SEAT Leon

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
“There’s no two ways about it – the new SEAT Leon is a brilliant car. It looks great, it’s practical, it’s quiet and comfortable to drive, and comes packed full of kit. The down side? The Volkswagen Golf does all of those things, and the extra cash won’t be too offensive when divided across the monthly payments of a finance deal.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon offers the tech and driving experience of the VW Golf, but for a lower price.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Like the hatchback, the new SEAT Leon Estate is an evolutionary update of its predecessor. The estate easily passes muster on practicality and is even fun to drive in some cases, but it’s neither as refined nor as premium-feeling as its Skoda Octavia Estate sibling.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“With price on its side, the SEAT Leon instantly becomes one of our favourite plug-in hybrid family cars. Also available as an ST estate, this new Leon e-Hybrid could well be the consummate all-rounder.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Existing Leon owners will find plenty to like on the new-generation car. But dynamically not a lot has changed here, and that means much of the car’s appeal will come down to how much cheaper it is than a Golf. With that in mind, sporty FR trim has never been our sweet spot in any SEAT range, and there’s not really anything on the new Leon that’s going to change our mind on that.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Always wanted a Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3 but thought they were a bit pricey for your budget? Here’s the answer – say ‘Hola!’ to the SEAT Leon, possibly the best all-rounder in the family hatchback market.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid range
Score: 7 / 10
“This is a very respectable plug-in hybrid hatchback and it’s easy to recommend, but mere competency can take it only so far. What is undoubtedly a good Leon won’t be a car that interested drivers seek out in the way they might the very best PHEVs.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon eHybrid is competitively priced against rivals like the Renault Mégane E-Tech, has a usable electric range and remains the sharpest-handling of the Volkswagen Group hatchback cohort, so it deserves a place on the shortlist of anyone wanting to buy a plug-in hybrid.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is easy enough to recommend, even if the Volkswagen Golf remains more refined on the move and lavish inside and the class-leading Ford Focus has opened up something of a margin in terms of enjoyment.”
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Model reviewed: E-Hybrid FR
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon E-Hybrid has much to recommend it, particularly for those seeking to minimise their tax liability while having a great-looking hatch on their driveway.
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 6 / 10
“Overall it’s a polished effort from SEAT, which manages to feel distinctive and good value.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“In terms of driver enjoyment the relatively heavy and automatic SEAT Leon leaves a bit to be desired in comparison with other warm hatches, but as a family-hauler capable of 40 miles of pure electric driving, it offers a brilliant turn of pace that will leave a few people surprised and delighted.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Seat Leon is a seriously accomplished all-rounder. It’s quiet, comfortable and spacious, while good levels of standard equipment mean that you’re not feeling short-changed regardless of the specification you opt for.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“New technology narrows the gap between the SEAT Leon and the latest VW Golf”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon gets many of the good bits from the latest Volkswagen Golf, yet it’s cheaper to buy. But from a brand that’s supposed to be sporty, the Leon is not as fun to drive as you might hope.”
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Model reviewed: PHEV
“The lower trim levels of the Seat Leon PHEV make the most sense for corporate drivers, thanks to the big BiK advantage of the extra mile or two of range as well as the lower price tag for a decent level of equipment. It’s also an attractive car, to look at and from behind the wheel.”
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Model reviewed: Estate
The Seat Leon estate is sensible and good-looking and offers practicality and well-controlled running costs.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 10 / 10
“The SEAT’s quality is very close to the VW’s but, even if you ignore the cost saving, the new Leon’s styling wins it for me and the fact it is a great car to drive.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 7 / 10
“An impressive spread of abilities was always on the call sheet, but the balanced chassis and impressive calibration take the package further.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“SEAT is looking to build on the sales success of the Leon with a new generation of its popular family hatchback.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Spanish Volkswagen Golf is now prettier than the German one. It’s certainly sportier-looking, with a more focused interior. Otherwise, beneath the surface, it’s identical. Pretty compelling, given how you’re paying thousands less for the privilege. The SEAT Leon is the perfect family hatch for those who think the latest Volkswagen Golf just a bit… awkward-looking.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Sporty SEAT packed with the latest tech”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
“The new SEAT Leon is a cheaper, more youthful version of the Golf. Just don’t have it in Magnetic Grey because it’s D-U-L-L.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is cheaper and more practical than an SUV.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“A fine blend of ride and handling, combined with a pleasingly understated interior. The bodywork isn’t the most distinctive, but it’s handsome enough. What mars this car, like so many of its contemporaries in the VW Group stable, is its confusing and distracting touchscreen.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Spain’s strongest attempt to out-Golf the Golf yet. A stylish, well-equipped and cheaper version of its German cousin.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The latest SEAT Leon is a fantastic all-rounder. If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive family hatchback with a roomy interior and loads of standard kit, it should be right at the top of your shortlist.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
“Medium-sized estate cars may play second fiddle to SUVs today, but the SEAT Leon Estate proves that estate car practicality can be every bit as good as an SUV, if not better. Even if it can’t match some rivals in terms of comfort, refinement and build quality, it’s an impressive all-rounder.”
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