SEAT Leon Hatchback (05 on) - Review

This Leon is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in improved interior space. While there's no shortage of headroom, three six-footers would be fighting for shoulder and legroom in the rear, but two adults or three kids fit easily. The front offers enough space for most shapes and sizes and although the seats are rather firm they are also very supportive, particularly those in the Sport models. The firm ride can affect comfort levels though - especially on cars with sports suspension and larger alloy wheels. Revised models from mid-2009 (you can spot them by the more angular rear lights) have an improved suspension set-up and the ride quality is noticeably smoother as a result.

With 341 litres the Leon's boot is slightly smaller than a Golf but the space is still a good size - even if the rather high boot lip hampers unloading. The rear seats split and fold 60/40 though which boosts space to 1,305 litres while up front there are two central cupholders and good sized door pockets. The rather small glovebox is annoying though - once you've stored the owner's handbook in it there's little remaining space.

The SEAT is seen as a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf and this does show somewhat in the interior. It lacks the soft touch materials used in the Volkswagen and although build quality is excellent it doesn't exude the upmarket feel of its German rival with some hard plastics. It's more stylish though, with a sporty steering wheel, circular air vents and clear dials. The thick windscreen pillars hamper visibility however - especially when driving in town. In 2009 the Leon was facelifted and the interior given a significant overhaul. There steering wheel, instrument dials, air conditioning and stereo controls were all upgraded, giving it a far more upmarket feel and modern appearance.