Seat León 1.4 TSI 140 CV road test (equipment, prices and overall assessment)

Having analysed the mechanics and the handling of the Seat León 1.4 TSI 140 CV, and after detailing the main design, cabin and ergonomics features, it is time to review the equipment of our test unit, which, as I mentioned, was a Style. We will also look at the rest of the range models as well as the prices, and a final assessment after having driven the León TSI.

Versions and equipment

At launch, the Seat León was offered in three trim levels, Reference, Style and FR. Over time, Seat Spain added two more levels, Ecomotive and I-TECH. However, the Seat León Style is the most balanced in terms of equipment, combining safety, styling, comfort, information and entertainment features, and as we were able to verify, it is more than complete.

In the Style trim, the main comfort features include a two-zone climate control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, the former with controls, height adjustment for the driver and passenger seats, front and rear armrests, rear-seat air vents, rear seats with easy folding (Easy Folding), and illumination in the front sun visors.

Also standard are 6 speakers, CD/MP3 radio, 16-inch alloy wheels, comfort front seats, electric windows, storage pockets on the back of the seat backrests, remote central locking, electronic cruise control, hill start assist, cornering fog lights, and electronic stability programme (ESC).

On our test unit we enjoyed the Seat Media System with a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen, Media System Plus radio, and the ability to connect devices via Bluetooth, USB or AUX. It also included parking sensors with schematic view, and electrically folding mirrors. The León we tested also had seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara.

This León Style offers all the safety that comes with having earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, along with comfort, technology, safety and more. In terms of styling, the unit we tested included notable options such as 17-inch alloy wheels, Full LED lights and Nevada White bodywork, offered at a price of 389, 1,188 and 499 euros, respectively.

Prices

Prices for the Seat León start at €13,780 for the Reference model with the 1.2 TSI 86 CV engine. However, there is currently a promotional campaign offering a León Reference 1.2 TSI 105 CV that includes additional equipment worth €4,000 and, as a gift, a PS4, a promotion valid if you trade in a car over 10 years old and finance through the brand.

The price list for the new Seat León is as follows:

León Reference

• 1.2 TSI 86 CV – €17,780
• 1.2 TSI 105 CV Start-Stop – €18,440
• 1.6 TDI 90 CV – €20,010
• 1.6 TDI 105 CV Start-Stop – €20,550
• 1.6 TDI 110 CV Ecomotive – €21,620
• 1.4 TGI 110 CV CNG – €21,070

León Style (all include Start-Stop)

• 1.2 TSI 105 CV – €20,060
• 1.4 TSI 122 CV – €20,580
• 1.2 TSI 105 CV DSG – €22,080
• 1.4 TSI 140 CV – €21,120
• 1.6 TDI 105 CV – €22,170
• 1.6 TDI 110 CV Ecomotive – €23,090
• 2.0 TDI 150 CV – €23,530
• 1.6 TDI 105 CV DSG – €24,190
• 2.0 TDI 150 CV DSG – €25,560
• 1.4 TGI 110 CV CNG – €22,690

León FR

• 1.4 TSI 122 CV – €22,050
• 1.4 TSI 140 CV – €22,600
• 1.8 TSI 180 CV – €23,820
• 1.8 TSI 180 CV DSG – €25,840
• 2.0 TDI 150 CV – €26,010
• 2.0 TDI 150 CV DSG – €27,030
• 2.0 TDI 184 CV – €26,010
• 2.0 TDI 184 CV DSG – €28,040

A €4,000 discount under the PIVE scrapping plan and current campaign should be applied to these prices, which is linked to trading in a vehicle over 10 years old and financing with VW Finance. The TGI models are excluded from this commercial discount.

Final assessment

The new Seat León leaves us with a very good impression. Firstly, a commendable driving dynamic, plenty of composure (which varies by version) and comfort when travelling on board. The 1.4 TSI 140 CV engine is a good choice for users who want a bit more power and smoothness without giving up attractive consumption figures. It is a fairly well-rounded package in terms of handling.

Power delivery across a wide range, good recovery, sensible gear ratios, well-judged steering feel and pedals, and a good response from a complete package; all of this without forgetting that our average consumption, at a normal pace (without seeking maximum efficiency), was below 6 litres per 100 km, so we could sum up this version as effective but also efficient.

The exterior design and cabin of the León speak for themselves. A car that has matured, like the target audience that Seat is seeking with the new model: a more solid design, a more comfortable, spacious and safer interior, a boot that matches the car and sits well among its rivals, all with the advantage of taking elements from the VW Group while being developed in Spain, capturing the essence of Seat.

As for the customer base, the new Seat León is not aimed exclusively at that younger, more passionate public; it now offers solutions for less young customers with families who want comfort and technology. Undoubtedly a great travelling companion, but also a daily means of transport for getting to work, leisure, and so on. The León makes the leap and takes on its cousins within the group, looking towards a higher segment.

The Seat León is the result of significant investment in the Martorell development centre. The MQB platform has made it possible to build a car on a par with any compact, it incorporates safety and technology solutions that clearly set it apart from its predecessor, and a exterior design that conveys the precision, but also the passion, with which Seat has conceived the León: a complete, attractive and Spanish car.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €