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SEAT Leon Hatchback (2005-2012) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 4.5 out of 54.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 33 - 74 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

The Leon is keenly priced, particularly considering it uses a Volkswagen platform. It will hold its value better than other mainstream family cars and SEAT dealers are always keen to part-exchange good examples. The Ecomotive model, available from summer 2008 is cheap to tax and economical too while any 1.9 TDI model is ideal if you’re looking to save costs.

The SEAT Leon range offers competitive fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. In June 2008 the Ecomotive model was introduced powered by the 1.9 TDI which emits 119g/km of CO2 so is free to tax, but in late 2009 this was improved with a 1.6 TDI engine and emissions dropped to 99g/km of CO2, meaning road tax is free.

Thanks to the use of Volkswagen components the Leon has proved reliable. There can be occasional niggles however and faults with glow plugs on diesels aren’t unheard of.