SEAT's fourth generation Leon has sharpened up its act. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This fourth generation SEAT Leon is a Golf-sized model that in this updated form now offers some fresh new engine options and an improved cabin with enhanced media connectivity. If you'd been overlooking it, this Spanish contender might now be worth a second glance.

Background

SEAT, in case you didn't know, is supposed to be an emotive, 'Latin' kind of brand, a kind of 'Iberian Alfa Romeo'. Hence the passionate marketing, the rallying success and the World Touring Car Championship trophies. Customers though, remain a little unconvinced, especially in mainland Europe. But not so in the UK. Sales are strong on these shores and the Leon model range has always represented much of the reason why, ever since the MK1 version's original introduction in 1998 and subsequent second and third generation models respectively launched in 2005 and 2012. Together with the Ibiza supermini, the Leon is SEAT to British buyers. This fourth generation version, launched in early 2020, builds upon the solid foundation established by its predecessors and, like them, is based entirely on Volkswagen Golf engineering - in this case, the latest eighth generation version of that car. It's a great starting point, which explains the appeal of this enhanced version of the MK4 Leon with its updated engines, smarter cabin and improved media connectivity.

Driving Experience

What if you could take everything that's good about the drive dynamics of a Volkswagen Golf - the superb ride, the excellent refinement, the exemplary at-the-wheel ergonomics, the smooth efficient engines - and replicate it all in a better value package with a slightly sportier feel? Such has always been the appeal of the SEAT Leon and in that regard, not much is different with this fourth generation version. It still steers and turns in a little more sharply than its Golf, Octavia and Audi A3 VW Group family hatch cousins that share the same engineering and MQB platform. And, as before, most mainstream versions continue to persist with an old-school torsion beam rear suspension set-up. Which isn't to suggest that nothing has changed here with this revised model. Quite the contrary. Take the engine range, which is now four cylinder-only. That's a reference to the fact that the previous entry-level three cylinder 1.0-litre TSI petrol unit has been replaced with a four cylinder 1.5-litre TSI powerplant developing 115PS (5PS more than the old unit) and 220Nm of torque (20Nm more). It's linked to 6-speed manual transmission. As before, there are two mild hybrid eTSI petrol units available, also based around the 1.5-litre four cylinder powerplant, exclusively available with 7-speed DSG auto transmission and developing either 115PS or 150PS. SEAT has also taken the opportunity of this update to introduce a new generation eHybrid Plug-in Hybrid unit. This is now based around the 1.5-litre petrol unit (replacing the old petrol 1.4) and develops 204PS in combination with a 115PS electric motor and a now-bigger 19.7kWh battery pack which can now take the car up to 62 miles between charges. As before, you'll also be offered the option of diesel power - there are two versions of the efficient VW Group 2.0 TDI 'twin dosing' unit, offering either 116 or 150PS. Closely related is the CUPRA Leon hot hatch variant, which can be had with either an uprated 245PS version of that 1.5-litre Plug-in Hybrid powertrain we just mentioned. Or with a conventional 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit, developing either 245PS in front-driven conventional hatch form or 310PS in 4WD Estate guise.

Design and Build

There are no significant visual changes with this updated model and as before, Leon buyers choose from either a five-door hatch or an Estate model. In both cases, SEAT says that exterior style was one of the key reasons why people bought earlier generation versions of this car, so for the launch of the original version of this fourth generation 'KL1'-series design in 2020, that was focused on, hence the sharp, assertive lines of this model. Full-LED headlights feature at the front and there's a distinctive full-width 'coast-to-coast'-style lamp arrangement at the rear. The mid-term updates are more evident inside, where this improved Leon gains a smarter 10.4-inch central touch screen, with an even bigger 12.9-inch monitor available as an option. The fiddly temperature control slider is now illuminated and an upgraded 15W smartphone charging pad is available, with refrigeration to cool your 'phone whilst charging. Otherwise, things are as before. The interior design centres around the use of SEAT's 'Digital Cockpit' layout, which brings together a high-resolution 10.25-inch configurable driver instrument cluster and the aforementioned central screen. That middle monitor's 'diagonal' graphic design positioning apparently gets its inspiration from the Diagonal avenue of Barcelona. Interior light is an important feature here. It includes a wraparound dashboard light that covers the fascia's entire width and continues through the doors. In the rear, there's decent leg space (a slight failing of earlier generation Leons); a 50mm increase in wheelbase length for this MK4 design usefully improved that. But it didn't help boot space: it's 380-litres in the hatch and up to 617-litres in the estate.

Market and Model

Pricing hasn't changed much, so, as before, you'll be looking at list pricing primarily in the £25,000 to £40,000 bracket, which is pretty much par for the course in the family hatchback segment. There's also the option of an Estate body style for a premium of just under £1,300. Either way, customers get a choice of four trim levels - 'SE', 'SE Dynamic', 'FR' and 'FR Sport'. Even base 'SE'-spec gets you quite a lot: 'Kessy Go' keyless start, full-LED headlight technology with automatic high beam and 16-inch alloy wheels, plus an eight-inch centre-dash infotainment screen with SEAT Connect technology and access to the 'Apple CarPlay' or 'Android Auto' media systems. 'SE Dynamic' mid-range trim upgrades you to the SEAT Digital Cockpit package, which gets you a 10.25-inch digital driver instrument binnacle display, plus a larger 10-inch centre-dash infotainment screen with navigation. Plus at this level, you get Park Assist (front and rear sensors) and tinted rear side windows, as well as larger Dynamic 17-inch alloy wheels. To make your Leon really stand out, you'll need one of the meaner-looking 'FR' trim levels, which add sporty front and rear bumpers, Dynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust pipes and a unique suspension set-up that gives a 15mm lower ride height. 'Xcellence' trim adds luxury touches like microsuede cloth upholstery and Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control.

Cost of Ownership

Lots of work's been put into efficiency here. The standard 1.5 TSI and 1.5 eTSI petrol engines feature a Miller-cycle combustion process and variable geometry turbocharger, along with integrated Active Cylinder Management. The Miller-cycle optimises valvetrain control with early closure of the inlets which, combined with a higher compression rate and turbocharging, better control the air-fuel mixture and improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent. As for the WLTP figures, well expect around 50mpg on the combined cycle and about 125g/km of CO2 for the 1.5 TSI and 1.5 eTSI variants. For the 2.0 TDI 115PS diesel, the figures are up to 67.3mpg and up to 111g/km. As before, the brand's Mild Hybrid eTSI tech uses a 48V starter-generator and lithium-ion battery enabling the vehicle to coast with the engine switched off (while retaining all key electric functions, such as power steering), harvest energy under deceleration and provide electrical torque assistance during acceleration. If you want to go further, the Plug-in eHybrid model's 1.5-litre TSI engine is now paired to a 19.7kWh battery pack which can be fully charged in about 3.5 hours and offers up to 62 miles of electrified range.

Summary

This Leon has long been a strong but often overlooked contender in the family hatchback segment and this MK4 version has been usefully improved. Buyers will appreciate the improved media connectivity and the mild hybrid and plug-in engine tech keeps the range right up to date. Whether there really is 'latin spirit in every one' is another question of course. In the case of sportier versions like the FR models, we'd be tempted to say yes. Overall, on a pure value-versus-quality basis, this Leon has long been the pick of the Volkswagen Group offerings in this sector. And that also makes it one of the key segment benchmarks outside the Wolfsburg family of brands. Which in turn, makes it a very good car indeed.

Body Glass

Rear wash/wipe

Dark tinted rear windows

Electric front/rear windows

Windshield wiper intermittent control with light/rain sensor

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Brake control system - ESC and brake booster

Hill hold control

Electronic parking brake

Rear disc brakes

Chassis/Suspension

Sports suspension

Communication

E-call

Full link smartphone integration with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto

Driver Aids

SEAT drive profile with 4 modes (Eco/Normal/Sport/Individual), throttle response and gearshift mode

Lane assist

Park assist (inc front/rear parking sensors)

Driver attention alert with drowsiness warning

Intelligent speed assist

Front assist with forward collision warning braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

Rear view camera

Power assisted speed sensitive electro-mechanical steering

Driver Convenience

Lockable tailgate

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

RPM, trip computer, outside temp gauge, instrument light brightness, low fuel warning light, lights on reminder, gearshift indicator

Digital cockpit with multifunction display

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors

Door mirror LED indicator lights

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Chrome interior detailing

Entertainment

7 speakers

Auxiliary input socket

2 front and 2 rear USB-C ports

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Body coloured bumpers

Illuminated front door sill

FR sports bumper

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Dynamic headlight range control

LED rear fog lamp

Welcome light silhouette from exterior mirrors

Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control and coming home feature

Matrix LED headlights and beams with variable light distribution, LED rear light and dynamic turn signals

LED front fog lamps

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Three zone climate control

Dust/pollen filter

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Luggage tie-down hooks

Black headlining

Folding boot cover

12v power point in centre console

Microsuede cloth upholstery

Front seatback storage pockets

Interior Lights

Interior wraparound lighting (FR)

Ambient lighting with glovebox, footwell and single monocolour

Front and rear reading lights X 4

Packs

Media system plus with navigation - Leon

Safety

Seat belt reminder for front and rear seats

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Extended safety system - seat belt tensioner, window closure and hazard lights

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Child proof door locks

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag de-activation, front side and curtain airbags

Seats

Front and rear height adjustable headrests

Single front passenger seat

ISOFIX points in outer rear seats with top tether anchorage points

Manual driver seat with memory and height adjustable passenger seat

Heated front seats

Lumbar adjustment for front seats

60/40 split rear bench seat with armrest

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Security

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

Locking wheel bolts

Wireless phone charging

KESSY Go (Keyless start)

Transmission

XDS electronic differential lock and dynamic traction support

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with covered illuminated mirror

Wheels - Alloy

18" Performance machined alloy wheels with 92Y tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 106

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.014

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 158

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 116

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 124

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 133

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 124

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1498

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 74.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.9

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.8

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - High: 60.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Low: 40.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7

General

Generation Mark: 4

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 19E

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Description: eTSI 150

Coin Series: FR Sport [DAP]

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Top Speed: 135

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.4

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: PERFORMANCE

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2686

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1456

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 1799

Length: 4368

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1890

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1700

Minimum Kerbweight: 1302

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 45

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 680

Max. Loading Weight: 588

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Panoramic sunroof

Packs

Safety and Driving pack (M) without Dynamic road sign display - Leon

Safety and Driving pack (XL) - Leon

Safety and Driving pack (L) - Leon

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Sapphire blue

Metallic - Glacial white

Metallic - Magnetic tech grey

Metallic - Graphene grey

Metallic - Desire red

Metallic - Midnight black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fiord blue

Service/Warranty

Warranty - 4 Years/75,000 miles

Warranty - 5 Years/90,000 miles

Towing

Electric towing hook

Tow bar pre-installation

Trim - Cloth

Microsuede cloth - Soul black with lava red stitching

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel with jack