Weekender: Review of the SEAT Leon 1.4 TSI 150
When I was offered a test drive of a SEAT Leon, I hadn’t the faintest idea of what I would experiencing.
Allocated the 1.4 TSI 150 model, I imagined something not a million miles from my partner’s Toyota Yaris which has a 1.3 engine and, to be honest, is relatively sluggish.
How wrong could I be. The Leon delivered to me was the most interesting and exciting 1.4 I’ve ever driven.
I guess the technology which goes in to manufacturing the latest cars renders pre-conceived ideas about the power of lower-litred cars somewhat irrelevant.
The TSI is particularly fast, so much so, overtaking on country roads was never an issue.
Closely related to the Audi A3, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, it gives its rivals from outside the VW Group, including the mega-selling Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, a serious run for their money.
The ride is comfortable but firm and the LED headlights, power-folding door mirrors, passenger lumbar adjustment, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers and sports seats, give you the feeling you’re driving a vehicle of quality.
The gearbox is a slick six-speed manual unit which enables effortless transition from eco-friendly low speeds to motorway cruising mode.
At 6ft 2ins, I noticed there is plenty of space for a couple of tall adults in the front and there are plenty of little nooks and crannies for storage as well as the modern essential – a pair of cupholder between the seats.
I particularly enjoyed playing with infotainment system which included easy-to-use satnav and digital radio.
There was a little drama after the car warned me one of my tyres had lost pressure, alerting me to fears I was about to suffer a puncture. When I checked, the tyre had lost only a very small amount of air.
I topped it up and reset the monitor on the infotainment system. Very good
Boot capacity is a decent 380 litres, easily enough for the weekly shop or child’s buggy.
In all, this car was a joy to drive – well worth the price of nearly £18,000 which rises to nearly £25,000 depending on spec.
