SEAT Leon Hatchback (05 on) - Review Review by Ben Wall on 23 August 2005 Last Updated: 07 December 2009 SEAT has a reputation for producing sporty cars based on reliable Volkswagen components and the Leon shows the company at its best. It may be based on the Golf but you'd never know from the looks - it's distinctive and athletic with some neat touches like the concealed rear door handles which make it appear like a coupe. The sporty styling is reflected in the handling - the Leon is sharp, precise and great fun to drive - even with the more modest powerplants. It's good value too, however some of the interior plastics feel a little cheap and the older diesel engines, especially the 1.9 TDI, are on the noisy side. In 2009 the Leon was revised with subtle exterior changes, a more sophisticated interior and new engines. There are also Ecomotive models, some of which qualify for free road tax. 4 out of 5 Other SEAT reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £14,890 - £19,510 View all new prices Used price range: £3,494 - £14,300 View all used prices See 10 new models for sale from £12,845 Get a SEAT Leon Hatchback (05 on) information pack Next steps SEAT Leon Hatchback cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 394 models like this for sale, starting at £3,995. Find used SEAT Leon Hatchbacks for sale Sporty and distinctive styling, great to drive, well built and reliable, good value for money, low emissions Ecomotive models Firm ride, some hard interior plastics, noisy diesel engines SEAT has a reputation for producing sporty cars based on reliable Volkswagen components and the Leon shows the company at its best. It may be based on the Golf but you'd never know from the looks - it's distinctive and athletic with some neat touches like the concealed rear door handles which make it appear like a coupe. The sporty styling is reflected in the handling - the Leon is sharp, precise and great fun to drive - even with the more modest powerplants. It's good value too, however some of the interior plastics feel a little cheap and the older diesel engines, especially the 1.9 TDI, are on the noisy side. In 2009 the Leon was revised with subtle exterior changes, a more sophisticated interior and new engines. There are also Ecomotive models, some of which qualify for free road tax. Driving & Performance Performance 4 out of 5"The entry-level engine in the Leon range is the 1.6-litre unit with 102bhp, however despite its..." Handling 4 out of 5"SEAT prides itself on producing sporty and keen handling cars and this is evident in the Leon. The..." Comfort Comfort 3.5 out of 5"This Leon is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in improved interior space." Practicality 3.5 out of 5"With 341 litres the Leon's boot is slightly smaller than a Golf but the space is still a good size -..." Equipment 4 out of 5"The original trim levels were Essence, Reference, Reference Sport and Sport, but these have been..." Behind the wheel 4 out of 5"The SEAT is seen as a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf and this does show somewhat in the..." Costs Running costs 4.5 out of 5"The Leon is keenly priced, particularly considering it uses a Volkswagen platform. It will hold its..." Green credentials 4.5 out of 5"The SEAT Leon range offers competitive fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. In June 2008 the..." Safety & Reliability Safety 3.5 out of 5"The Leon gained a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating but other hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and..." Reliability 4.5 out of 5"Thanks to the use of Volkswagen components the Leon has proved reliable. There can be occasional..." Buying & Selling Buying new 3 out of 5"Don't be afraid to ask for a discount on a new Leon, however the car is well equipped and..." Buying used 4 out of 5"The Leon makes a great value used buy and is a cheaper but more stylish alternative to the..." Selling 3.5 out of 5"A less common sight than the Focus or Golf, the Leon will appeal to younger buyers looking for..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used SEAT Leon Hatchback (05 on) 2.0 16V TDI Stylance 5d 5 out of 5 “ Good rear leg room for a car of this size ” Neil Wood Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more SEAT Leon cars for sale We have 394 models like this for sale. Find SEAT Leon cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used SEAT Leon Hatchback (05 on) 2.0 16V TDI Stylance 5d 5 out of 5 “ Good rear leg room for a car of this size ” Neil Wood