Summary
The SEAT Leon is a family hatchback and estate model that shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf and several other cars in the Volkswagen group.
This model was launched in 2012 and ended production in 2019. An all-new model arrived in the UK to replace it in late 2020.
The SEAT Leon range received consistently good to very good scores from the UK media all the way through its production cycle, with the general consensus that it enjoyed most of the qualities of the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 from the same era – but at a lower price.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £18,265 on-road
Launched: 2012
Last updated: Winter 2016/17
Replacement due: Summer 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 8.6 / 10
“It’s thoroughly practical while offering more personality than its more mainstream sister, the Volkswagen Golf. “
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Cupra R ST ABT
Score: 9 / 10
“More power isn’t always a guarantee of more fun but in the case of the SEAT Leon Cupra R ST, the ABT tuning package is an absolute no brainer. It moves what is already a thrilling and fast family car into even pacier territory with little trade off.”
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Model reviewed: Leon Cupra R ST
Score: 9 / 10
“The Leon Cupra R ST will be a rare sight, with just 150 coming to the UK. But those who take the plunge will be in for a treat: it’s a deeply engaging, entertaining and rapid estate car.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre TSI 150 FR petrol manual Technology
Score: 8 / 10
“The Leon has always been a sensible buy for those who want something a bit sharper – in look and drive – than the VW Golf (not to mention a bit cheaper). That hasn’t changed, and the Leon now looks and a feels more modern than before.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is a talented family hatchback, thanks to its stylish looks, impressive engines and generous trim levels.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is a sporty-looking, practical family car with a brilliant range of engines, but it trades some comfort in the name of being fun to drive.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT’s Leon is much more than a Volkswagen Golf understudy.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT’s Leon is much more than a Volkswagen Golf understudy.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“Out on the road, it’s good to drive with sporty handling and good agility. The Leon FR gets a new SEAT Drive Profile which lets you vary the characteristics of the steering, throttle response and the engine sound via a sound actuator in the exhaust.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“A good-value Golf hatchback in Spanish garb”
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Model reviewed: ST estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“A sharper-looking alternative to the Golf Estate”
Read review
Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10
“SEAT’s strongest car in a long time, the Leon is now a Golf-baiting player.”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 94%
Child protection: 92%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 71%
Notes on safety rating
The SEAT Leon was awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP back when this model was launched in 2012. However, this rating expired in January 2019 as the Leon no longer met the requirements for a five-star car. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used SEAT Leon to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The SEAT Leon was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 209
Average repair cost: £798.16
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of January 2024, the SEAT Leon has a below-average reliability rating of 56%. Our scores are based on workshop and extended warranty claims data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy, and the Leon’s rating applies to this model as well as both newer (2020 onwards) and earlier (pre-2012) models.
To date, the average repair cost for a Leon is about £800 – which is certainly a lot more than the cost of a used car warranty, so that’s worth considering.
The most common problems to date are also the most expensive. Engine issues make up about a quarter of all Leon faults, and have had an average repair bill of more than £1,300. Gearbox problems are also quite common, with an average bill of £1,200.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 47 mpg | C | 34 – 53 mpg | B – D |
Diesel models | 56 mpg | B | 55 – 59 mpg | A – B |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 138 g/km | B | 120 – 190 g/km | A – C |
Diesel models | 133 g/km | A | 125 – 138 g/km | A – B |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 19 | A | 12 – 35 | A – C |
The SEAT is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have five-year servicing costs due to the Leon’s age, but insurance should be fairly inexpensive and fuel consumption is good on the diesel models. The petrol models are thirstier, however.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the SEAT Leon has received
2015
- Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year
2014
- Auto Express Awards – Compact Family Car of the Year + Estate Car of the Year
2013
- Auto Express Awards – Car of the Year + Best Compact Family Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the SEAT Leon, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta | Citroën C4 Cactus | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla | Vauxhall Astra | Volkswagen Golf
More information
More news, reviews and information about the SEAT Leon at The Car Expert
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