SEAT Leon FR (2006 - 2012) boot space, practicality and safety

The Leon gained a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating but other hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Peugeot 308 were awarded the maximum five stars. The assessors highlighted structures in the dashboard that represented a potential hazard to the knees and femurs on the driver’s side. However a four star rating for child occupant safety is impressive.

All models come with six airbags (a further two rear passenger side airbags are optional), a tyre pressure monitoring system and traction control.

Thanks to cleverly concealed rear door handles, the Leon FR looks like a coupe, but in fact it’s a practical five-door hatchback. There’s decent room in the back, although with a taller driver and front passenger, rear legroom is quite limited. The boot is a useful size though with 341 litres of luggage room – a few litres less than a Volkswagen Golf, but the rather high load lip and narrow boot opening mean getting larger items in and out can be a struggle.

The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, and there’s a useful storage box under the passenger seat.