The Leon gained a four star Euro NCAP crash test rating but other hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Peugeot 308 were awarded the maximum five stars. The assessors highlighted structures in the dashboard that represent a potential hazard to the knees and femurs on the driver’s side. However a four star rating for child occupant safety is impressive.

All models come with six airbags (a further two rear passenger side airbags are optional), a tyre pressure monitoring system and traction control.

With 341 litres the Leon’s boot is slightly smaller than a Golf but the space is still a good size – even if the rather high boot lip hampers unloading. The rear seats split and fold 60/40 though which boosts space to 1,305 litres while up front there are two central cupholders and good sized door pockets. The rather small glovebox is annoying though – once you’ve stored the owner’s handbook in it there’s little remaining space.