A Leon that Roars

Seat recently threw down the gauntlet to its competitors in the largest car segment with the introduction of its Leon range.

Few, if any, are likely to query the new Seat’s styling but there might be some who would question the output of the car’s 1.4 litre engine.

I must admit that when I first saw this car for myself, I wondered was the 1.4 litre engine under its bonnet just a marketing ploy to have an attractive base price.

Since then I have lived with the starting model in the form of the 1.4 litre petrol for a week, in which time I covered over 500 miles. To say I was impressed would be a huge understatement.

Admittedly, the 1.4 litre Leon is not going to win any traffic light Grand Prix with a 0-62 mph timing of 14.3 seconds. The engine does, on the other hand, blend well with this hefty body.

Only a very enthusiastic driver will notice the lack of horses. And even though there is a large helping of enthusiasm coursing through my veins, the 1.4 litre 75 bhp Leon is the type of car I could easily live with.

The multi-valve engine proved refined and quiet. In a family-sized car one wants family size and economy and on both counts the Leon can oblige. Forty-one mpg was the overall figure.

I can think a number of cars that would perform like lightning with this engine. The reason being, of course, that their bodywork is as light as the prawn crackers out of the local Chinese take-away.

Any small sacrifices in performance are easily justified for here is one well-built, well put-together family mode of transport. Open any door, bonnet and tailgate, and the strength of the car can be felt. Get behind the Leon’s steering wheel and, again, a solid feel is relayed.

Very predictable in its handling, the Leon succeeds in returning a fine ride quality, something that indicates a good chassis and suspension layout.

Though I have great admiration for its interior layout and the textures used, some criticism would have to be directed at rear passenger legroom. This appears to be a family problem, for the Toledo model suffers in the same area.

The five-door Leon, the latest addition to the Seat line-up, looks both classy and sporty. With an aerodynamic (0.32cd) profile, the Leon continues the new Seat design theme which began with the launch of the Toledo. A distinctive grille bearing the company’s ‘S’ logo and narrow headlights with dark surrounds help to make the car’s styling stand out.

At the rear, the car is distinguished by its short overhang which relays a squat, muscular look. Other styling features include the boot spoiler that’s fitted to all versions.

It was refreshing to find that, despite living in a time when cars sell as if they were shortly to become extinct, Seat generously equipped this mode. Included in the Seat list is ABS. Why more manufacturers cannot include something as important as anti-lock brakes on a family car is beyond me.

The Leon’s other main features consist of driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, anti-lock brakes, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, three-point rear seatbelt, three rear head restraints, height-adjustable driver’s and front passenger seats, electric front windows, remote control locking, exterior t temperature gauge, 12v power socket in boot, split rear seats, a pollen filter and 12-year anti-perforation warranty.

Seat not only has in the Leon a fine car, the Spanish carmaker also has a price strategy and standard level of equipment which can only see this manufacturer gaining a greater foothold in the Irish market.

If Seat continues producing such well-engineered and pretty cars and continues giving the Irish motorist what he and she requires and deserves, then the Leon will blend into the market as comfortably as brown bread and salmon.