Published:
1 February 2012Unlike some cars that try to be terribly clever and end up disappearing down packaging blind alleys, the Seat Leon instead focuses on doing only the conventional things you’d expect of any such car, but doing them very well. It may look like an MPV but, unlike the Altea and Toledo, it’s just a straightforward hatch.
However you’ll not fail to notice just how airy and spacious the cabin is. This would prove a comfortable home for four six footers which means the more usual cargo of parents and a couple of kids will find space to spare in every important direction. The rear seat doesn’t do any more than split or fold though, and boot is not as large as that of some rivals.
Further proof that this is no MPV can be found in the seating position, which is very definitely that of a conventional car, not an elevated people carrier. The driving environment is generally good and with a height-adjustable seat and a telescopic steering column, a decent driving position is never more than a few seconds away.
The optional media system uses a five-inch colour touchscreen that’s usual top-notch VW-Group fayre, with clear, easy-to-use sat nav, DAB radio and full Bluetooth integration that can stream music wirelessly from an iPhone.
Interior plastics are a mix of high-quality, textured swathes contrasted with less impressive hollow-feeling parts like the flat underside of the steering wheel in the performance models and some dash control switches.
