our in-gear tests, where it was comfortably the fastest over all increments.

This energetic straight-line display is backed up by impressive poise through a series of corners. The steering is direct and well weighted, there’s bags of front-end grip and the car feels like it pivots around your hips, helping to create a strong feeling of agility.

This urges you to push a little harder, as the Astra can easily take the extra speed. It also remains comfortable and composed, encouraging  you to carry more momentum through bends. And despite its less sophisticated rear suspension, excellent damping means it feels secure and well tied down.

Factor in the composed ride, and the Astra is the most dynamically accomplished car here. It floats effectively over the road surface, offering enough compliance to tune out the majority of nasty bumps.

It’s not quite as refined as the Golf, though, and that’s largely down to the engine. While it’s a strong performer, the BiTurbo unit sounds gruff at low revs and is intrusive when worked hard – although its strong torque means you don’t have to do this often. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Testers’ notes: “Like the SEAT and VW, the Astra is also available as an estate. The Sport Tourer offers handy features, but its 540-litre capacity is about 100 litres down on its rivals’.” 

Verdict 

First place: Vauxhall Astra

It was close, but in the final reckoning the Astra does just enough to take the spoils. Not only is it the fastest and most fun to drive, it also delivered the best economy and lowest running costs. SRi Nav trim offers all the key kit, including the excellent OnStar service. Points are lost for the grumbly engine and smaller boot, but the Astra is a swift and engaging diesel hatchback. 

Second place: Volkswagen Golf

The latest Golf is a polished, poised and perfectly packaged family car. What it lacks in style in this contest it makes up for with substance and premium finish, while kit such as adaptive cruise adds to its appeal. The 2.0-litre TDI is also a smooth and punchy performer. But it’s not the best engine in the Golf range; the cheaper 1.0 TSI or 1.6 TDI versions make more sense. 

Third place: SEAT Leon

It’s an indication of the strength of the compact hatch class that the Leon finishes third. It’s handsome, practical and well equipped, but the facelift is so mild that it’s almost impossible to tell it apart from its predecessor. The SEAT also can’t match the infotainment systems of its rivals, while its residuals are the weakest here. As with the Golf, smaller engines are a better fit. 

Other options in this category...

Renault Megane 1.6 dCi GT Line Nav

Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Golf vs Renault Megane - megane front quarter

Price: £22,200Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 128bhp

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Renault can’t match its rivals here for performance, but the Megane brisk enough and has them beaten for comfort. GT Line trim brings sporty looks and plenty of kit, but do add the £300 8.7-inch portait R-Link2 Infotainment system.

Mazda 3 2.2 D 150 Sport Nav

Mazda 3 - front static

Price: £23,495Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl, 148bhp

Recently revised Mazda 3 has the Astra covered for driver fun, while its large capacity diesel is fast and frugal. The cabin and boot are a little cramped in this company, but solid quality and a long kit list boost its showroom appeal.

 Vauxhall Astra  1.6 CDTi BiTurbo SRi NavVolkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI 150 SE NavigationSEAT Leon 2.0 TDI 150 Xcellence Tech
On the road price/total as tested£23,315/£25,620£23,465/£23,465£23,830/£24,195
Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)£9,531/40.9%£10,979/46.8%£8,357/35.1%
Depreciation£13,784£12,486£15,473
Annual tax liability std/higher rate£1,064/£2,127£1,070/£2,141£1,134/£2,267
Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)£1,358/£2,263£1,410/£2,350£1,726/£2,876
Ins. group/quote/cost18/£705/£14018/£761/£14021/£776/£140
Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service£583 (3yrs/30k)£288 (2yrs)£498 (3yrs/30k)
    
Length/wheelbase4,370/2,662mm4,258/2,620mm4,282/2,636mm
Height/width1,485/1,809mm1,492/1,799mm1,459/1,816mm
Engine4cyl in-line/1,598cc4cyl in-line/1,968cc4cyl in-line/1,968cc
Peak power/revs158/4,000 bhp/rpm148/3,500 bhp/rpm148/3,500 bhp/rpm
Peak torque/revs350/1,500 Nm/rpm340/1,750 Nm/rpm340/1,750 Nm/rpm
Transmission6-spd man/fwd6-spd man/fwd6-spd man/fwd
Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel48 litres/foam50 litres/foam50 litres/foam
Boot capacity (seats up/down)370/1,210 litres380/1,270 litres380/1,210 litres
Kerbweight/payload/towing weight1,303/607/1,700kg1,366/564/1,600kg1,305/515/1,800kg
Turning circle/drag coefficient11.1 metres/0.29Cd10.9 metres/N/A10.3 metres/N/A
Basic warranty (miles)/recovery3yrs (60k)/1yr3yrs (60k)/1yr3yrs (60k)/2yrs
Service intervals/UK dealers20k miles (1yr)/338Variable/223Variable/128
Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos25th/22nd24th/28th18th/31st
NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars86/84/83/75/5 (2015)94/89/65/71/5 (2012)94/92/70/71/5 (2012)
    
0-60/30-70mph7.8/6.6 secs8.2/7.0 secs8.4/6.8 secs
30-50mph in 3rd/4th3.0/4.3 secs3.2/5.6 secs3.0/5.4 secs
50-70mph in 5th/6th5.6/7.2 secs7.1/9.7 secs6.7/9.4 secs
Top speed/rpm at 70mph137mph/2,000rpm134mph/1,800rpm134mph/1,800rpm
Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph44.6/37.6/8.7m46.5/34.2/9.8m47.0/38.1/9.4m
Noise outside/idle/30/70mph70/54/63/73dB73/53/63/72dB73/53/63/71dB
Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range48.3/10.6/510 miles46.5/10.2/511 miles38.0/8.4/418 miles
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined55.4/78.5/68.9mpg56.5/76.3/67.3mpg53.3/72.4/64.2mpg
Govt urban/extra-urban/combined12.2/17.3/14.8mpl12.4/16.8/14.8mpl11.7/15.9/14.1mpl
Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket157/109g/km/23%163/109g/km/23%199/112g/km/24%
    
Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/cameraSix/y/£460/£615*Seven/yes/yes/£265Seven/yes/yes/£220
Auto/stability/cruise control/AEBNo/yes/yes/yes£1,415/yes/yes/yesNo/yes/yes/yes
Climate ctrl/leather/heated seats£405/no/£355£415/£2,115/£400Yes/£1,370/£365
Met paint/LED lights/keyless go£555/£1,250/£405£570/£975/£365£575/yes/yes
Sat-nav/USB/DAB/BluetoothYes/yes/yes/yesYes/yes/yes/yesYes/yes/yes/yes
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Vauxhall Astra review
Vauxhall Astra UK - front
In-depth reviews
20 Feb 2024

Vauxhall Astra review

Vauxhall Astra GSe PHEV long-term test: a troublesome start to life on our fleet
Vauxhall Astra GSE PHEV long termer - first report header
Long-term tests
15 Feb 2024

Vauxhall Astra GSe PHEV long-term test: a troublesome start to life on our fleet

Peugeot 408 review
Peugeot 408 PHEV - front tracking
In-depth reviews
31 Jan 2024

Peugeot 408 review

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month
Audi A4 Avant driving on UK roads
News

Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month

Our Deal of the Day for 27 March is for those who want a big trunk for all their junk
27 Mar 2024