Seat León 1.4 TSI 140 CV road test (exterior design, interior and boot)

Following the first instalment of our road test of the Seat León 1.4 TSI with 140 CV and manual transmission and analysing performance, dynamic behaviour and consumption, it is now time to understand the new Seat León 5-door from a different perspective: its exterior and interior design, and also the interior space.

The third generation of the Seat León has undergone a thorough overhaul, inside and out, without giving up some traits of the previous model. It presents an imposing aesthetic and various solutions in its cabin that represent a qualitative and quantitative leap in technology and quality.

We tell you everything after the jump…

Exterior design

The first thing that stands out when we look at the new Seat León is maturity: a solid design that rescues identity features from previous generations, especially the second. At the front we see headlights with many angles and a precise, well-defined internal graphic. The round headlights have given way to full LED units, a high-tech look.

The central hexagonal grille, together with the shapes of the air intake and the fog lights, gives solidity and poise to the front section, a perception reinforced by a low and fairly straight bumper when viewed in profile. A front end that conveys a great deal of strength.

Next we have a prominent bonnet leading to a wide windscreen with a sharp rake, alongside slim A-pillars. The transition from bonnet to pillars and then to the roofline is harmonious, a braced profile that closes at a robust C-pillar thanks to the rising line of the side windows.

The rear has a more compact look, with simpler lines, but it is offset by rounder shapes reminiscent of the León II. It features a window of a good size and LED light units integrated with a shoulder-like “ridge” that marks a higher position relative to the front, balancing and giving fluidity to the whole.

The new Seat León takes a step up in exterior design. While it retains small identity features of the second generation, the lines become straighter, and the rear door handles disappear, hidden in the pillar. The current design may have both detractors and supporters; the truth is that the new Seat León’s styling is very carefully executed and highly attractive.

Interior design

When we get into the Seat León, what predominates is space. The room for head, shoulders and hips is impressive, both in the front and rear seats. This generous interior is a key factor in the León’s driving experience, providing comfort for all occupants.

Another highlight of the Seat León III is the radical change it has undergone in terms of interior design and finish: nobler materials, a more contemporary design, and technology and safety features that make a completely new car.

The solidity of the exterior carries over into the cabin, in a dashboard with straight lines. A centre console with two “arms” projecting towards the transmission tunnel conveys this strength. It is slightly sober, but the notable leap in quality and design over the previous model is surprising.

The dashboard, console, instrumentation and many of the controls share traits with their cousins in the Volkswagen Group, especially the Golf VII, although this does not mean the Seat León lacks its own identity. Seat has made the most of its role within the group to give the León more quality, design and technology.

Controls with good feel, a steering wheel of the right size, a well-placed gear lever, comfortable seats offering good support: these are some of the cabin features that make driving the new León a pleasure. The Seat Media System provides technology, information and connectivity.

On closer inspection of the Seat León’s interior, it is clear that the Spanish brand targets several customer segments with a more all-round product. It leaves behind the sportier touch of previous generations, but gains in comfort, technology and, above all, in perceived and real quality across all areas.

Boot

Earlier I mentioned that the Seat León’s interior shared, or at least received, elements from the VW Group. The boot is the similar point: it offers 380 litres of capacity, the same as the Volkswagen Golf VII and the Audi A3 Sportback. An acceptable capacity within the segment, but let’s look at it in more detail.

It is 10 litres more than the Opel Astra 5-door (370), but practically 100 less than the Honda Civic, whose boot can hold 477 litres of luggage, making it the segment’s “king”. The Seat León also offers a considerably larger capacity than the Mercedes Class A (341) and the Ford Focus (316–363).

So, comparing it with its closest rivals, the Seat León comes out well in terms of boot load capacity.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €