Road Test: SEAT Leon 1.5 TSI SE Dynamic estate
Is the Leon estate, like the hatch, more evolution than revolution? Martyn Collins ponders.
Our test car was fitted with the 130hp 1.5 TSI petrol
SECTOR Lower Medium PRICE £22,525 FUEL 46.3-50.4mpg CO2 126g/km
We’ve already established that the latest Leon hatch is a likeable lower-medium package, with more interior space, technology and efficiency – especially in E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid form. But what about the estate – is that a case of more of the same?
As with the hatch, the latest Leon estate’s styling is more evolution than revolution, although the more upright rear has been well integrated into this SEAT’s curvy look. To my mind, the estate is actually the best-looking Leon.
Inside, the new MQB Evo platform brings a longer wheelbase – which is most noticeable with the extra, and welcome, legroom in the back. Boot space jumps from 380 litres to 620 litres with the seats up. Sadly, our issues with the Digital Cockpit and infotainment remain.
It’s available in the same six trims as the hatch, which are all well-equipped. Ours was an SE Dynamic, which will appeal to fleets with the dark-tinted rear windows, Digital Cockpit and 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Leon estate is offered with a choice of petrol engines, including the 1.0-litre eTSI mild hybrid and the 130 and 150hp versions of the 1.5-litre TSI. Of key interest for fleets is the e-Hybrid plug-in hybrid, which features a 1.4-litre TSI engine with an electric motor, giving 27g/km CO2 emissions. There are no diesel Leon estates.
Our test car was fitted with the 130hp 1.5 TSI. A flexible performer, with a precise six-speed manual transmission, it has combined fuel consumption figure of 46.3-50.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 126g/km.
It’s a surprisingly keen drive; again the precise steering impresses and being in SE Dynamic trim, the lack of sports suspension, which is fitted to FR models, leads to a more refined ride, which isn’t at the expense of the Leon’s tidy handling.
So, the Leon estate is a polished package that’s wrapped up in attractive styling.
Martyn Collins
Martyn has 18 years experience as a motoring journalist, working across a wide selection of B2B and consumer titles. A car enthusiast since his early years, Martyn has a particular interest in the latest models and technology and in his spare time enjoys driving his own Minis.
