Production of the SEAT Leon began in 2005, and it is based on the platform of the Volkswagen Golf V. The SEAT Leon is powered by a number of petrol and diesel engines, all of which run flawlessly. The most popular versions are the 1.6-liter petrol, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, and 1.4-liter petrol engine. The 2.0-liter TDI is a good compromise between power and fuel economy overall.
The 261bhp 2.0 TSI Leon Cupra R is the most powerful car SEAT has ever put into production, covers 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. The next sportiest model, the Leon Cupra, is no longer in production so if the Cupra R is too rich for your blood (and your money) it’s the Leon FR and FR+. These models boast a winning combination of performance and practicality which appeal to head and heart. The petrol line-up’s 208bhp 2.0-litre TSI boasts performance which doesn’t fall far short of the Cupra R – covering 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 145mph. The 123bhp 1.4 TSI FR is, as might be expected, somewhat slower with a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds and 122mph. The final turbocharged model in the line-up is the 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI with a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds and 116mph top speed.
If performance doesn’t matter there’s a more pedestrian alternative in the shape of the 84bhp 1.2 TSI with 14.1seconds 0-62mph time and 107mph top speed. As for diesel, there is a choice of 168bhp and 138bhp 2.0-litre engines as well as a 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine which can be specified in green Ecomotive form. These offer a good range of performance though not in the same ballpark as the Cupra R and 2.0-litre TSI.
SEAT sets its cars up to handle safely rather than in an exciting manner, so enthusiasts are unlikely to be stimulated by a Leon’s dynamics. Its value is held about the same as the Volkswagen Golf. The interior of Leons are made from high quality materials, save for some hard plastic here and there. For several years the high-performance models were too stiff for British roads, but SEAT changed its policy, and since 2009 the quicker models have been much smoother and more effective through bumpy corners. Now the road noise is more of an issue than the ride itself.
Standard equipment on all models includes ABS, front and side airbags, and remote central locking. Also, all models of the Leon come with front power windows and air conditioning free of charge. The upper range of the sport models come with alloy wheels, sport suspension, rear electric windows, cruise control, and audio controls on the steering wheel.