On the outset, the Seat Leon doesn't seem to know its place in the market. There’s the Audi at the top end and the Volkswagen in the middle, but it’s still confusing as to where the Seat hopes to settle itself within the VW hierarchy. The Leon model, in particular, makes this a more difficult mystery to solve. Although the Seat is the Volkswagen’s sporting brand, it still has a long way to go in terms of keeping up with its credentials and competitors. This review will look into how the Leon fares in the market and in achieving the Seat’s image in the said hierarchy.

Pros

The Leon is a good-looking car and comes in three ranges: the Altea XL, Altea, and the Leon. Each variation has its own distinguishing features, differentiated particularly through size. There’s also the Cupra R model that has polished black pillars and tinted rear windows so that the window line does not appear unbroken. The Cupra also features 19-inch alloys, distinct bodywork on its front, rear, and twin centre rear exhausts, and black door mirror casings. All these elements make the Cupra the Leon’s best competitor in Seat’s motorsport campaign.

The interior impresses by not just doing what’s expected of the vehicle, but also executing each function quite well. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate four six-foot tall individuals, while the rear seat can be split or folded according to how much seats are needed. The driver can find his position accordingly thanks to the height adjustable seat. The driving position is also ideal and the telescopic steering column within easy reach. The cabin also makes use of high quality interior plastics as well as textured swathes.

The Leon also boasts of stellar performance. The 1.2 TSI engine drives smoothly and lightly on the road; plus you don’t have to worry about aural feedback. This engine also feels light compared to the larger options within the Leon’s diesel range.T 1.4 TSI engine comes highly recommended as it can work at a power lower than 4800rpm and it can rev more than 5600rpm. The vehicle also delivers  decent performance through the 1.6 TDI, but it's best to go for the 1.4 and 1.2 TSI as it requires less pressure when going on full throttle. The 2.0 TSI is also quite powerful as the 258lb ft torque provides more than enough urgency even when pushing at low revs.

Ride and handling is another great feature of the Seat Leon. It performs as well as the Golf, able to corner through different bends with the right assurance. Good grip remains consistent throughout any weather, providing a ride that more expensive models would provide against the Leon’s more affordable rates.

Cons

Despite the Leon’s different models, the model is only available in five doors. The rear door tends to sink into the rear three-quarter windows, making it look almost like a coupe in its profile. This is the only downside we see to the vehicle, considering how well design and main features come together to deliver a comfortable, reliable, and smooth drive for both passengers and drivers. 

The SEAT Leon is a 3-generation small family car produced since 1998. The car used the Volkswagen Group A platform, which it shared with the VW Golf, Audi TT and the Skoda Octavia. The Leon was originally sold as a 5-door hatchback, but 3-door hatchback and 5-door estate versions have been sold starting 2012.

The Leon Typ 1M shared a lot of components with SEAT’s liftback Toledo. Various versions called Cupra were made. Leon was built and marketed as a sportier and less expensive alternative to the VW Golf. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Leon had a more aggressive look and was equipped with powerful Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engines. Typ 1M first generation was deemed by Autocar as one of the best hatchbacks of all time in 2010.

The second generation Typ 1P had a new look designed by Walter de’Silva. The Leon FR version continued the sporty look of the first model. Various limited editions were built from the second generation. K1 Cupra was sold in the UK from 2008 to 2009, with a more pronounced tailgate spoiler and reworked bumpers.

Typ 5F was introduced in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show. This model is shorter and had improved safety features, and uses the new VW MQB platform.