There is a saying in Spain: “Desde Madrid al cielo”. That means: After Madrid, only the sky is more beautiful. We don’t want to contradict that, but at this point we would like to break the lance for another Spaniard: the Seat Leon. If only because it looks really good. It is true, as a rule, we do not talk about the design in a sales consultation, as that is literally a matter of taste. But the editorial team likes the Spaniard so much that it just has to be mentioned here. But that’s enough subjectivity, now let’s turn back to purely objective things.
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In co-operation with
For example sharing. As is well known, this is a pleasure, but only if the basic concept is right. Perhaps you already have an inkling of what is coming next. The platform donor of the Leon has always been the Golf, of course, it also takes over its operating concept. Unfortunately, the system doesn’t win just because it’s in a seat. We also have to meet in the LeonTouch through the menus almost without buttons or switches. During the test drive, our gaze falls again and again on the display, getting lost in structures that are not very clear. Even the simplest activities, such as setting the temperature or volume, are annoying in the long run, because the fingers run over a touch bar that gives no feedback. This also applies to the volume, although a switch in the right steering wheel spoke helps. As far as the air conditioning is concerned, even a downgrade does not help.
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Advice on equipment: Style or Xcellence
Elsewhere, Leon then knows how to dampen the criticism. The fully digital instrument cluster (450 euros for the Style line, also standard) enables individual settings with numerous display options. The end of sharing is at the latest with the head-up display, which the Golf offers, but the Leon does not. You can also find niceties such as ambient light in the Leon (series for Xcellence and Xcellence Plus, 315 euros for FR and FR Plus). LED headlights illuminate the road from the entry-level Reference line, for full LED technology including a stylish LED strip above the rear, Seat charges 1200 euros for the Style line, and 990 euros for the subsequent lines. To come back to the topic of sharing again: Seat is following a similar track to VW when it comes to extra politics. This means that extras such as the reversing camera (280 euros) that are often sought after are always subject to a surcharge. The same applies to seat and steering wheel heating, which the Spaniards bundle in the winter package for 415 euros. For the equipment lines, we advise you to choose either Style (cruise control, rear parking aid) or Xcellence (keyless entry, ambient light, digital instruments). If you don’t need a touch of luxury, style is by no means worse, just choose the extras you want. In terms of price, the equipment separates exactly 3050 euros. Xcellence and FR with the addition Plus offer purely cosmetic added value at a surcharge of 1585 euros. If you prefer a sporty appearance, choose the FR line, then drive with a little less comfort, but a little cheaper and with sports suspension from the yard.
In the rear, unlike the predecessor, even tall people feel very well cared for.
Quality and workmanship almost like golf
Regardless of the line, you have significantly more space in the new Leon than in the predecessor. The body: 6.7 centimeters more wheelbase, 8.7 centimeters longer than the Golf and a total of over 30 centimeters more than its predecessorguarantee a decent plus in all matters. Nowadays a rarity: the Leon measures 1.99 meters from mirror to mirror, while some competitors in this class clearly exceed the mark of two meters. The only real problem with the chic appearance is thatmiserable rear view. The reversing camera naturally supports the driver, but unfortunately only in daylight. The camera image is very poor in the dark. You can help yourself by repeatedly tapping the brake, which illuminates the area behind the car a little. When it comes to the trunk volume, the Leon stands out from the crowd.With 381 to 380 liters (1301 to 1237 liters), Spain is ahead of Germany. In the station wagon version it looks a little different: with 620 to 611 and 1642 to 1600 liters, the Golf Variant slightly surpasses the sports tourer, at least in terms of maximum volume. When it comes to quality and workmanship, Leon and Golf don’t take much either. Both are on a good level, but no longer match that of their predecessors. Seat offers an appealing selection of materials, only hard plastic greets you below the center console.
The coordination of the chassis and steering is traditionally sporty at Seat. It’s no different with Leon number four.
The engine program is extensive
The Spaniards have plenty of engines in their range. Natural gas, gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrids. First of all: We do not deal with the very sporty Leon, i.e. the Cupra, in this purchase advice, as Cupra is now trading as its own brand. The Leon does not run as a pure electric version. Like VW with the ID models, Seat is also outsourcing the E versions, the Spanish Cupra Born drives purely electrically. With the more conventional drives, the performance of the gasoline engines, including two mild hybrids, ranges from 90 to 190 hp, with diesel you can choose between 115 and 150 hp. The only plug-in hybrid generates a total of 204 hp and a purely electric range of around 60 kilometers from a combustion engine and electric motor. You can find the more powerful plug-in from the group shelf with 245 PS (Golf GTE) at Cupra. Another alternative that, in the case of the VW, is only available from used car dealers: the bivalent natural gas version, which, as the name suggests, mainly consumes natural gas, but can also handle normal gasoline. If Seat is still generous at this point, the first restriction follows immediately, because You only get a free choice between manual and automatic transmission with the natural gas version.
Seat Leon in the AUTO BILD used car market
The units are all in harmony, harmonize well with the assigned transmission, although we would like a manual version, especially in the case of the 190-hp petrol engine, as well as the more powerful diesel. Incidentally, the catalog no longer lists a single switch for the Cupra Leon – disappointing. Pleasing for all kilometer collectors: The coordination of the chassis and steering is traditionally sporty at Seat, and Leon number four is no exception. As an alternative to the sports suspension mentioned above, which is included in the FR line, the excellent adaptive suspension from the Golf is also available here. The extra charge? 900 euros. It doesn’t stop there, the progressive steering is also part of the dynamic package. This means that the driving behavior also corresponds to the dynamic look. The load steers precisely, has a sporty, firm suspension, but is by no means uncomfortable. Depending on your preference, you can order the bikes one size smaller or larger in order to improve comfort and a sporty appearance.
The Leon benefits from VW’s assistance offer
The assistance comes from the VW shelf, so the Leon also benefits from an extensive range. The three packages start with M, then L, and finally XL. The basic package costs 260 euros and comes with adaptive cruise control and high beam assistant – both work reliably. Package L (720 euros) extends the scope to include a blind spot assistant and exit warning. If you are a fan of the navigation system (750 euros), there is also traffic sign recognition on top of it. The alternative: “Wireless Full Link” for only 210 euros. This enables a wireless connection from Apple CarPlay for problem-free navigation. Android Auto still needs a wired connection. Back to the topic: Package XL (930 euros) brings along with other helpers, above all, Travel Assist, which accurately monitors distance, lane and speed while driving and adjusts accordingly.
Model *
Engine / displacement
Gearbox (man. | Automat.)
kW (PS) at 1 / min
Nm at 1 / min
Top speed **
0-100 km / h **
Standard consumption (WLTP) **
Exhaust CO2 • Exhaust standard **
OPF • SCR cat.1) / AdBlue-T.
Base price **
Conclusion
3 | 124 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
20,570 euros l 21,920 euros
A clear tip for the infrequent driver who also does little to transport. The three-cylinder makes good progress, but bends its knees quickly. Reference and Style are available as options.
125 | 126 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
21,570 euros l 22,870 euros
For a surcharge of 1000 euros, Seat donates a sixth gear, more power, torque and top speed. In any case, something for the infrequent driver.
124 | 126 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
26,000 euros l 27,350 euros
The mild hybrid dispenses with a manual transmission, is a bit faster thanks to E-Boost, but in return weighs 50 kg more, but can also load 60 kg more.
124 | 125 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
24,450 euros l 25,800 euros
Seat again carefully increases the performance, and with it the price. The unit does not offer any real advantages, only the trailer load (1.4 t) is 100 kg above the 110 hp variant, but 100 kg below the eTSI.
130 | 129 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
29,850 euros l 31,200 euros
The second mild hybrid in the group, which Seat delivers exclusively with the Xcellence line. The six-speed manual gearbox is also omitted here. 1.5 tons are now always on the hook.
130 | 129 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
27,370 euros l 26,620 euros
The Spaniards are tying the five-door to the Xcellence line, the sports tourer is already available with style, which saves just over 1000 euros.
151 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
31,220 euros l 32,370 euros
The top performance ahead of the Cupra models, which Seat has outsourced since it was founded. A hand switch would be desirable in the course of lower costs.
You won’t find a pure E version on the Leon. With the right infrastructure, however, it is definitely an appealing alternative. Market launch at the end of 2021.
112 | 114 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
25,000 euros l 26,350 euros
The engine for those who drive infrequently. If you take it seriously, you might realize the work specification. Ordinary 1.5 t trailer load.
5 | 116 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
30,180 euros l 31,530 euros
Our tip for the frequent driver. Fast, economical, relaxed in character. As with the 2.0 TSI, a six-speed manual gearbox that lowers the price a bit would be desirable.
– | 133 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
The only four-wheel drive is only available for the station wagon. The Spaniards allow style line, so the price does not slide completely into disproportionality.
R4, Turbo, + E.-M./1395 cm3
150 (204) (system performance)
1.1 l super • 14.6 / 14.7 kWh
25 | 26 g / km • Euro 6d-ISC-FCM
35,280 euros l 36,625 euros
The eco-knight with a range of around 60 locally emission-free kilometers. Once the battery is empty, the petrol engine seems very strained under load.
