The Seat Leon is a mid-size hatchback that’s notable for its sleek design and value for money. It’s practical enough for families and it’s enjoyable to drive, giving you a good mix of fun and comfort. Most models have high-tech equipment, while there’s a usefully spacious estate model and a high-performance Cupra version that’s thrilling to drive.
The latest Leon was launched in 2020, replacing a version that was sold new from 2013–2020. Both cars are available as a five-door hatchback or as an estate (now called Leon Estate, but previously known as Leon ST). The 2013 version is also available as a three-door hatchback called SC and as an X-Perience model that has SUV-style additions.
You can get petrol or diesel engines in both versions of the Leon. The latest is also available with mild- and plug-in hybrid power. If you want an automatic gearbox or ‘4Drive’ four-wheel drive, you’ll find options in the Leon range.
There are many models to choose from. The well-equipped, mid-level SE and sporty Seat Leon FR are the most popular. The top-spec Xcellence has a more luxurious feel. The high-performance Cupra is surprisingly plush and has lots of tech, too.
All but the most basic S model come very well equipped. From the next model up – SE – all Leons have air con, cruise control and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Many have sat nav, too. Xcellence and Cupra models get plush heated seats and even more tech. The latest Leon has more up-to-date tech and bigger displays, including a large one for the driver.
Any Leon is great value for money, offering similar space, style and tech to most rivals but at a lower cost than many. Every engine is very fuel efficient. According to official figures, petrol models of the older Leon can give fuel economy of 38-58mpg, and diesels can give 64-70mpg. For the latest Leon, the figures are 48-52mpg (petrol) and 67mpg (diesel). The plug-in hybrid can give up to 235mpg and has a zero-emissions range of up to 40 miles.
Other mid-size hatchbacks include the Ford Focus, BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf. The Leon is a great alternative to those cars, offering you style, value, a great driving experience and a wide range of models to choose from.
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The Leon is one of the few mid-size hatchbacks with room for five adults to sit together in comfort, at least on short journeys. So, if you have two children, there’s sufficient space to cover most eventualities. The latest Leon is slightly bigger and more spacious than the older version. Both have enough boot space for a week’s holiday luggage, or a pushchair and some shopping bags. Estate models have a significantly bigger boot and will suit you better if you need to carry lots of stuff. In both hatchback and estate, the back seats fold down for more space.
The Leon is Seat’s largest hatchback, bigger than the Ibiza supermini and the Mii city car. The estate version is the only estate Seat currently make. The 2013 Leon shares many parts with Seat’s mid-size Ateca SUV and has an almost identical dashboard.
Both versions of the Leon were awarded a full five-star rating by safety organisation Euro NCAP. Many models have advanced driver safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Some models also have adaptive cruise control.
The latest Leon is available with either ‘eTSi’ mild-hybrid power or ‘e-Hybrid’ plug-in hybrid power. Both have a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The eTSi mild hybrid has an extra electrical system that reduces CO2 emissions but it’s not enough to offer pure-electric power. The e-Hybrid offers the full hybrid experience, with the capability to drive on battery power for up to 40 miles. That’s enough to cover most of your regular journeys, but you’ve still got the engine as back up when you need to go farther.
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