SEAT has come a long was in a relatively short time following the acquisition of the Spanish manufacturer by the Volkswagen Group. The pride of the lion brand is undoubtedly the Leon, which has progressed and matured over the generations that it satisfied a constantly increasing number of customers over the years.
During the Summer, the fourth in the family series was launched, deemed to be the company’s most advanced yet, completely connected with improved comfort levels and higher levels of specification.
On test was the flagship 2.0-litre TDI 150hp DSG model with FR trim which impressively comes with 18” alloy wheels, a full digital cockpit, full LED lights, coast to coast rear lights, wrap around interior lighting, a connectivity box and much more.
What makes the all-new SEAT Leon better is that it uses the advanced MQB Evo platform from the VW car family, giving the design team greater flexibility. The Leon is now 4,368mm long (+86mm) and 1,456mm high (-3mm) in 5-door form and it has an increased wheelbase of 2,686mm, 50mm more than the previous generation vehicle- the latter increase has meant more room has been added to the interior of the car.
The all-new SEAT Leon’s rear space has improved by 49mm, meaning occupants remain comfortable whether the journey is a short local hop or an adventure further afield.
Indeed, this SEAT Leon is the safest vehicle the brand has ever developed, thanks in particular, to the integration of a state-of-the-art suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include, for example, predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Emergency Assist, and Side and Exit Assist, which combine to protect the vehicle and its occupants when driving or stationary.
Being a fully connected car, Full Link – Android Auto and also wireless access to Apple’s CarPlay and online infotainment improves the customer’s driving experience. Some aspects of the car’s touch screen are very smart and reduces the eye time away from the road.
What you get is a refreshing, sporty drive that’s economical to run and looks good too! Even on slippery, frosty roads as experienced during the test drive week, it held its ground and thanks to the driver’s safety aids provided the confidence and assurance needed. As with all the advanced technical aspects on today’s cars, the driver must remain in control and not be foolish to think that the car makes the person behind the wheel invincible.
Golden Steering Wheel Award
Generation 4 SEAT Leon won the much-coveted Golden Steering Wheel Award in Germany, organised by AUTO BILD, Germany’s leading automobile magazine. When voting on the nominated vehicles, the team of experts considered multiple factors, including how each car drives, entry price and standard equipment.
On the test track, an expert jury including racing drivers such as Sophia Flörsch, Daniel Abt, Mattias Ekström and Hans-Joachim Stuck, evaluated all 24 candidates according to criteria based on the AUTO BILD test scheme.
On receiving the award, Wayne Griffiths, President of SEAT and CUPRA said: “We are proud that our new SEAT Leon received the “Goldenes Lenkrad” or Golden Steering Wheel and stood out to the experts among the models in its category. This award is so rewarding for the team involved in the launch of the All-New Leon, a car designed, developed and produced in Barcelona. At SEAT and CUPRA we are currently in the middle of the largest product offensive in our history with models such as the SEAT and CUPRA Leon, the CUPRA Formentor and the future CUPRA el-Born. This award gives us renewed strength to look confidently into the future.”
SEAT Leon 2.0TDI 150hp DSG FR
Specification:
- 18” Machined Alloy Wheels
• Keyless Engine Start
• Electronic Vehicle Imobilizer
• 3- Zone Air-Conditioning
• Full Digital Cockpit
• Full LED Headlights
• Coast to Coast Rear Light
• Dynamic Rear Indicators
• Front Fog Lights
• Rear Park Distance Control
• Rear View Camera
• Drive Profile Selection
• SEAT Connect Services
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Headlight Assist (Auto High Beam)
• Full Link (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay)
• Centre Front Armrest
• Interior Chrome Detailing
• Leather Gear Shift Knob (Manual Only)
• Leather Muli-Functional Steering Wheel
• Grey Interior Roof Cloth
• Illuminated Scuff Plates in Door Aperature
• Front Assist System
• Lane Assist
• Dynamic Traction Support (XDS)
• Driver & Front Passenger Airbag
• Side Airbag in Front with Curtain Airbag
• Front & Rear Seatbelt Reminder
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Speed Related Steering Assist
• Exterior Mirrors (Heated & Electronically Adjusted)
• Folding Exterior Mirrors
• Wraparound Interior Ambient Lighting
• Sun Visors with Mirror & Illumination
• Rain Sensor (Auto Wipers)
• Reading Lights (2 Front & 2 Rear)
• 8.25” Touch-Screen Infotainment
• 7 Speakers
• USB C Sockets in 2Front & 2Rear (Charging)
• Bluetooth (Phone & Media)
• Dark Tinted Rear Windows
• Height Adjustment for Front Seats
• Lumbar Adjustment for Front Seats
Optional Equipment
- Metallic Paint (€668)
• Safe & Drive “L” (€748)
• Black Roof Cloth (€237)
• Alarm System (€310)
• Keyless Entry (€270)
• 10” Navigation System (€784)
• SEAT Connect Media Internet (€0)
• Park Assist (€412)
• Wireless Phone Charger (€217)
Pricing: Car: €32,090 + Options: €3,645