SEAT Leon Hatchback (2005 - 2012) 1.9 TDI Stylance 5d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Totally agree with the other reviewer and their comments about Focus/Astra/Golf - - Leon is individual enough to be noticeable, sparky enough to be a real pleasure to drive, and cheap enough to keep the bank manager happy - not many cars you can say that about.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They're all fed up with me raving on about it - work colleagues came out to car park to look at it the first day I drove in! Have also had numerous admiring comments from hairy petrolheads, which is quite surprising.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely - for all the reasons given above - value for money, ride quality, spec, comfort, handling. If pushed I might try the new Prototype.

What are you likely to buy next?

Would be more than happy to have another one - maybe a Cupra or a Prototype - but I think I'd have a red one next time!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£12,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, got bluetooth, metallic paint, spare wheel (proper one not a kit), tax, fuel and a deal on the finance thrown in. Part-exd 52 plate immaculate Astra 1.8SXi and have never regretted it for a second.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Got fed up looking at new Astra, Focus etc and Golf and A3 far too pricey. Friend recommended Leon and was immediately impressed with spec, prices, costs etc.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, not pushy, argued a tad on the p/ex price. Experience since purchase has been very positive - always call back, always helpful, decent courtesy car too (Saab 93 estate, not like Vauxhall who gave me a bird-poo covered Corsa with no fuel in it).

What's it like to drive?

Very good - handling is nice, steering is positive, comes with ESP, traction control and electronic brake assist - some of which I haven't put to the test yet! Good acceleration - even at 45mph in 5th it is happy to pull away quickly. Controls all seem to be in the right place and have a soft touch, not clicky or hard. Gearbox easy to use.

What's it like to park?

Rear and front visibility as far as finding the end of the vehicle is a bit tricky (haven't scraped it yet so must be reasonably ok). Managed a superb bit of Reginald Molehusbandry recently too!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has gone wrong, but have minor niggle about the heating - takes a long time to get warm and when heater on floor, there is a draft of cold air, even when system is on hot and running warm. Dealer unable to alter and can find no fault so I guess I'll just have to live with it.

What's most practical about your car?

Costs - all round it is excellent value for money, group 6 insurance, 80 quid less road fund than previous 1.8 petrol Astra, fuel consumption is awesome - regularly get over 500 miles from 55 litre diesel tank, it a great value, highly specced car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Hmm, how to narrow it down on this car! I would never buy a car without cruise control, like the steering wheel controls, like all the thoughtful safety features, lighting things, the way the wipers park hiding in the pillar and go intermittent in slow/stationary traffic, love the folding door mirrors - how many dings has that saved? Tell me to shut up before you all go to sleep!