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Motability

Seat Leon Hatchback 1.6 Essence

For:
The Leon has adventurous styling in a bland sector. Other plus point include sharp handling and a spacious cabin.

Against:
The wide, swooping windscreen pillars inhibit forward visibility, while the boot is not the biggest.



Performance

An eager, flexible 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 197bhp powers the most sporting model, while a capable 102bhp 1.6-litre unit is the mainstay. The 2.0-litre FSI engine adds a large dollop of extra zest and the two economical diesels will be popular with business users.

Ride & handling

As it uses many of the engines and underpinnings that have reinvigorated the latest VW Golf, the Leon offers a fine drive and now rivals the class best for driving enjoyment. It handles well when tackling twisty roads, and the standard suspension, although firm, copes well with the vagaries of British Tarmac.

Refinement

All but the ageing 1.9-litre diesel engine are smooth and refined, although the 1.6-litre petrol unit has to work hard on more demanding roads. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit is impressively smooth and quiet. Wind and road noise are well isolated although the suspension can be heard and felt over rougher surfaces.

Buying & owning

The Leon is attractively priced and yet equipment levels are high. A three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, 12 years' anti-rust cover and three years' paint warranty are included in the price. It may not attain the cast-iron residuals of its VW Golf stablemate, but we expect used values to be stronger than those of many mainstream rivals.

Quality & reliability

The Leon's controls operate with slick precision, but the cabin materials aren't quite as classy as those in the best rivals. The dashboard plastics in particular are rather drab, however, it still feels built to last thanks to robust seat fabrics and tight fitting panel gaps.

Safety & security

Safety kit is comprehensive, as all models are fitted with anti-lock brakes, electronic driver's aids, plus front, side and curtain airbags. As a result, the Leon's prospects for crash protection look encouraging. As a rule, VW group cars are difficult to steal and we don't expect the Leon to be any different.

Behind the wheel

Supportive sport seats with big bolsters give a comfortable driving position, and every model has two-way steering adjustment and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Less impressive are the thick, sweeping windscreen pillars that create large blind spots which will result in drivers engaging in plenty of neck-craning when exiting junctions.

Space & practicality

There's plenty of headroom and an abundance of elbow space for a quartet of six-footers, as well as ample legroom in the back. Some practicality has, however, been compromised in favour of stylistic integrity. The Leon's boot is generous enough, but its entrance is awkwardly shaped and there's a high load lip to negotiate.

Equipment

Six trim levels are available, ranging in plushness from Reference, through Stylance to top-of-the-range FR. All models come with six airbags, electric front windows, remote central locking and air-conditioning. Sport versions add the likes of alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear electric windows and cruise control, while FR models get more poweful engines and even sportier suspension.

Running Costs

Town mpg

27.2

Out of Town mpg

47.1

Average mpg

37.2

Tank Capacity (gallons)

12

CO2 Rating (g/km)

183

Insurance Group

4

Typical Insurance Quote

£323

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

48

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

10,000

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 2yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Hatchback

Number of Doors

5

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

1595/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

101/5600

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Front

Length (mm)

4315

Width (mm)

1768

Height (mm)

1458

Boot Space (min ltr)

341

Boot Space (max ltr)

1166

Turning Circle (m)

10.7

Towing Weight(kg)

1200

Kerb Weight (kg)

1205

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