SEAT Leon Euro NCAP 4 Star
A real crowd pleaser the ever popular Leon shares many of its components with the Volkswagen Golf. A really fun car to drive.
The 1.6 litre (102bhp) unit is the mainstay of these lively engines, with the two economical 1.9 and 2.0 diesels also popular with business users. The excitable and eager 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 197bhp in the sportiest model, whilst a 2.0-litre FSI engine adds an extra dollop of gusto. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox except the 1.6 with is quite happy with five. The 2.0 FSI model is offered with a Tiptronic automatic gearbox, while
the 2.0 TDI can be ordered with the DSG semi-automatic system.
Despite of its excellent performance the Leon 1.9 TDI (105PS) still manages low emissions of 135g/km, gaining it an impressive VED rating C. It doesnt stop there however as this is also a very frugal mode of transport capable of 65.7mpg extra urban and 56.5mpg
combined.
Six trim levels are available, ranging from Essence through Reference, Reference Sport, Stylance, and Sport to the top of the range FR a genuine hot hatch. FR stands for Formula Racing a reference to SEAT's involvement in Touring car racing. All models come with electric front windows, remote central locking and air-conditioning. Sport versions add things like 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and suspension, rear electric windows and cruise control, while FR models get more powerful engines, and even sportier suspension
Six airbags are offered as standard on all models, with a further two rear passenger side airbags available as optional extras. All models also get a tyre pressure monitoring system and traction control. Stylance, Sport and FR models add features like stability control.
Crash-test experts, Euro NCAP rate it as a four-star vehicle. They also gave it a further 4 stars for child protection (five being the maximum). Stylance models are available with headlamps that mover with the steering to improve visibility on bends in the dark. Visibility is excellent especially with SEATS clever
wipers which park vertically, out of sight in the front pillars, leaving a large uninterrupted glass area.
All models come with a 2 year unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty plus a further 1 year / 60,000 miles (whichever is soonest) retailer warranty. The combined warranty means that you are covered from the registration date of your car, for a total of 3 years
or up to 60,000 miles, a (depending on which comes first). In addition you also get a 3 year paint and 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 1 year breakdown cover.
About the manufacturer
SEAT is committed to the continuous improvement and
environmental compatibility of its vehicles, extending to its manufacturing, sales and recycling centres and rational use of natural resources with a view to greater environmental protection. It endeavours to use the best available, economically viable and efficient technologies and builds them into the life cycle of its
products.
SEAT has put in place and certificated an Environmental
Management System (EMS) pursuant to standard UNE-EN-ISO 14001.
So as to make its vehicles continuously and increasingly
environmentally-friendly, SEAT looks at their environmental characteristics from the very beginning of development.
The aim is to use those materials which are most compatible with protecting the environment including, avoiding the use of harmful substances. Priority is also given to renewable and recycled materials.
As research carried out to date has shown SEAT that the main environmental impact of the vehicle is during use one of their main aims is the minimization of petrol consumption by means of weight reduction and improved aerodynamics. State-of-the-art technology is used to improve engine performance and reduce
emissions. Catalytic converters substantially reduce harmful substances in exhaust gases.
To control the transfer of potentially polluting substances, both in use and at final management, SEAT has paid particular attention to the design of water-tightness so as to avoid accidental leaks;
measures have also introduced to facilitate emptying of liquids.