Vincent Harry
It has come as a surprise to me how much pleasure this new Seat Leon has brought me while driving.
In fact, I would also call it one of the best cars I have driven this year, definitely one of the most enjoyable, yes!! 🙂
The latest Leon and latest Golf, like today’s, are built on the most up-to-date version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
Due to the cost considerations, you are only able to obtain the Leon in five-door or estate versions without three-door model offered. It is 90mm longer than the older one and a healthy 16mm narrower.
Part of this extra track (5mm to be exact) has been inserted between the wheels and this increased wheelbase has given a little more rear legroom.
However, the styling I will let you decide. It is without a doubt a more visually appealing car than the Golf since it has more distinctive lines and angles.
The grille is Tarraco inspired and there is a full-width rear light bar with the script of the word ‘Leon.’
The grey paint of our test car is a bit dull, but generally, the car looks quite attractive and crispy.
You have a variety of engines and powertrains, with more in the offing. We used to ask in the old days, ‘when’s the fast one coming?’ – but another obvious question today is, ‘when’s the electrified one coming?’.
The FR trim provides 17in alloy wheels, twin exhausts and a unique suspension set up with a 15mm lowered ride height.
This all seems to shape up into a car that is leaning towards sporty driving and would suffer from a harsh ride on rough road surfaces. However, no, the proportion is perfect. The engine has a touch of low down turbo lag, but with such a wonderful gearbox, this is irrelevant.
I found the power quite more than enough and loved every twist and turn I took along fast country roads in the Leon.
The new Leon’s dashboard seems quite ascetic as almost all the functions are integrated into the touchscreen and infotainment system.
This is a replication from the current Golf and feels equally frustrating when it comes to changing simple settings like the temperature.
But it’s a good system and has very effective voice recognition process and many other functions. Seat has also put a lot of effort to the elevate of the interior quality to the level of the Golf – and almost accomplished this.
