SEAT Leon SE 1.6 TDI 105PS
A COUPLE of weeks and 1700 miles have been more than enough to consolidate the first impression of the SEAT Leon’s well-built competence.
Most of the mileage has been on the motorway, but most of the time has been spent on the lanes and twisting hill roads that make the Brecon Beacons a favourite with car reviewers.
The low down
- Company car tax rate – 14%
- Annual/monthly tax payable (basic rate taxpayer) – £516/£43
- Our mpg over 1731 miles – 50.2mpg
- 0-62mpg/max speed – 10.7secs/119mph
Which is where it’s in its element.
The drive is just great, and it’s definitely at its best around the winding, dipping, climbing hill roads close to home.
The SEAT comes from the ‘point and go’ school of motoring. No wandering about on uneven surfaces, and a treat round corners.
It’s light, manoeuvrable and just feels secure and ‘in charge’.
It’s fine on longer trips too, but sat on the motorway doesn’t show it at its best. Cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and very user-friendly satnav and phone connection all make business trips easier though.
To look at, the Leon has much more individuality than its predecessor. Close up the sharp edges and angles characterised by the LED front lights are striking. From a distance the detail isn’t so obvious.
As to the all-important economy figures, with my business mileage and private mix of motorway and country roads, the SEAT is just about topping 50mpg. Pretty good, if short of the 74.3mpg which is the official combined cycle figure.
I’d expect it to improve after a few thousand miles.
Click here to read our full car review of the SEAT Leon SE 1.6 TDI.