Business Car Manager verdict
The SC can claim to have converted one cynic on two counts.
First, the SC just works as a coupe – though it has to be a quick one for it to count. There is something very appealing about the wrap around all involving smile inducing feel of it, even if it isn’t very politically correct to go fast these days.
Second, that DSG gearbox is a gem – even if you think you don’t like automatics.
So our pecking order is pretty cut and dried.
The best drive
At a glance
- Company car tax – £64 per month (basic rate tax payer)
- Official fuel consumption – 49.6mpg
- Test consumption – 35.7mpg
- Best estimate in real life motoring – >40mpg
- 0-62mph – 7.2 seconds
The 180PS 1.8 litre TSI with the DSG box is the best drive, by a country mile.
The senior bods at the SEAT SC launch were all about to get the engine in their business cars and if that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know, I don’t know what does.
Without the 3 percent diesel company car tax penalty, it’s actually cheaper on company car tax than the closest diesel equivalent, and it’s not at all bad on fuel either. Scurrying around the Cotswolds the test car was averaging 35.7mpg according to the computer so 40+ should be very achievable in normal use – provided you behave yourself.
If you’re a low miler, go for the 1.8 TSI every time.
The best company car/performance compromise
At a glance
- Company car tax – £67 per month (basic rate tax payer)
- Official fuel consumption – 64.2mpg
- Test consumption – 42.3mpg
- Best estimate in real life motoring – >50mpg
- 0-62mph – 8.4 seconds
This goes to the 150PS diesel, with the DSG gearbox.
It’s not as quick on paper as the powerful 184PS diesel, but the slickness of the gear changes means that in the real world it feels if anything quicker than the more powerful engine.
Add the economy advantages compared with the 1.8 petrol TSI, and this is the best business car option if you cover lots of business miles.
If you really want the best economy option, go for the manual gearbox – it’s around £1300 cheaper, better on company car tax, and more economical. But ask yourself, why do you want a coupe in the first place?
And the surprising third place
At a glance
- Company car tax – £59 per month (basic rate tax payer)
- Official fuel consumption – 65.7mpg
- Test consumption – 43.6mpg
- Best estimate in real life motoring – >50mpg
- 0-62mph – 7.5 seconds
While the 184PS diesel is almost as quick on paper as the 180PS TSI, it doesn’t feel it behind the wheel. Nor does it come close to the refinement of the petrol version, particularly in the absence of that DSG box.
When, and if, SEAT puts the DSG gearbox alongside the 184PS engine a re-think might be in order.
For sheer driving pleasure we can’t see it topping the petrol SC though.
The Low Down…
SEAT Leon SC 2.0 TDI FR 150PS DSG
| Doors and body style | 3-door coupe |
| Engine/gearbox | 150PS 2-litre turbodiesel/6-speed twin clutch auto |
| CO2 Emissions | 117g/km |
| Economy | 64.2mpg |
| Power/torque | 150PS/320Nm |
| 0-62mph/top speed | 8.4 seconds |
| Insurance group | 20 |
…and what it costs
| P11D Value | £22,280 | |
| Monthly business rental (ex VAT) | From £290 (3 yrs/30,000 miles) | |
| Road tax (VED) | Band C | |
| Company Car Tax Bands 2013/14 to 2015/16 | 18%, 19%, 21% | |
| Benefit in kind 2013/14 to 2015/16 | £4010, £4233, £4679 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%) | £760/£63 | |
| Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%) | £1520/£126 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (20%) | £802/£67 | |
| Annual/monthly company car tax (40%) | £1604/£133 | |
| Figures correct at time of posting | ||
| For latest figures | Use our company car tax calculator | |
