SEAT Leon

Breadcrumbs

‘OK, it looks different enough that people forget it’s a Golf in drag. But did it have to look as odd as this?’
Our buying tip

There always seem to be lots of nearly-news around at the supermarkets.

We have a sneaky fondness for the Seat Leon. A left-field alternative on top, a solid Golf underneath.

Comfort

In true VW Group style you get an excellent driving position, adjustable for anyone, and firm spine-friendly seats. Seat is good at doing ride comfort too, except with the punishing hot-hatch versions.
Performance

The 1.6 petrol is a bit of a damp squib: next up the range, the light-pressure turbo 1.4 TSi goes faster, is smoother and uses less fuel. Diesels go up to a well-useful 170bhp, and the top Cupra does 0-62 in 6.4, which is properly quick and comes with fast responses and a cultured sound. We like.
Cool

In an alternative way, this isn't embarrassing. But it isn't cool either, especially not the Cupra, which looks like it's trying too hard.
Quality

The dash has some hard plastics, just to provide some differentiation between Seats and the more expensive VWs. But the fundamentals feel reassuringly sound.
Handling

The Leon is fluent through bends, and if it looks a little high off the ground it doesn't feel it. The front and rear ends are nicely balanced together, and there's enough grip and feel. The hottest Cupra versions are fairly hardcore, though, with over-firm suspension that can be bounced off course by bumps.
Practicality

There are no three-door Leons. They all have five doors, decent boots, folding seats and all the usual hatchback versatility, but nothing out of the ordinary either.
Running costs

The diesels are pretty thrifty and there's a sub-120g/km Ecomotive version. Leon depreciation, servicing and so on are all on par for the class.