2021 SEAT Leon in-depth review - more than a cheap Golf?

The latest SEAT Leon has a new design, slick technology, and a modernised engine range, including a plug-in hybrid. It’s a direct rival to other refreshed VW Group models including the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia and Audi A3. The Leon has traditionally lived in the shadow of the Golf, so is this one more than just a budget alternative to the VW? Richard Ingram puts it to the test to find out.

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[Pipsicle]

Worth mentioning that the Leon and Octavia are on a stretched platform compared to Golf and A3 so both win the space race over their cousins and cost less too.

[slugger]

Good review. Would an overview of the key options on offer to the spec range.

[duncanidaho]

The car looks better than VW Golf Mk 8.

[calebwoods]

Y'all have the most interesting b-roll footage.

[RS-nllp]

If you want boot space, buy the estate. It alto has underfloor storage for charging cables.

[chakawhyte]

Nearly went for the Cupra Leon estate, liked the styling and the manufacturer. But then due to WLTM(?) I was only able to get the hybrid version and I have been stung by hybrid cars in the past (battery degradation in the BMW is SHOCKING), so have ended up ordering an A3

[james]

I really do like this new Seat Leon, but as mentioned in the review the lack of a temperature control rotary dial would be really frustrating. I can imagine at night trying to make an adjustment with the unlit touch bar being a real faff, not to mention distracting from driving.

[cemakyuz]

I just hate the new speed limiter switch. You need to first turn on the cruise control, then change it to speed limiter. Please let me know if you know an easier way (setting speed limiter by default).

[georgedowns]

This is certainly one of the smartest looking new hatches 👍

[The-Audi-driver]

The one thing that annoyed me about this car was the breaking when the car thought you was going to crash, it’s a bit dangerous I think that safety system

[leonbellingan]

Nice car, I especially like the name.

[arpadvarga]

I really fancy the FR with 1.5 petrol hybrid version 😅

[John-eszn]

Is this been built in the same factory as ford focus?

[fieldchester]

why do you have small pll review big vehicles and lanky ppl review small cars? i dont get that.

[ronpower]

Lacks the poise? Looks less vulgar, than the mentioned cars, I would say.

[petermitchell]

Too many functions solely on the screen. If that goes down then: Euston, we have a problem!

[RSBritain]

The previous model was better looking imo

[macaulayselkirk]

Is their ambient lighting on these models?

[breakneckflipper]

I had the misfortune of owning one of these. Good looking car however, the infotainment screen makes it wholly unreliable. Repeated trips to the dealer due to glitches with the system. And when complaining to VAG they said it was characteristic of the vehicle as opposed to faulty. Waste of money and I wouldn't touch one again. Additionally a lack of buttons makes operating simple features such as fog lights plain dangerous.

[MOSSFEEN]

We have have the previous model 2016 Estate, a good looking & very reliable car BUT this model (2021) has definitely lost its Good looks and sharpness and that STUPID centre screen & no heater controls would do my head in. I certainly wont be buying this model leon which is a pity