WE’RE used to diesels giving plenty of miles to a gallon but what’s happening on the petrol front.
Loads! After more than a decade of spending millions on developing oil burners, car companies have switched their attentions to petrol engines and boy have they made progress. Apart from better economy the engines are cleaner and smaller.
So we are seeing some pretty nifty one litre engines, well able to top 50mpg and costing nothing to tax. But the real progress has been higher up the horse power scale where we are now seeing astonishing power from seemingly minute petrol engines.
Leading the charge is the VW group and among the beneficiaries is the little Spanish sweetheart Seat. It’s the sporty arm of the German giant and renowned for adding a dash to its designs.
Some say the Leon, in particular, with its hidden rear door handles and stylish rear light cluster has more than a touch of Alfa Romeo about it. That’s hardly surprising because the bloke in charge of design used to create beautiful Alfas and most of what he is about rubbed off first on Seat.
Appealing car the Leon for a couple of reasons. It’s basically the old Golf in more stylish clothes. But the real interest is what’s lurking under the bonnet, although we have to thank VW for that as well. The engineers have come up with a belting little 1.2 litre petrol that can easily carry what is essentially a full blown family hatch. So how have they done it?
Leon’s secret weapon is a little turbo which transforms the motor from a potential slouch (you wouldn’t normally risk such a small engine in this sized car) into that nifty performer.
Don’t expect miracles but this car has a satisfying amount of punch, reasonable pick up and the legs to take it way past the ton should the opportunity arise. Speed is not the driving force here, it’s economy and it is not just about a frugal engine.
Seat has thrown in all they can to help the driver squeeze as many miles out of that expensive gallon so there is stop-start technology which kills the engine when it comes to a stop in traffic, and a gear change indicator to stop any over revving.
The end result is a car that is cheaper than a Golf even though it is probably around 70 per cent Golf, and with lowish running costs. I seldom get close to the maker’s average economy figure but I didn’t do too badly with the Leon. The target was 52mpg and an 80 mile round trip on the A55 yielded 50mpg according to the on board computer, but the reality check came at the end of the week when the secondary computer showed 47mpg over 430 miles which was a jolly good return considering the varied driving.
Sounds like Leon is a serious contender in the family hatchback line up, but could it the market leader?
On the plus side we have an attractive, sporty design, with generous room for the family, good boot space, economic petrol engine which punches well above its modest weight.
Downside is Leon is getting on in years and is feeling the heat from the splendid Golf, surprisingly good Vauxhall Astra as well as the little matter of a spanking new Ford Focus. Then throw in a ride which is a tad firm in this league and an interior that is less than inspiring.
Bit of an enigma the Seat’s cabin. For all its sharp exterior design Leon’s interior dips below par.
They might call it minimalist, I would call it soulless. It is all there, and it’s functional, but casting your eyes around the word cheap comes to mind.
It will no doubt be addressed when next Leon arrives but it is the one area which has to take low marks in an otherwise good report from teacher.
Seat Leon SE TSI
Engine: 1.2 litre; 103hp
Performance: 0-62mph 11secs; 115mph
Economy: 52.3mpg combined
Emissions: 124g/km. VED £90
Insurance group 12
Price: £16,940