By Ian Strachan
SEAT’s Leon Estate has long been a family car which is roomy and practical but still looks elegant and sporty. In the latest version it adds sharper looks and more technology to an already attractive mix,.
The latest SEAT Leon in estate form has good looks, a very smooth ride, good handling, a fairly frugal, well-powered engine and a comfortable and roomy interior, which all add up to everything you could want in a car of this size.
Clever use of space in this SEAT gives a good-sized load area. The 60/40 split rear seat adds yet more versatility.
I drove the Leon Estate FR petrol-powered version, with a smooth and responsive 130 bhp engine which can return a respectable 46.3 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, helped by some interesting environmental technology that means you are running the engine on just two cylinders when you don’t need much power.
The power plant is easy-revving and is never under strain. Married to a smooth and pleasant six-speed manual gearbox it gives good acceleration through the range, and a sedate ride on long journeys. A feature on the dashboard reminds you when you need to change gear for the most frugal driving.
Ride and handling is both refined and composed, with sure-footed cornering, even at speed.
Inside, the Leon Estate is impressively roomy, particularly in the back. Instruments are well laid out and clear. The high quality cloth seats are comfortable and supportive.
Standard equipment on the well equipped FR spec which I tested includes a colour touchscreen for media controls, DAB radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, air conditioning, all-round airbags, electric windows and daytime running lights. On the road price of this SEAT Leon Estate FR 1.5 TSI 130PS is a competitive £22,645. My test car was fitted with a driver assistance pack with lane control at £635.
This is an excellent, smooth running and sophisticated estate from SEAT that feels more expensive than it is.
