I DON'T know about you but to my eye the SEAT Leon is one of the smoothest looking hatches on the market.
It also has a stylish interior and is excellent to drive.
Engines start with a 75bhp 1.4 petrol that is not really up to the weight, but next up the range the 1.6 with around 100bhp is a cracker, revving sweetly and sounding great.
The VW group 1.8 20 valve unit is next with 125bhp, but is hardly quicker than the 1.6 and not as smooth.
The 1.8T turbo Sport and Cupra have 150 and up to 220bhp giving superb performance.
But while the lower order cars have a comfortable ride allied to good road holding, these top models have serious sporting suspension for sharper handling, but come with a bone-jarring ride.
Diesels are 1.9 90 or 110bhp and there have also been more powerful versions, both 1.9 and 2.0-litre. All have good performance and excellent economy.
Interior
Interior space is good, with room for four and five on a shorter run.
The boot is a decent size and the rear seats fold 60/40 for maximum versatility.
All are five door hatches and the level of equipment makes other VW group cars look overpriced.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 1.6
Price: Pay about £3,300 for an '03 03-reg S, £4,700 for an '04 54-reg SX, or £8,400 of an '06 56-reg Stylance
Mechanical: 103bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.6 secs
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 6
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: VW Golf