Seat Leon SE Copa 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £19,510
Tax Band: D
Insurance Group: 15
MPG: 60.1
CO2: 123
0-62 Mph: 11.7 secs
BHP: 104 BHP
Range: 727 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
This version of the Seat Leon is in the middle of the range in terms of the list price, but this version of the diesel engine is the most efficient of all those available. It is also a car that is good to drive, which is a big plus for those who tend to drive by themselves, but the ride is a little bit firm for those who will be carrying passengers in the car on a regular basis.

PROS:  The SE trim adds a number of nice extras to the Leon, and along with the sporty looks and fun driving experience you will also get a remarkably frugal car in terms of its fuel efficiency.

CONS:  There are cheaper versions of the Leon available, and there have been some trade-offs made in terms of the space inside the car, which is also a little bit dull in terms of the interior.

Behind the Wheel

The Seat Leon has a very sporty suspension set up meaning that the driving experience is really quite good, with handling that really gives plenty of feedback to the driver. The steering is nippy and there is plenty of grip available, but the ride does become really rough when driving on poor roads at slower speeds. The driving position is fine with a nice array of adjustable options for the seat and the steering wheel, but the large windscreen pillars can be an issue when it comes to pulling out at the junctions.

In terms of the engine performance, this version of the 1.6 litre TDI engine can deliver acceleration from 0-62mph in a competent 11.3 seconds. Although this is certainly not a hot hatch, it is more than enough for most drivers, and the top speed of 115mph means that the Leon is comfortable driving on the motorway at a good speed.

Looks & Equipment

The front end of the Leon is quite similar to its little brother the Ibiza, and the grille and headlights do combine well. The body curves nicely through the car, and never becomes too angular, and the small spoiler above the rear window does add to the look of the Leon. This version is also supplied with alloy wheels as standard, which adds to the quality image of the car. Inside, it is also well designed, with a lot of information delivered simply on the dashboard.

The Copa versions come well equipped, and include satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity as standard, which is built into the centre console below the CD stereo. Cruise control and climate control help to make the driving experience comfortable and easy, and also the power folding mirrors are a nice addition to the car.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Leon is a mid sized hatchback, and can offer plenty of space in the front, and a reasonable amount of legroom and headroom in the back too. The boot space is a little limited, and the small boot door means that access for larger items to be loaded isn't ideal. In terms of reliability, the Leon has a good record which is supported by the warranty on offer from Seat.

The Seat Leon has been awarded four stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and also comes with a range of airbags including a curtain airbag to look after passengers in the rear seats too. The car is also supplied with a range of driving aids that will help to keep the Leon on the road.

Value for Money

This is one area where the Seat Leon is particularly strong, and although the purchase price of £18,665 means that it is quite expensive, much of this will be recouped in the low running costs. The pricing is also quite competitive when compared with similar sized hatchbacks.

The fuel efficiency of the 1.6 litre TDI engine is really very good, and can offer an average 67.3mpg. The low carbon emissions mean that tax liabilities are very small, and the insurance group means that premiums will be quite low too. Resale values for the car have also proved themselves to be quite strong too. The Seat Leon benefits from the usual package offered by Seat, which is a three year warranty and a two year roadside breakdown assistance policy.

Seat Leon SE Copa 1.6 TDI CR DSG 5dr Car Review - by 
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Medium Family Alternatives

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