SEAT Leon Estate review
The Seat Leon Estate is roomy and comfortable, but it doesn’t do anything particularly clever.
- Cash
- £20,388
- Monthly
- £253*
- Used
- £11,250
What's good
What's not so good
Find out more about the SEAT Leon Estate
Is the SEAT Leon Estate a good car?
The new SEAT Leon Estate is a family car, along the same lines as a Ford Focus Estate or Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, but with bodywork that looks decently sporty, and lots of equipment to make the kids go “ooh”, and you go “ahh”.
Under the skin, it’s much like a brother from another mother, because the Volkswagen Golf Estate is exactly the same underneath. It’s just that with the Leon Estate you’re driving the cool uncle.
The Leon might not have a VW badge, but it looks just as sharp as a Golf Estate, if not even better. The triangular daytime-running lights signify SEAT’s unified look, along with the angular grille that looks a bit like the Tarraco SUV’s.
FR trim adds even more sporty additions but all versions look good, as there are more creases in the bodywork than the VW Golf gets, and the Leon’s rear end comes with a Porsche-esque full-width brake light.
The SEAT Leon Estate’s interior has a minimalist feel, so it’s very modern. For example, automatic models have a tiny gear selector, but all cars have a stand-out touchscreen display with lots of great features and cool-looking air vents. It’s well-built and looks good, too.
The standard screen is good but the optional 10-inch display is worth paying for. It’s just a shame about the fiddly touchscreen-based air-con controls.
Just like the previous Leon Estate it’s easy to find a good driving position because there’s a good amount of adjustment in the seats, and plenty of space in the cabin. In fact, the new Leon Estate is a better car for families than ever because there’s loads of space in the back seats. Even adults will be comfy in the rear.
As for the boot, well it’s a good size at 620 litres, comfortably bigger than the 575 litres of a Ford Focus Estate.
There are also hooks and lashing points to make life easier.
The Leon Estate is certainly light and easy to drive. But fun? Afraid not.
SEAT has clearly decided that diesel has gone the way of the dodo, so isn’t even offering it. Instead there’s a 1.5-litre petrol engine offering either 130hp or 150hp, and a 150hp version linked to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid version that’s worth considering if you have somewhere to charge it and you do lots of driving in town, where it can use its electric motor more of the time.
All versions of the SEAT Leon Estate have light steering, which makes them easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets. A tight turning circle means it’s good for driving in the city, although visibility could be better and you need to rely on the parking sensors to stay safe.
The sporty looks might lead you to believe that it’s more fun than it actually is on country roads. A Ford Focus Estate is a whole lot better from a keen driver’s perspective.
At least it’s quiet and smooth on the motorway and even the sportier FR models with their slightly stiffer suspension are comfortable even over potholes.
The SEAT Leon Estate is a good all-rounder, with lots of space inside, a comfortable drive and plenty of kit included. We reckon a Golf is better, but then it’s also more expensive. If you think the Leon Estate is for you, check out the latest SEAT Leon deals.
How practical is it?
There’s plenty of space for passengers and the stuff they bring with them, but nothing clever about the boot area.
What's it like to drive?
The petrol engines are perky and the plug-in hybrid efficient, but high-mileage drivers have no diesel option.
What's it like inside?
It’s all very high-tech and classy, but some of the interior systems could be easier to use.
SEAT Leon Estate colours
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
-
- Free
- Cash
- £20,388
- Monthly
- £253*
- Used
- £11,250
Build your own Leon Estate on carwow
Save on average £2,683 off RRP
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.