Choose brighter. The new SEAT Leon has a sportier look with a modern interior and improved technology for a smoother driving experience.

Interior & Technology

The interior of the SEAT Leon is a comfortable and relaxing place to be. Leather upholstery is available on Xcellence Lux trim levels with the FR Sport and Xcellence getting suede. The SE trim level comes equipped with an 8.25-inch display with it increasing to a 10-inch display on other trim levels.

You can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to connect your phone with the interior touchscreen display. On selected trim levels there is the option for a wireless phone charger and the SEAT digital cockpit which has a 10.25-inch screen.

Front view of black Seat Leon parked at Nantwich Football Club

Space

The SEAT Leon has an exceptional amount of space with 50mm more knee room over the previous generation. There is plenty of space for passengers in all areas of the SEAT Leon. There are storage areas all across the SEAT Leon with large door bins for each door as well as one for the centre console.

Looking at the boot space the SEAT Leon you have 380 litres with flat load space. If you need to carry more space then you can split the rear seats to carry larger items. The SEAT Leon e-hybrid model comes with a 270-litre boot space.

Exterior & Performance

The SEAT Leon gets full LED lighting for lights in the front and rear. Moving to the side you get the option for 6 different alloy designs, the profile gives a sporty look with bold lines across the SEAT Leon. The new sophisticated script of the Leon badging at the rear adds more character to the stylish exterior.

The engines in the SEAT Leon start with a 1.0 litre with the top of the range being a 2.0 litre. The SEAT Leon comes in an e-hybrid model with a 1.4 lire engine paired with a 13kWh lithium-ion battery.

close up of New Leon badging and the Seat Logo boot release on a grey vehicle
Interior view of Seat Leon showing leather black flat bottom steering wheels and entertainment system
Close up of Seat Leon LED headlight
Side profile of Seat Leon parked infront of the Swansway Stand
Rear view of boot opened on a SEAT Leon
Close up view of infotainment screen inside SEAT Leon
Interior view of leather black seats inside SEAT Leon with centre cupholders

What trim levels are on the SEAT Leon ?

SE

  • 16″ alloy wheels eco
  • LED headlights and tail lights
  • 8.25″ infotainment screen 
  • NCAP safety tech
  • SEAT CONNECT 
  • Rear parking sensors

SE Dynamic

  • 17″ alloy wheels 
  • Digital cockpit
  • 10″ navigation screen 
  • Front & rear with park assist
  • Dark tinted rear windows

FR

  • 17″ alloy wheels
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Convenience pack
  • 3 zone climate
  • LED headlights with High Beam Assist
  • Sports suspension

FR Sport​

  • 18″ alloy wheels 
  • Microsuede upholstery
  • Winter pack 
  • Ambient wrap around
  • Black interior roof lining

XCELLENCE

  • 17″ alloy wheels 
  • Rear view camera
  • Winter pack 
  • Microsuede upholstery

XCELLENCE Lux

  • 18″ alloy wheels
  • Leather upholstery
  • Predictive ACC
  • Light assist
  • Traffic sign recognition

Review: SEAT Leon

The SEAT Leon is a core part of the Spanish firm’s range and now there’s a new one.

​What is it?

The SEAT Leon is a core part of the Spanish firm’s range and now there’s a new one. It uses a brand new platform - which it shares with the latest eight-generation Golf - and brings more standard equipment and technology than ever.

The thing is, can it still deliver the key attributes which have made the Leon so popular over the years? Let’s take a look. 

What’s new?

There are a wide variety of updates to this latest fourth-generation Leon thanks to a 1.1 billion euro investment in its model range. That’s why it showcases an all-new look as well as a completely redesigned interior.

It also benefits from a new range of engines, while a plug-in hybrid variant is on the way too. 

What’s under the bonnet?

There are a variety of petrol and diesel engines available with the Leon, ranging from a 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel, all with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Bump up to sporty FR trim, however, and there’s the choice of either that previously-mentioned petrol as well as an additional 1.5-litre petrol making 148bhp. It’s available with either a manual or automatic gearbox, too. 

What’s it like to drive?

‘Our’ test car came in sporty FR trim, which has traditionally been the most dynamic of the trim levels available with the Leon. However, this latest generation seems to err more on the side of comfort, feeling far more like a Golf in terms of character than before.

However, the whole driving experience is impressively hassle-free, being comfortable despite the FR’s stiffened suspension and remarkably stable at motorways speeds.

rear view of red seat leon parked by palm trees
interior of leon
side view of interior of seat leon
Red SEAT Leon front alloy

How does it look?

FR-trim cars boast sporty looking bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels, which does help to give the Leon even more presence out on the road. We’d also argue that brighter colours suit this Seat best, with reds a particular highlight.

At the rear of the Leon is a new full-width light, which helps to give the car a truly next-generation look when driving at night. It also livens up the design of the car during the day.

What’s it like inside?

In the cabin it’s clear to see the Leon’s Golf underpinnings, with the two featuring an interior which looks quite similar. However, that’s no bad thing as despite being quite minimalist it’s superbly well made and solidly put together.

There are very few physical buttons too, with the majority of the controls accessed via the main screen. This does help to give the cabin a clutter-free look.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the FR start from £23,185, which brings 17-inch alloy wheels with the optional upgrade of 18-inch versions available. You also get dynamic indicators, rain-sensing wipers and a wireless phone charger.

In addition, there’s the lowered sports suspension and redesigned body kit which are included as part of the trim and help to give the Leon a far sportier appearance.

Verdict

It’s hard to ignore the virtues of the new Seat Leon. It’s well designed, well made and superbly spacious too, while also being comfortable and refined to drive.

It does all of the things that the Volkswagen Golf does, but with the added flair that comes with the Seat badge on the front. If you want a little more personality without losing out on day-to-day abilities, then the Leon is an excellent choice.

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