• Lots of petrol, diesel and hybrids on offer
• All are efficient and offer low running costs
• Plug-in hybrid is the best on paper

What are the running costs?

As is often the way these days there isn’t a huge divergence in fuel economy and CO2 emissions whether you pick petrol or diesel, but the latter is still the best choice unless the plug-in hybrid model fits into your lifestyle. We say that because while the PHEV has lofty claims of three figure fuel economy, this is only relevant if you keep it charged up and refrain from regular long motorway trips.

We reckon the 1.0-litre TSI SE Dynamic is model of choice thanks to its low emissions and price tag balanced against good equipment. For the Estate however we’d look towards the diesel or PHEV models as they balance the scales more towards load-lugging ability. This is a big booted model after all.

We found the 130hp petrol engine’s actual fuel economy figures were pretty close to the claimed number in the hatchback so there’s no reason to expect the Estate to be any different. The 1.5-litre Evo can run on two cylinders to reduce fuel use and in practise this switchover happens seamlessly enough.

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As stated about the PHEV is – on paper at least – the best model to choose from a running costs perspective. On test we got 73mpg while taking in motorways, country roads, and drained the battery a few miles short of the claimed 40.

Servicing and warranty

A pretty standard offering from SEAT when it comes to warranty – two years unlimited mileage followed by a third year/60,000 miles, whichever comes soonest. There are separate three year paint and 12 year body warranties too.

That’s not industry leading given the likes of Toyota‘s 10-year dealer support, Kia or MG offering seven years, or Hyundai’s five, but should cover the length of a PCP finance contract, by which time you’d likely be looking to swap out anyway. Fixed price servicing is available at main dealers.

Reliability

• No recalls so far
• Infotainment seems less glitchy than VW and Skoda cousins
• Tried and tested mechanicals shouldn’t prove troublesome

It appears to be following on from the previous model, upon which this updated car is largely based, which was only recalled three times. Once in 2016 and twice in 2019 relating to the child locks disengaging, plus indicator and driver airbag faults.

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