Nearly new buying guide: Seat Leon
The likeable Leon is a practical hatch with a sporting bent
The Leon is the fourth piece in the Volkswagen Group family hatch jigsaw, the one with Spanish eyes. It’s the partygoer, although whether you believe it rocks the night away or simply has an early night like its three siblings depends on how seriously you take Seat’s brand positioning.
It certainly looks the part, with its sharp creases and flowing lines. Inside, though, it’s a bit more subdued, and the quality of some out-of-the-way trim is average. Fortunately, it comes alive with a broad range of mainstream petrol and diesel engines, while beyond these are sporty 2.0-litre engines producing up to 306bhp and found in the Cupra.
The Leon arrived in 2013 atop parent company Volkswagen’s new MQB platform and bristling with driver aids and technology. The headlights were full-LED, at least on higher-spec trims – a first in the family hatch class. Three-door versions were branded SC but here we’re concerned with the more practical five-door.
*Click here to buy your next used Leon from Autocar*
Today, prices start at around £4000 for a 2014-reg 1.6 TDI with 100,000 miles in entry-level S trim. The 103bhp motor is a workmanlike affair but the mid-power 148bhp 2.0 TDI 150 is more satisfying. An 84,000-mile 2015-reg is £7400. For more poke, there’s the 181bhp 2.0 TDI 184. We found a 2014-reg FR Tech Pack with 117,000 miles for £5995.
Among the petrols, a 2014-reg 104bhp 1.2 TSI 105 with 80,000 miles is £4250. This engine is adequate for scooting around town but more demanding drivers should aim for the larger 1.4 TSIs with 122bhp and 148bhp outputs. The latter is a more appealing all-rounder than the 148bhp 2.0 TDI and our top choice.
S trim’s drab 15in steel wheels do little for the Leon’s party animal image so go for friskier SE (leather-covered steering wheel, 16in alloys and hill hold but standard suspension). FR offers a sportier feel. In addition to sports seats and sports suspension it has Drive Profile, offering steering and throttle modes.
The facelift came in 2017, bringing a sharper look, restyled lights and more technology. Seat’s Easy Connect system is standard but you have to go to SE Technology to get an 8.0in screen with DAB radio and satnav, or SE Dynamic Technology to get rear parking sensors, which seems mean. Frustrating, too, because the Leon’s stylish lines come at the expense of rearward visibility. A reversing camera is an option, so look out for cars with one.
Meanwhile, the 1.2 TSI was replaced by a three-cylinder, 113bhp 1.0 TSI 115. It’s a sweet unit and one of our favourites. The VW Group’s new and impressive 1.5 EVO engines in 128bhp and 148bhp outputs replaced the 1.4s, while the powerful 178bhp 1.8 TSI was replaced by the 187bhp 2.0 TSI 190 with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard. Paired with Xcellence Technology trim, it’s a million miles from that 1.6 TDI S.
*BUYER BEWARE* *Transmission* If it's an automatic check the seven-speed DSG' box changes quietly and smoothly. Tellingly, in Russia and China warranty cover for this unit was extended to five years. It requires fresh fluid and filters every 40,000 miles.
*Body* Check for condensation in the tail lights (faulty seals are to blame).
*Interior* Expect a few trim rattles and buzzes.
*Infotainment* During your extended test drive check the sat nav avoids freezing, a known problem.
*Electrical* Where fitted, there are reports of premature failure of the main MOLL-brand battery.
*Need to know*
Leons with less than 148bhp have a semi-rigid rear axle that gives a slightly springy ride; more powerful models such as the Cupra have a fully independent set-up.
A new Leon, the Mk4, arrives later this year, bearing Seat’s new corporate face. It shares the current car’s MQB platform technology but has a slightly longer wheelbase to give a roomier cabin. There will be no three-door version. Keep your eyes peeled for strong pre-reg deals on run-out examples of the outgoing model.
Seat’s approved used scheme offers a 12-month warranty and what it calls a ‘full service history check’. Crucially, the latter only claims to verify any Seat dealer servicing and is not a guarantee of full service history.
*Our pick *
*Leon 1.4 TSI 150 FR Technology:* The 148bhp engine is refined, responsive and economical. Add FR Technology’s 17in alloys, LED headlights, bodykit and sports seats and you have a good-value proposition. A 2017-reg with 24,000 miles is £11,500.
*Top spec pick*
*Xcellence Technology:* Live it up with lashings of chrome, ambient lighting, leather trim, keyless entry and ignition and convenience packs. A 2017 1.4 TSI 125 XT with 23k miles is £11,400
*Wild card*
*Leon 1.8 TSI 180 FR:* The 180 sits plumb in the middle, offering strong in-gear performance and refined cruising, although it can sound strained at higher revs. A 2016 example with 21,000 miles is £12,500.
*Ones we found*
2013 Seat Leon 1.2 TSI SE, 57,000 miles, £4200
2015 Seat Leon 1.6 TDI SE, 86,000 miles, £5995
2016 Seat Leon 1.4 Eco TSI 150 FR, 65,000 miles, £8040
2018 Seat Leon 1.2 TSI SE DT, 8000 miles, £10,944
*Read more*
*New 2020 Cupra Leon to be part of seven-strong line-up*
*Seat Leon review*
*Seat plans design revolution starting with new Leon*