Seat Leon 2021 long-term review Car News

The 1.0 TSI Leon was satisfying to drive, and so was the 1.5 TSI; that smooth gearbox, unassuming engine, lively chassis and tight steering combine to make this a pleasant car with which to exploit inviting country roads. The Leon is positioned as the more exciting sister of the Volkswagen Golf, and it shows.

This Leon is in the Xcellence version, which Seat calls “the most forgiving”. Indeed, it is embellished with a reversing camera and a keyless entry and a start in addition to full LED lights, scrolling indicators, four selectable driving modes, “ microsuede ” upholstery, air conditioning tri-zone, seat heating, heated leather steering wheel, rain detection wipers, wireless phone charger, interior ambient lighting, electric driver’s seat adjustment, manual front passenger seat height adjustment and lumbar support Adjustable for both which are added by the FR and FR Sport trims below. It’s hard to argue with Seat’s claim that he’s “overflowing with class,” no matter how much that verb makes me shudder.

For the record, the high-end Xcellence Lux trim adds leather seats, hands-free tailgate opening, high beam assist and adaptive cruise control. Honestly, I’m happy to miss those first three things and happy to avoid the last.

So did the Leon make a good first impression? Hmm. “Mixed” would be the best descriptor. At least my bad feelings come from one source: infotainment. Much to my chagrin, the first thing I noticed was the lack of dashboard buttons and, even worse, the touchscreen sliders for temperature and volume that had so irritated me in the new Golf, under the same 10.0 inch touchscreen.

My fingers cross in the hope that an extended period may change my first impression of this old Leon – of which I was a big fan – made better to drive and more efficient but with an inferior interior.

Like:

Family car fun Driving an electric SUV, I forgot how much fun a family car can be. The Leon engine, gearbox, steering and chassis make a great team.

Hate it:

Temperature sliders Why can’t I have a dial to set the temperature? One for, you know, using reliably in the dark and without looking away from the road.

Mileage: 625