Seat Leon S 1.6 TDI 5dr Car Review - April 2013

One of the first things you'll notice when you take the Leon out on to the open road is the engine noise, with the cabin not quite as hushed as some rivals. 0-62mph takes 10.7 seconds, but the top speed of 119mph means that it will be comfortable driving for long distances on the motorway, as well as during the school run. The handling is accurate, although a little short on the feel that you might experience in a rival such as the Golf, while the ride is comfortable and takes the majority of bumps and potholes with ease.

The steering wheel of the Leon and the cut off bottom has always been popular as it gives more space for leg movement, while there is plenty of adjustment available to allow almost every driver to get comfortable. The dashboard and centre console are well designed and uncluttered and there is good forward visibility.

The stance of the Leon on the road is a little more angular than some of its rivals, but it is certainly an attractive car, with the sharp angled light clusters helping the car to stand out from its rivals. Inside, the interior is well designed, but there are a few design touches and material choices that show how it can put the price slightly below that of the Golf and the A3. The fact that alloy wheels are only an optional extra is a little disappointing, as they would have completed the look nicely.

The majority of the basics are included as standard here, with air conditioning helping to keep the car comfortable in the summer, and the inclusion of the alarm is reassuring. Heated seats and metallic paint are optional extras.

There is no doubt that the Leon is a very practical family car, with plenty of space in the back for two or three children or two adults, with only the tallest of passengers feeling the squeeze in terms of leg room. The boot is a good size, with the rear seats folding forward or split folding depending on what you are trying to fit into the car.

The Leon is also a very safe car having achieved five stars in the newly overhauled Euro NCAP safety tests, and a good range of airbags to look after the driver and passengers alike. Since Seat was incorporated into the VW, its reliability figures have seen some improvement, and the two years' roadside breakdown assistance does add to the feeling of reassurance with the car.

With a list price of £17,370, this version of the Leon is the cheapest diesel in the range, which is around a thousand pounds less than the equivalent VW Golf and three thousand less than the equivalent Audi A3. There is no doubt that there are a few rough edges to the design and a few of the plastics to feel a little cheap, but this can be forgiven in this price bracket.

The running costs for the Leon are fairly reasonable, with the diesel engine achieving an average 74.3mpg, and the relatively low insurance group also being an advantage, particularly for younger drivers. The warranty is three years or sixty thousand miles, which is on a par with the competition, while the two years' roadside breakdown assistance should overcome any concerns about the car's reliability.