SEAT Leon Hatchback 2000-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    At the time I bought it, it was in a class of its own - performance and sophistication of something five grand more expensive. It has a bit more competition now.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Servicing not too steep so far, fuel consumption around 30 mpg.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fun when you want it to be, docile if you just want it to take you home. Less out-and-out hot hatch than my missus's Clio Sport 172.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Awesome, barely any turbo lag. You don't need to rev the nuts off it to go seriously fast.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    A bit patchy. Had two coil pack failures (apparently a common problem on the 1.8 20V VAG engine), though dealers have been good.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Fine for me. Tall sixth gear makes it a nice quiet cruiser at naughty speeds, ride is a tad firm. My missus finds the seats uncomfortable, so each to their own.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Well no-one's nicked it yet. Alarm isn't Thatcham approved.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Two electrical failures - see above.

    Other

    27,000 miles on the clock, and a few squeaks and rattles have started. Horn's packed up too.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No