The Leon is Seats popular, sporty hatchback which was originally introduced in 1999 and quickly became a bestseller for Seat in the UK.
Spanish company Seat, first established in 1950, but now part of the Volkswagen Group, has developed its reputation slowly on the European market.
In 1999 Seat launched the Len and entered the compact vehicle sector, Europes most competitive market.
The Seat Len is a milestone in the companys history as the first car with 4-wheel-drive, 6-gear-gearbox and 180 hp.
Specification - Seat Leon 1.6 S
| Insurance Group: |
6 |
| Max Speed: |
117mph |
| Acceleration: |
0-60mph 10.3s |
| Fuel Consumption: |
combined - 36.2mpg |
| Standard Safety: |
Driver, passenger and side airbags, ABS. |
Sales and Brand
The Leon along with the Ibiza and Crdoba was responsible for Seats turnover enjoying a massive upturn of around 20 per cent and growth in production.
More than half a million Seat vehicles were produced in 1998.
Leon 1.6S is the latest in the line of quality vehicles offered at competitive prices which put it in a similar bracket to the Skoda for the sensible buyer. The VW Audi backed Seat appears to offer Audi-style quality at sub-Skoda prices.
Reviews
Although there have been some reviewers who have received vehicles with electrical problems a common complaint among the negative reactions here - most of our reviewers have been satisfied with this product. Many reviewers appear to have discovered the Seat has better spec for a better price than some bigger name brands in the same category and whats more the majority have found it a very reliable auto. Seat dealers also get a very good name in general.
Heres a selection from some industry reviews:
Channel Four Cars Online said: ..a great-looking car with a bold four-square stance.
What Car? said: The Leon sits alongside the best in class for front space and the legroom in the rear is good enough for adults to sit in comfort.
The Independent newspaper said: Its a good-looking, likeable and good-value car, this new Leon.
Yahoo Cars said: Like all VW-sourced products, you feel behind the wheel that youre in something much more expensive..
New Leon
Last month Seat announced the arrival of the second generation Leon.
The all-new Leon line up will initially offer a choice of 12 models with five engines and five trim levels.
The new Leon is longer, wider and slightly higher than its predecessor and extra space has been offered particularly in the rear. The design combines five-door hatchback practicality with sporty coupe elegance.
The new Leon has a choice of five engines, including new, high-performance 2.0-litre 185PS TFSI.
Leon Essence - the standard powered by 105PS 1.6 engine including six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, tinted windows, one-touch electric front windows, FM/AM radio/CD player with six speakers, remote central locking.
Leon Reference - offers the same plus air conditioning along with optional EUIV 1.9 105PS TDI engine.
Leon Reference Sport - 2.0 litre petrol and TDI engines plus extra sporty features: fog lights, six-speed gearbox, sports suspension, 16 inch alloy wheels, sports seats, leather steering wheel, gear knob.
Leon Stylance - builds on Reference spec with added Coming Home headlamps, electrically adjustable door mirrors with park function, dual zone climate control, eight speaker radio/CD system with steering wheel controls, illuminated sun visors, cruise control, ESP and EBA, locking wheel bolts, trip computer. Various engine models.
Leon Sport - boasts the most powerful petrol and diesel engines: the new 2.0 TFSI 185PS petrol and the 2.0 TDI 140PS both with 6-speed gearboxes and the option of a DSG gearbox with the diesel. Its the Stylance but with 17 five-spoke light-alloy wheels, beefy tyres, sports suspension and seats and exclusive interior.
