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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 awkward to load things into.



Performance

Petrol choices start with a weedy 101bhp 1.6, but the 123bhp 1.4 TSI is a much better bet. The 197bhp 2.0 TSI engine in the FR is every bit as impressive as it is in the Golf GTI, and there's a version with 237bhp in the Cupra. The 104bhp 1.9 diesel is also available as an Ecomotive for better fuel economy and emissions, and you can have 2.0-litre turbodiesels with 138bhp or 168bhp.

Ride & handling

The Leon uses the same bits and bobs as the VW Golf, so it offers a fine drive. It handles well when tackling twisty roads, and the standard suspension - although firm - copes well with the lumps and bumps of British Tarmac. The versions with sportier suspension setups feel distinctly lumpier, though.

Refinement

All but the ageing diesel engines are smooth and refined, although the 1.6-litre petrol unit has to be worked hard on more demanding roads. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit is impressively smooth and quiet. Wind noise is well isolated, but there's a tad too much road noise at all speeds.

Buying & owning

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

Quality & reliability

The Leon's controls operate with slick precision, but the cabin materials aren't nearly as classy as those in the best rivals. The dashboard plastics in particular are rather drab. However, it 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, stability control, plus front, side and curtain airbags. The car has achieved a four star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The Leon also has all the measures you'd expect to safeguard it against thieves, so it should stay where you parked it.

Behind the wheel

Supportive sports seats with big side 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, so drivers will be doing 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 style. 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 Cupra models. All models come with six airbags, electric front windows, remote central locking and air-conditioning. Sport versions add alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear electric windows and cruise control, while FR models get more powerful 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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