Engaging the engine
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The SEAT Leon has had many faces over the years, but it’s always been a stylish alternative to the otherwise mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf. That continues with the latest model, which went on sale in 2020, and the latest Leon also joins its predecessors in being just slightly more affordable than its VW-badged cousin.
There are no performance models this time around, at least not those wearing SEAT badges - you’ll need the Cupra Leon for that. But for practical and frugal family transport the Leon’s still well worth a look, and the addition of a plug-in hybrid model to join the petrols and diesels only broadens its appeal. We’ve covered the engines and trim levels in detail below.
Buying a sensible family car doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. That’s not SEAT’s mission statement, but it’s something that’s always applied to the SEAT Leon. Now in its fourth generation, it’s always had handsome looks on its side, plus a value advantage over several of the cars it shares its platform with, such as the VW Golf and Audi A3.
For the 2020-on model we’re covering here, the Leon feels more grown-up than ever. Perhaps it’s lost a little of the old car’s sense of fun as a result - and for a hot version, you now need to look to sister brand Cupra - but the Leon is still good to drive, with a lineup of lively engines, neat handling with precise steering, and a pretty decent ride too.
It’s slightly more spacious inside than the old model and the interior has taken a step up in quality too - it’s less obvious where SEAT has had to cut costs to provide strong value, than it used to be. If you need more space, there’s always the estate version too, but even the hatchback has a reasonable 380-litre boot. Only the widespread use of touch-sensitive controls frustrates - a few more knobs and switches would’ve been nice.
The most obvious alternatives to the Leon are its platform-mates, the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, and the larger Skoda Octavia, all of which offer varying levels of styling sensibility, quality, equipment, and space. But the market is awash with other family hatchbacks too - think the Vauxhall Astra, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Renault Megane, and of course the ever-popular Ford Focus.
It’s impressive how much a little 1-litre engine can do in the Leon, and if you’ll mainly be driving around town or have a fairly gentle commute, its decent performance, thrummy engine note and fuel-sipping economy will all be most welcome. We’d step up to the 1.5 TSI if you take in more motorway or out of town driving though, as there’s barely a fuel economy penalty. SE Dynamic trim strikes a good balance between value and equipment levels, and it looks sharp enough too on its 17-inch alloy wheels.
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The SEAT Leon hatchback’s exterior dimensions are:
The SEAT Leon hatchback’s boot space is:
Plug-in hybrid models will be cheapest to tax, thanks to a small discount reserved for ‘alternative fuel vehicles’. They’re currently £180 per year, whereas the rest of the range will set you back £190 per year. The exception is any version with a list price of more than £40,000 - these attract a surcharge, lifting tax to £600 for the five years following the first year of registration.
At the bottom end of the range, insurance shouldn’t be too steep for Leon buyers - a 1.0 TSI 110 in SE trim starts in group 11 out of 50. All the way at the other end of the Leon lineup is the 2-litre TSI in group 23, the same insurance group as the plug-in hybrid in the top Xcellence Lux trim.
£21,761
£25,240
£25,240
£11,999
£16,990
What is the most popular colour for SEAT Leon ?
What is the most popular gearbox for SEAT Leon ?
What is the most popular fuel type for SEAT Leon ?
What is the most popular engine for SEAT Leon ?
What is the average mileage for SEAT Leon ?
28289
How many SEAT Leon cars are available for sale?
190
