One of the Leon’s features I appreciate most in everyday use is the multi-function steering wheel.
Our Octavia at £24,690 with options, was more expensive than the SEAT and was a reasonably hi-spec car. Yet, a multi-function steering wheel was a surprising omission from the standard kit list.
Then there’s the quality of the optional Sat-Nav fitted in both cars; the Leon’s, in my opinion, is the neater installation, but with the smaller screen and lower-res graphics, it’s much harder to read than the Skoda’s bigger £800 Columbus system.
It’s unfair to compare how the SEAT and ŠKODA drive, as the Leon has the Ecomotive green-focussed suspension set up, whereas the Skoda had four-wheel drive.
I know I’ve moaned about the Leon’s unsettled ride in previous reports, but in this company it feels sportier and a more involving car.
Facts, figures, likes and dislikes
P11D – £21,940
Company car tax – £51 per month for a basic rate tax payer
Official mpg – 85.6mpg
Our average mpg – 51 mpg over 2,260 miles
Our best mpg – 65mpg on a 50 mile trip
We like – Comfortable and refined performer, specification, high-quality interior, impressive economy, low company car tax exposure, bright LED headlights
We don’t like – noisy engine at idle, touch-sensitive sat nav not intuitive, unsettled ride over unmade surfaces
It might seem that I’m moaning about my SEAT, but overall I’m pleased it’s the Leon I’m running, as despite minor niggles, it still impresses.
Trips in the Leon this month have mostly involved long motorway runs, where it is generally a comfortable and refined companion.
Even when faced with some less-efficient in-town driving, the average MPG resolutely refuses to go below 51mpg and a £60 brim fill up still equals around 520 miles.
As I mentioned in the last report, I had hoped that getting past 2,000 miles, a general loosening of the engine would see an uplift again in economy.
As I write, we’re almost 500 miles past the big two and I saw 65mpg on a late night run around the M25.
At night, the LED headlights, part of the optional technology pack, come into their own, proving to be clear and powerful – they really are some of the best I’ve tried.
Thinking of choosing a new Leon? Well, the best news is that these lights and the rest of the technology pack worth £1,930, are being offered for free at the moment.
I wonder if 70 mpg is going to be possible next month? I’m looking forward to finding out.
More on SEAT Leon
Learn about the new Leon SUV – the X-PERIENCE
