The first new Leon reviews have started to appear in the motoring press and initial impressions are very positive.
“It’s the best hot front-drive diesel model we’ve ever seen,” said Autocar of the 2.0 TDI 184PS model and What Car? have given new Leon five stars for ‘buying and owning’ and for ‘safety and security’, with an overall rating of four stars!
Below are the edited highlights from some of the UK’s leading specialist magazines.
What Car? Four stars overall
“It’s a great return to form for the Leon badge, and yet another serious contender in the small family hatchback market.”
“It’s hard to argue with the safety line-up on the Leon. Every model gets seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control with brake assist, active front head restraints, ISOFIX and remote central locking.”
“The Leon doesn’t yet have a EuroNCAP rating, but it’s predicted to score the maximum five stars.”
What Car? gave Leon five stars for ‘buying and owning’, and ‘safety and security’. For the other seven categories it received four stars, giving it an overall rating of four stars.
Autocar (Leon 2.0 TDI 184PS)
“A very polished performer indeed. In a straight-line, it really is rapid and there’s so much traction and such a wide torque band that you’ll often forget you’re in a diesel at all.”
“As for whether SEAT has created an out and out diesel hot hatch, we’d say it’s come as close as anyone before it in cracking that particular genre. Sure, it still can’t quite match the involvement of a high-revving petrol hot hatch, but thanks to a mighty engine, an impressive chassis and some clever electronics, it’s the best hot front-drive diesel model we’ve ever seen. Praise indeed, but the new Leon is good enough to deserve it.”
“Still thinking about that Golf?”
Autocar (Leon 1.4 TSI 140PS)
“Good” hardly does it justice. The striking new Seat Leon is a massive improvement on the model it replaces.
“Better in every conceivable area, it retains the focus on performance and determined handling traits which made the old model a favourite among enthusiast drivers.
“But thanks to the adoption of Volkswagen’s super rigid MQB platform structure and its heavily altered chassis, it delivers the sort of ride comfort and refinement to make it a truly compelling proposition in a market littered with standout models. It also represents excellent value for money.”
“The fresh design theme continues within the interior, which boasts the sort of ergonomic integrity, perceived quality and versatility to put many more expensive and so-called premium class rival hatchbacks to shame.”
“…a truly compelling proposition in a market littered with standout models.”
Auto Express Leon (1.6 TDI 105PS)
“The Leon is a real statement about what SEAT is trying to become, which is why it’s the first to wear the firm’s new minimalist logo. It’s much classier than the car it replaces, both in terms of design and quality, and remains comfortable despite its sporting pretensions.
“…the Leon feels very solid, particularly when you get out on the road where it soaks up big distances with ease. The 1.6-litre engine is a little gruff with a turbo that needs to be kept on boost, but treat it nicely and you’ll be rewarded with low running costs. What’s more, the Leon is cheaper to buy than the equivalent Golf or A3.”
“Combine the cut-down overhangs with a wider stance, and the Leon cuts a sporty, contemporary figure – particularly when you compare it to the car it replaces. It’s a more overt style statement than either the Golf or the A3, too, especially if you opt for the all-LED headlights… which are a first in the C-segment.”
Business Car Manager
“…the new Leon really hits the mark. With the current Ibiza, and now the new Leon, SEAT has found a look that works. And the Volkswagen group engines and new MQB architecture work just as well in the Leon as they do in the more expensive VW Golf and Audi A3.”
“There’s plenty to attract the taxation-conscious company car buyer looking for a bit of affordable style, with a 99g/km, 74.3 mpg 1.6 diesel, an entry-level 1.2 TSI turbocharged petrol giving 114g/km and 57.6 mpg, and the car featured here, the powerful but economical 184 PS £22,375 high-performance FR diesel that tops the range.”