Seat’s Leon has been a core part of the Spanish firm’s lineup for years. With good looks, a practical interior and a particularly involving driving experience, the Leon - throughout its many generations - has proved to be a hit with buyers.
The latest version is by far the most well-rounded to date. With a clean and efficient range of engines working alongside a high-tech but well-made interior, the Leon is already proving that it can more than live up to the reputation set by its predecessor.
But if you’re looking at buying a new Seat Leon, what do you need to know? Let’s take a look at the key areas to consider.
What powertrains are available?
The Seat Leon is available with some of the Volkswagen Group’s latest engines. They’re clean, efficient and powerful - while electrification is available in the form of a plug-in hybrid.
Starting with the petrol, we’ve got a 1.0-litre turbocharged version available in standard and mild-hybrid forms, and with either 98bhp or 108bhp. There’s the choice of six-speed manual or DSG automatic gearboxes, too. Then, we have a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit, bringing outputs of either 128bhp or 148bhp. At the top, we have a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 187bhp.
Then, there’s the sole diesel option - a 2.0-litre turbocharged variant available with either 113bhp or 187bhp. These are great choices for long-distance drivers thanks to combined fuel consumption of up to 64.2mpg.
Finally, there’s the plug-in hybrid. This combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and batteries, which bring a potent output of 201bhp. It’ll also return over 230mpg while emitting just 27g/km CO2.
What trim levels are offered?
SE - from £20,405
SE kicks things off for the Leon’s range of specifications. It brings high-end features like cruise control and a speed limiter alongside LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights too.
In addition, it gets an 8.25-inch infotainment system which incorporates media functions and navigation, as well as Seat’s Full Link system which allows you to more easily integrate your smartphone into the car’s system.
SE Dynamic - from £21,505
Move up to SE Dynamic and one of the most notable additions will be the 17-inch alloy wheels, which definitely help to add to the Leon’s presence. In addition, the central screen is bumped up to 10 inches in size, making it a larger feature in the cabin.
Plus, Park Assist comes as standard with this grade, and this helps to guide the car into a space with the driver operating just the brakes and accelerator.
FR - from £23,735
You’ll get a slightly sportier flavour from the Leon in FR trim thanks to 17-inch alloy wheels and LED lights that now incorporate a futuristic dynamic turning signal function.
Plus, the interior now benefits from three-zone climate control, which helps to keep all occupants at their desired temperature.
FR Sport - from £25,625
You’ll find a range of dynamic-orientated features added to the Leon with FR Sport grade, including 18-inch machined alloy wheels and dark tinted windows. Wireless charging is included too, allowing you to keep your mobile’s battery topped up simply by placing it onto a contact pad in the middle of the cabin.
Plenty of chrome detailing helps to lift the look of the cabin even further, while sport suspension gives the Leon a more dynamic appearance on the road.
Xcellence - from £26,630
Xcellence specification cars boast a load of high-end features, including Seat’s clever virtual cockpit system which replaces the conventional dials with a customisable screen. Not only does it look good, but it’s easy to read on the move and is packed with features too.
There’s also a rear-view camera included at this level as well as keyless entry.
Xcellence Lux - from £27,810
Finally, we have Xcellence Lux, which gets pretty much all of the toys you could want. You get 18-inch performance alloy wheels and electrically adjustable, folding and heated wing mirrors, as well as a wide range of assistance systems including forward collision alert and a tiredness recognition system.
In short, if you’re after a car with close to every box ticked, the Xcellence Lux Leon will be the one for you.
What about personalisation?
Seat certainly gives you plenty of scope for personalisation with the Leon. There are a variety of metallic paints to choose from alongside some ‘premium’ metallic shades for those drivers who really want to stand out. A series of alloy wheel designs are available, too.
Inside, you can pick from several different upholstery choices including a ‘microsuede’ fabric which helps to give the Leon a really premium feel. Of course, you can add a range of optional extras to the Leon too, helping to tailor it to your exact needs.
Enquire on a new Seat Leon
