Advantages: Nippy, comfortable, affordable Disadvantages: I wanted the diesel version
...should I say hate, with SEAT began about 10 long years ago. I needed a car urgently to get to Coventry and, as an impoverished student, it was the only hire company and car I could afford. Fast track forward 10 years, and I was not too impressed to discover the VW Golf I ordered from Europcar had miraculously transformed into a top of the range SEAT Leon. To say I was unimpressed and determined not to like it was an understatement. However, 500 miles ... ...port of call was the SEAT website, www.seat.co.uk, which is an informative and easy to navigate site, listing its products, finance options (new cars), the cars features and costs and SEAT approved dealers, new and used.
Therefore second port of call was my local SEAT dealership, www.frfmotors.com, who incidentally also have outlets alongside selling Mazda, Volvo and Vauxhalls, not to mention being a Network Q Dealer, but enough about them.
ABOUT ...
sue.51 03.04.2004 (04.04.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: See op Disadvantages: People staring at it! Dodgy after sales care from some SEAT Dealers.
...will post an op under Seat Leon Cupra shortly when I've calmed down!!
EDITED VERSION OF THIS OP
Since its launch in early 2000, the SEAT Leon has emerged as the most highly acclaimed SEAT model produced by the Spanish arm of the VW/VAG group. SEAT cars have the traditional VW build quality and mechanical/technical innovations borrowed from their German cousins. However the Latin styling flair and individuality is unique to all SEATs.
Striking ... ...VFM factor associated with all SEAT models, have led to the Leon having a growing cult following, especially the 142 mph Cupra Sport models.
Built on the VW Golf floor-pan, the Leon is a medium sized 5 door hatchback (although a 3 door is produced only in LHD as a 4wd/2.8 V6 high spec Cupra 4 sports version ). MODEL RANGE ~ Petrol – 1.4 16 valve S ~ 1.6 16v S ~ 1.8 20VT SE ~ 1.8 20VT Cupra Sport.
Diesel – 1.9 Tdi (90 bhp) ~ 1.9 Tdi SE (110 bhp).
...
brian27mpv 23.11.2001 (06.12.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Stylish, good value, reliable, high spec Disadvantages: Odd niggling faults, but nothing major
...what's not.
All current Seat cars are essentially based on VW/Audi group (VAG) cars, with a few changes, plus a more stylish exterior than the dowdier VWs and Audis. The Leon is based on the series IV VW Golf, but has and old shape Audi A3 dashboard, and VW Passat wing-mirrors, for example. It first came onto the market in the UK in Spring 2000.
The Leon looks best in brighter colours and my solid red really stands out. Some have said it look like ... ...three headrests and full three-point seat belts in the rear; reach and rake adjustable leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser; and sports (GTI-style) seats in front. They are pretty well kitted out. The most common 'S' versions only have standard air-con, front only electric windows, standard seats, and standard suspension. They are both higher spec than the equivalent Golf. Only the GTi Turbo came with climate ...
kingbing 03.10.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: stylish, well built & good spec Disadvantages: could do with a bit bore leg room inside
I bought my Seat Leon a few months back when my old Mondeo started to need money spent on it. I have to say that having been pleased with the Mondeo but needing a slightly smaller car, I was going to buy a Focus - I was looking for one about 3 years old (51 reg-ish).
But I started to look around to see what was available, and very quickly started to get frustrated. My list of 'musts' for my new car were Air-con, ABS & remote central locking. And ... ...started to look at the Seat Leon. It was the size I wanted, had all the spec(ABS & remote locking standard across the range, Aircon standard on 1.6 & above), and being part of the VW group, it has VW build-quality. And best of all, it was about £2000 cheaper than the equivalent Golf! That's quite a lot when you're only paying £5k in total.
The one I went for is the 1.6. It's not astoundingly powerful, but it's certainly quite capable of resonable ...
agmalias 14.10.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: VAG car, Cheapish, Fast, Fun Disadvantages: Bit of make snobbery, Paintwork
...you are looking at a SEAT then you are after more for your money. Otherwise you would likely go for an Audi or VW to go with the VAG theme. VAG? That's the Volkswagon Audi Group, basically the company own Audi,VW,Skoda,Seat.. and to keep the costs down a LOT of the parts that are used in all of the cars. So I'm getting a rebranded Audi? Not quite, basically a lot of the parts will be the same, but the build quality and parts particular to that car ... ...Did I mention that SEAT give there performance times with 3 passengers in the car and half a tank of petrol with the BHP output specified being conservative. What does that mean? Just that the car's are more powerful than what they say on paper.
Next year see's the end to the leon as we know it :(
You will either love the new styled 05 Leon or like me would give it a miss and snap up an 04 before its too late :)
If you are seriously interested ...
jonathanhall 27.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Quick, responsive and comfortable Disadvantages: Some niggles and faults
I have had a Seat Leon Cupra as a company car for about 2 and a half years. The Cupra is quick and very responsive with the turbo giving it that extra burst of acceleration.
Outside it is nicely finished with colour coded bumpers and wing mirrors and alloy wheels and twin exhaust. Inside the front sports seats keep you in check when cornering at speed and the 6-cd autochanger in the glove box keeps you entertained on your journey.
The leather steering ... ...often comes on and the Seat dealer I take it to says that this could be a whole list of different faults that they can't diagnose without having the car in for 3 or more days!
Also, with my colleague's car, the eye level brake light on the rear window fell off because the glue melted in the hot weather!
Of course seeing that this is a company car the faults don't bother me TOO much but I think people should be aware of them if they are buying one ...
mister_nick 25.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Temperature control, good road handling, roomy and Disadvantages: None discovered to date
This car has particularly proved its worth in the recent wet weather. Because of the internal automatic temperature control, which can also be overridden if necessary, the windows don't mist up in the wet. Road handling and manoeverability are also excellent.
The interior is roomy and the seats comfortable, with the ability to raise and lower the seats, as well as move them back and forth. The steering wheel can also be adjusted. Both driver and ... ...player and radio as standard.
A good looking car, with some nice little touches, such as reflectors on the inside of the doors so that they can be seen by traffic when opened at night. I've been asked for more information - so here goes. There are speakers in each of the doors, so that you can hear the CD/radio better, even in the rear. For the girls - it has a cover that goes over the mirror in the sun visor, just in case you don't wish to look ...
HelenHughes 27.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Spacious: reliable, economical, quiet Disadvantages: Interior bland
...The added bonus is the SEAT dealership after sales service has been great. We previously had a 1.9 TDS Ibiza Chill which unfortunately was written off in a crash. They went out of their way to be helpful even lending us a car (free) for several weeks (as it wasn't included in our insurance). Downside: the interior is a bit bland. ...
Tazziefourpaws 12.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Value for Money
Road Handling
Looks
Quick review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
I agree with Mister Nick...
I've bought a second-hand '02 Cupra 6 months ago (its got 45,000 on the clock) and its been back to the garage 6 times as a result of the engine misfiring and coil packs going.
The problem is still on going with a seventh visit booked in for next week!
(Although I'm starting to think the garage don't want to fix much while its under warrenty!!)
Definately a great car, when it works. ...
littehogglet 12.01.2008 (10.01.2008)
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
I think this is an excellent family car. The key features in the cars favour are the Low insurance group (gp4) good fuel economy 40+mpg and excellent handling. The car grips and corners well, with a firm but compliant ride. The equipment for a base model is satisfactory with Alloy Wheels, remote central locking, PAS, A/C, Stereo with Changer control - The volume increases with speed to compensate for rise in interior noise. The visibility is good ... ...sister car around which the Leon is based. The only negative I feel about this car is that the 1.4 Engine can seem underpowered. The performance is adequate but as the car handles well a little extra power could be well used. However the increase in road tax running costs and insurance I feel do not outweigh this requirement. The interior is spacious and there is a cavernous boot. Instrumentation is clear and well laid out. I would recommend this ...
sihill25 02.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Its a golf, but better and loads cheaper Disadvantages: Please fix the rear boot catch
...say it again wow.
The seat leon is a great value car and i would recommend it to anyone wanting a smallish family hatchback. I have now owned one for just under a year and its been great. The basics of the car are a volkswagon golf, but the suspension has been stiffen a bit (which means that it better to drive than the new golf, which i have hired a couple of times since). The golf is a good car, but not quite as good, but the best thing is that ...
smhlet 02.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
...British weather gets worse the SEAT range from sunny Spain gets better. The latest models arrives from Spain via Germany thanks to SEATs parent company VW. This is an excellent package, and as the current Golf begins to look somewhat dated with its seriosly sombre interior the Leon is a breath of fresh air. The bodyshell is sporty and youthful with styling hints of Rover 25 and Daewoo Lanos - and the sporty overtones are enhanced with a three spoke ... ...class and price remains a SEAT strong point. Overall a worthy addition to the small hatchback market, though VW many worry over the number of lost Golf sales the Leon will gain, however a decade ago the Golf was the choice of the young executive - now the VW seem to be looking at a more mature market ...
winprizes2000 27.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Value for Money
Road Handling
Looks
Quick review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Very comfortable to drive. the car can be compared to the VW Golf and The Audi A3 as they all part of the same group. However the Seat is value for money as it is cheaper and more cost effective. It still maintain a good exterior image and i think it is a great car. ...
Yemisi9 15.04.2008
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: compact family hatchback Disadvantages: underpowered
I bought a Seat Leon S 1.6 standard model three years ago from new from the dealer. The Seat so far has provided reliable however we do only drive it 8000 miles a year so are well below average mileage of about 10000. It is economical both to run and to insure. However we have found the 1.6 very sluggish. I would say that it is underpowered and would recommend going for a higher powered engine for this model of car. The car does struggle when trying ... ...also have a standard car seat and I found that the seat belts in the back of the car were not long enough to fit the car seat so the baby always has to travel in the back. Also now that we have a baby we have had to buy a roof box as the boot space isn't enough for a family with a small baby. I would recommend buying a larger car if you have a young family or a roof box. The car also has a spoiler which means that to fit a cycle rack you need to ...
ar73 03.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v
Advantages: Reliable, Fast, Solid, Good Looking Disadvantages: None
I've had my Seat Leon from new for 2 years now and its been fabulous. The only times its been in the garage are for its 10,000 and 20,000 miles services which both passed smoothly. It needed new front tires after 18,000 miles but other than that, its been completely perfect for me.
The car is built on the VW Golf chassis and uses many of the same parts. In essence, its the same car but with a different shell. I've got the basic 1.4 model and its ... ...motorway or whatever you need it for. The boot space is huge and I've even used the car to move house with! With the back seats down you can fit loads in!
I can't think of too many bad points but I guess the visibility out the back when reverse parking is a bit limited but you get used to it after a while. What else can I say? This is a cheaper, and in my view better alternative to the VW Golf! ...
ebalch 26.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of SEAT Leon 1.4 16v