SEAT León 2017, presentation and road test: more technological and more attractive

A few days ago we were invited by SEAT to get to know the update of the León, one of the most important models in the history of the Spanish brand. To do so we travelled to Barcelona, the city that sees this bestseller being born every day.

The León introduces numerous updates to make it one of the most successful vehicles in today’s Spanish market, building on its strengths and polishing its ever-smaller shortcomings.

The history of the León began in 1999, when SEAT presented the first generation of the León, built on the PQ34 platform that debuted with the Skoda Octavia and that was later used by many models in the VW Group, among them the first-generation Audi A3 and the VW Golf IV.

The second generation reached the market in 2005, to be succeeded in 2013 by the current León, a more mature and technological product than ever. However, after three years on the market, the SEAT team has decided to give the Spanish compact a small facelift in order to improve its competitiveness.

Exterior design, the details make it more refined

The exterior lines of the León remain unchanged. The original design is already good enough that the years weigh on it less than on other competitor models. Nevertheless, the front of the compact has received a more attractive bumper with a better-finished lower section. The bumper update is joined by a more contemporary grille and new headlight units, with a different interior design for elements such as the indicators.

New designs for the alloy wheels are also introduced, as well as a wider palette of body colours. At the rear we again find changes to the interior design of the tail lights, which use LED technology for more functions than before. Some chrome details have been added to enhance the sense of quality of the whole.

It is a pity that SEAT has not opted to exploit matrix LED technology for its lighting system, but costs rule, and it seems the time is not yet right. Despite this, the Spanish brand insists that the quality and quantity of the lighting have been improved.

Interior design, technology sets the pace

The cabin of the third generation of the León has been characterised from the outset by a good sense of quality, thanks to advances in materials and fit compared with the León II, which fell short on this point. Nevertheless, the León’s dashboard has served as the model for creating, for example, that of the recently launched Ateca.

With the arrival of the restyling, the overall sense of quality has been improved even further. Although the basic lines remain the same, there are improvements in soundproofing and in the feel of some controls, which translates into a higher perceived quality among the occupants of the vehicle.

The centre console has a new design, since the mechanical handbrake has been replaced by an electric one, which frees up more space. This electric parking brake also features an AutoHold function, which makes it unnecessary to press the brake pedal once the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the car taking care of that itself.

The multimedia system is, of course, the brand’s new crown jewel. With an 8″ screen, it introduces a new operating system that makes most of the previous physical buttons unnecessary, of which only three remain: the volume roller, a “Home” button and another that takes us directly to the mobile connectivity section. Speaking of mobile connectivity, the new León offers, as an option, a “Connectivity Box”, which includes two USB ports, an AUX input and an inductive wireless charging system.

Operation is more than adequate, with good image quality, precise touch response and quick reaction. From this screen most of the vehicle’s systems can be controlled, including, for example, the new LED ambient lighting for the front doors, with seven colours available and selectable via the screen. In fact, all of the interior lighting can be LED.

New upholstery is also included, as a new top-of-the-range trim called XCellence is introduced, positioned as the luxurious alternative to the FR finish, and including as standard elements such as DCC adaptive suspension, Full LED headlights and mixed leather and fabric upholstery.

Another novelty is the incorporation of the Kessy keyless entry and start system, with the start button located on the centre console. As a curious note, when we settle into the seat before starting, the button’s light pulses as if it were a beating heart, inviting us to drive. By the way, SEAT has confirmed that digital instrumentation will arrive on the León at the end of next year.

Driving dynamics, new engines and new safety systems

Following the redesign, SEAT has taken the opportunity to introduce new engines in the León. Until now one of the most in-demand powerplants has been the 1.6 TDI with 110 CV, which now gives way to an updated version that raises power to 115 CV. Maximum torque remains at 250 Nm. In addition, it can be combined with a 7-speed DSG transmission as well as the 6-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard.

In diesel, the 2.0 TDI with 150 CV also gains options with the addition of 4Drive all-wheel drive on ST versions. It will also be available with manual and automatic gearboxes. The diesel range consists of the 1.6 TDI engine with 90 and 115 CV, to which the 2.0 TDI engine is added with two power levels: 150 and 184 CV.

In petrol, the options start with the 1.2 TSI with 110 CV, joined by two 1.4 TSIs with 125 and 150 CV, with a 1.8 TSI with 180 CV at the top of the range. In February, versions with 300 CV and all-wheel drive option will arrive.

During this first contact I was able to thoroughly test the 1.4 TSI ACT with 150 CV, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Personally I find it one of the most balanced options in the range, fully recommended for those who enjoy a linear, quiet engine with good response and moderate consumption – provided your right foot doesn’t weigh too heavily.

As its name suggests, this powerplant incorporates the cylinder deactivation system, which in conditions of low power demand is capable of running the engine on just two cylinders. The system is completely transparent to the driver, practically imperceptible, and signalled through the instrument screen.

In terms of chassis there have been no changes, so the León remains one of the most pleasant compacts to drive. The chassis of the Spanish model keeps that “Latin touch” that SEAT imprints on all its models, which makes it entertaining and fun to drive when we want a bit of passion behind the wheel.

The León has also improved its technology load thanks to the incorporation of new safety systems such as a cruise control with stop-and-go and traffic jam assist, which acts on the accelerator, brakes and steering, as well as a new autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian detection.

SEAT plans the first deliveries of the new León from January 2017, with a starting price including taxes of 18,080 EUR, corresponding to the 1.2 TSI 110 CV version with Reference trim.

Photography: Daniel Valdivielso

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €