Nearly new buying guide: Seat Leon

The Seat Leon facelift came in 2017, bringing a sharper look, restyled lights and more technology. Seat’s Easy Connect system is standard but you have to go to SE Technology to get an 8.0in screen with DAB radio and satnav, or SE Dynamic Technology to get rear parking sensors, which seems mean. Frustrating, too, because the Leon’s stylish lines come at the expense of rearward visibility. A reversing camera is an option, so look out for cars with one. 

Meanwhile, the 1.2 TSI was replaced by a three-cylinder, 113bhp 1.0 TSI 115. It’s a sweet unit and one of our favourites. The VW Group’s new and impressive 1.5 EVO engines in 128bhp and 148bhp outputs replaced the 1.4s, while the powerful 178bhp 1.8 TSI was replaced by the 187bhp 2.0 TSI 190 with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard. Paired with Xcellence Technology trim, it’s a million miles from that 1.6 TDI S.

BUYER BEWARE Transmission If it's an automatic check the seven-speed DSG' box changes quietly and smoothly. Tellingly, in Russia and China warranty cover for this unit was extended to five years. It requires fresh fluid and filters every 40,000 miles.

Body Check for condensation in the tail lights (faulty seals are to blame). 

Interior Expect a few trim rattles and buzzes.

Infotainment During your extended test drive check the sat nav avoids freezing, a known problem.

Electrical Where fitted, there are reports of premature failure of the main MOLL-brand battery. 

Need to know

Leons with less than 148bhp have a semi-rigid rear axle that gives a slightly springy ride; more powerful models such as the Cupra have a fully independent set-up. 

A new Leon, the Mk4, arrives later this year, bearing Seat’s new corporate face. It shares the current car’s MQB platform technology but has a slightly longer wheelbase to give a roomier cabin. There will be no three-door version. Keep your eyes peeled for strong pre-reg deals on run-out examples of the outgoing model. 

Seat’s approved used scheme offers a 12-month warranty and what it calls a ‘full service history check’. Crucially, the latter only claims to verify any Seat dealer servicing and is not a guarantee of full service history.

Our pick 

Leon 1.4 TSI 150 FR Technology: The 148bhp engine is refined, responsive and economical. Add FR Technology’s 17in alloys, LED headlights, bodykit and sports seats and you have a good-value proposition. A 2017-reg with 24,000 miles is £11,500.

Top spec pick

Xcellence Technology: Live it up with lashings of chrome, ambient lighting, leather trim, keyless entry and ignition and convenience packs. A 2017 1.4 TSI 125 XT with 23k miles is £11,400

Wild card

Leon 1.8 TSI 180 FR: The 180 sits plumb in the middle, offering strong in-gear performance and refined cruising, although it can sound strained at higher revs. A 2016 example with 21,000 miles is £12,500.