72 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 2 1 AUGUST 2019
he Leon is the fourth
piece in the Volkswagen
Group family hatch
jigsaw, the one with
Spanish eyes. It’s the partygoer,
although whether you believe it
rocks the night away or simply has
an early night like its three siblings
depends on how seriously you take
Seat’s brand positioning.
It certainly looks the part, with
its sharp creases and f lowing
lines. Inside, though, it’s a bit more
subdued, and the quality of some
out-of-the-way trim is average.
For t u n at e l y, it c ome s a l i v e w it h a
broad range of mainstream petrol
and diesel engines, while beyond
these are sporty 2.0-litre engines
producing up to 306bhp and
found in the Cupra.
The Leon arrived
in 2013 atop
parent company
Vol k s wagen’s ne w
MQB platform
and bristling with
driver aids and
technology. The
headlights were
full-LED, at least on
higher-spec trims – a
first in the family hatch
class. Three-door versions were
branded SC but here we’re concerned
with the more practical five-door.
To d ay, pr ic e s s t a r t at a r ou nd
£4000 for a 2014-reg 1.6 TDI with
100,000 miles in entry-level S trim.
The 103bhp motor is a workmanlike
affair but the mid-power 148bhp
2.0 TDI 150 is more satisfying. An
84,000-mile 2015-reg is £7400. For
more poke, there’s the 181bhp 2.0 TDI
- We found a 2014-reg FR Tech
Pack with 117,000 miles for £5995.
Among the petrols, a 2014-reg
104bhp 1.2 TSI 105 with 80,000 miles
is £4250. This engine is adequate
for scooting around town but more
demanding drivers should aim for
the larger 1.4 TSIs with 122bhp and
148bhp outputs. The latter is a more
appealing all-rounder than the
148bhp 2.0 TDI and our top choice.
S trim’s drab 15in steel wheels
do little for the Leon’s party animal
image so go for friskier SE (leather-
covered steering wheel, 16inalloys and hill hold but standard
suspension). FR offers a sportier feel.
In addition to sports seats and sports
suspension it has Drive Profile,
of fe r i n g s t e e r i n g a nd t h r ot t le mo de s.
The facelift came in 2017, bringing
a sharper look, restyled lights
and more technology. Seat’s Easy
Connect system is standard
but y ou h av e t o go t o SE
Te c h nolo g y t o ge t a n
8.0in screen with
DAB radio and sat-
nav, or SE Dynamic
Te c h nolo g y t o
get rear parking
sensors, which
seems mean.
Frustrating, too,
because the Leon’s
stylish lines come at
the expense of rearward
visibility. A reversing camera is an
option, so look out for cars with one.
Meanwhile, the 1.2 TSI was
replaced by a three-cylinder, 113bhp1.0 T SI 11 5. It ’s a s w e e t u n it a nd one
of our favourites. The VW Group’s
new and impressive 1.5 EVO engines
in 128bhp and 148bhp outputs
replaced the 1.4s, while the powerful
178bhp 1.8 TSI was replaced by
the 187bhp 2.0 TSI 190 with a DSG
dual-clutch automatic gearbox as
standard. Paired with Xcellence
Technology trim, it’s a million miles
from that 1.6 TDI S.
The likeable Leon is a practical hatch with a sporting bent. John Evans investigates
FR t r i m g ets sp o r t y
suspension and
switchable modes
T
SEAT LEON
VOLKSWAGEN UP GTI 1.0 115 5DR
£1264 deposit, £211 per month, 48 months,
8000 miles per year
Despite its lowly power output, the Up gets away like a
hare at the dog track. Away from the straights, it clings
on in corners and changes direction sweetly. The price
is a ride that can be uncomfortably firm around town.
MINI 1.5 COOPER SPORT
£1287 deposit, £215 per month, 48 months,
8000 miles per year
The Cooper’s 134bhp engine pulls strongly from low
revs and also at higher speeds. Sport trim brings 17in
alloys, sports seats and styling upgrades, making it
good value and the sweet spot in the model range.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1.5 TSI EVO GT 5DR
£1682 deposit, £280 per month, 48 months,
8000 miles per year
Much of the GTI’s appeal, including a perky 148bhp
engine, arch-filling alloys, sports suspension and
a performance monitor, but without the running
costs. Up to 50mpg is possible with a light foot.
TOP SPEC PICK
XCELLENCE
TECHNOLOGY
L i ve i t u p w i th l a s h i n g s of ch r o m e ,
ambient lighting, leather trim,
keyless entry and ignition and
convenience packs. A 2017
1.4 TSI 125 XT with 23k
miles is £11,400.
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