SEAT Leon – Spanish blood

We have already got used to the fact that each new generation of the Spanish compacts is a stylistic revolution and it is exactly the same with the fourth generation of the popular model. The new version does not extend the stylistic concept of its predecessor, but it contains advanced technical solutions. 

Completely different again

The SEAT Leon has developed its styling line horizontally. The headlamps strongly overlap the fenders, and what remained unchanged are the characteristic, triangular daytime running lights. The feeling of increased width is enhanced by the low hood. The same applies to the rear, where the full LED lights are connected by a thin red light strip. The front bumper is also interesting, as it received different identification depending on the drive version. The car is low-slung, which adds a sporty character even to the “civil” version available at PANEK Rent a Car. The whole thing looks like combat and nothing reveals the fact that under the hood there is a 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI engine with 110 HP.

Sporty in a different way

The 1.0 TSI is the entry-level power unit in the SEAT Leon range. It produces 110 hp and a torque of 200 Nm. On paper, these parameters will not shock anyone, but in fact it turns out that the not too heavy body can be accelerated quite efficiently and the Leon will certainly not lag behind the others during a dynamic start from the lights. What came as a surprise during the test drives was the fantastic engine silencing that is almost inaudible. This is a huge advantage that directly affects the comfort of traveling, especially on long routes. The reaction to pressing the accelerator pedal is perhaps not too fast and to feel a bit of spice while driving, you definitely need to switch to the SPORT mode, but the lack of power is perfectly compensated by the precise steering system, which even provokes you to check the limits of grip. The car likes corners very much and is perfectly predictable and stable in them. The same applies to long journeys on the motorway. The cabin is very well soundproofed and you can feel that the accountants did not save on noise-suppressing materials, and the average fuel consumption on the route can be kept at a very decent level of 6.3 l / 100 km.

Digital interior

Another revolution took place inside Leon. You have to get used to the new dashboard architecture, because some key elements have disappeared from it. The most important is the lack of a classic air conditioning panel, and all airflow control functions, like the rest of the functionality, are now available from the central screen menu. SEAT has left a residual panel with touch buttons for direct access, but to change the direction of the airflow, you need to take your eyes off the road for much longer than a fraction of a second. The same applies to the assist systems menu, which is presented graphically. These are the charms of progress. However, you cannot fault the position behind the wheel and the comfort of driving. The Volkswagen Group is indeed leading the way in ergonomics and comfort. Perfect lateral support and fantastic support for the buttocks and thighs bring the Spanish hatchback to the “Ekstraklasa”. Also, the luggage compartment seems to be sufficient for a group of 4 travelers. It is deep and adjustable, and the possibility of positioning the backrests makes the Leon a nice luggage compartment.