SEAT Leon 2024 review
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The SEAT Leon brings a welcome dash of Spanish flair to the UK family hatchback segment, sharing Volkswagen Group engineering with the Golf while undercutting it on price and wearing sharper, more youthful styling. The 2024 Leon is at its best with the 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid engine, which delivers punchy mid-range performance, slick DSG shifts and impressive economy. The cabin is driver-focused with a large central touchscreen, though the touch-sensitive climate controls divide opinion among UK owners. Where the Leon really scores is value: FR trim gives you sporty looks, 17-inch alloys and a proper sense of occasion for money that buys only a mid-spec Golf. Handling is agile and entertaining on a B-road, yet the ride remains composed enough for daily commuting. Boot space is generous, rear legroom is fine for adults, and insurance groups are reasonable. Build quality is solid if not quite Golf-grade, but the Leon counters with personality and equipment. For buyers who want German engineering with Latin character, it is a compelling package.
UK price from: £24,000
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid 4-cyl petrol |
| Power | 150PS |
| 0-60 mph | 8.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 139 mph |
| Fuel economy | 50.4 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 128 g/km |
| Boot space | 380 litres |
| Length | 4,368 mm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 1.5 eTSI 150PS mild-hybrid petrol engine
- 10-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring
- Digital cockpit driver display
- FR sport trim with 17-inch alloys
- Three-zone climate control
- Adaptive cruise control
- LED headlights with dynamic indicators
- KESSY keyless entry and start
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (pair) | £39.99 | OE-spec pads for 1.5 eTSI; bedding-in recommended |
| Oil filter | £10.99 | Cartridge type; service interval 10,000 miles or yearly |
| Cabin filter | £15.99 | Activated carbon; behind the glovebox |
| DSG service kit | £149.99 | Oil and filter for the 7-speed DQ200; every 40,000 miles |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £21.99 | Aero flat blades, 26in / 18in |
| Ignition coil | £34.99 | Common wear item; replace in sets if misfiring |
Pros
- Sharp, youthful styling
- Strong value versus the Golf
- Punchy, efficient eTSI engine
- Agile, entertaining handling
Cons
- Fiddly touch-sensitive cabin controls
- Rear visibility is poor
- Some hard plastics in the cabin
- Boot smaller than class best
