SEAT Leon hatchback - Engines, drive & performance

While it's closely based on the Volkswagen Golf, the SEAT Leon is the model intentionally injected with a little more flair and usually a sportier driving experience. So, is that still the case this time? We certainly found there's something about the Leon that encourages you to grip the steering wheel that little bit more tightly and select its more engaging driving modes.

There's a slightly more direct connection between the car and the road on tight twisty roads than in most family hatchbacks, the steering is fast to react to inputs and the brakes react progressively but strongly to your right foot. This feel is enhanced in the FR model, which also looks the most like a hot hatchback from outside, thanks to its bodykit, bigger wheels and slightly lower suspension. It corners the flattest but the ride is firmer too.

SEAT Leon petrol engines

The petrol range starts with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine with 108bhp, followed by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder putting out either 128bhp or 148bhp – these are badged TSI, with eTSI mild-hybrid versions getting the same power but paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre TSI that sat at the top of the petrol range with 187bhp and a standard seven-speed DSG automatic was discontinued, making the most powerful Leon the aforementioned 148bhp version of the 1.5-litre engine.

The 148bhp model certainly felt punchy enough for a family hatchback when we drove it. That's backed up by its 0-62mph-time of 8.7 seconds, while its top speed is 135mph. The mid-level version takes 9.4 seconds to cover the same benchmark. We noticed that the engine seems to drone more on the move, but it's otherwise smooth and refined.

The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 187bhp was certainly quick and came with SEAT's DSG automatic gearbox as standard, doing the 0-62mph sprint in 7.4 seconds, but has since been discontinued.

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Diesel engines

Like the Golf and Skoda Octavia, the Leon is also available with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel offering 113bhp or 148bhp. This replaces the 1.6-litre diesel engine in the previous model and is aimed primarily at delivering big fuel economy.

Plug-in hybrid engines

The Leon was previously available with Volkswagen Group's plug-in hybrid powertrain, based around a 1.4-litre petrol engine, electric motor and 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In total there's 201bhp available and the Leon e-Hybrid accelerates at an impressive rate. Officially it can get from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, and while the engine can be heard at higher revs, while cruising it's barely audible. 

The Mercedes A 250 e is slightly better at switching between petrol and electric in its hybrid mode but even when its battery is depleted, the Leon e-Hybrid is still economical. Over 120 miles of driving we saw 48mpg, which would be a far higher figure if we'd been able to stop and charge the battery.