EVER since its first UK appearance in the spring of 2000 I have always had something of a soft spot for the SEAT Leon.
It's a car which continues to acquit itself well as a contender at the sportier end of the hatchback range.
While this handsome five-door hatch is renowned as the Spanish car maker's best seller, it does have plenty of competition out there facing a wealth of talent in, what is after all, a very busy small family car market.
However, despite its own stablemates from Volkswagen and Audi also being included in the rivalry, the Golf and A3 delivering more than a hint of similarity to SEAT's hatchback, the Leon does still line up with much to distinguish it from the rest.
The second generation SEAT Leon, based on the MarkV Golf, arrived here in 2005 boasting a striking new radiator grille, a distinctive tail light set up and cleverly concealed windscreen wipers and rear door handles and adding to an already extensive engine line-up is the latest 1.4-litre TSi petrol engine which is driven here.
There's plenty of room on board the Leon for a quartet of six footers which includes generous leg and head room in the rear seats but, while the cabin looks and feels well put together with serviceable fabrics and tight panel gapping, perhaps a touch of class in the cabin materials, particularly the rather uninspiring dashboard plastics, would have been appreciated.
While the decent space and practicality extends to the boot where capacity is sufficiently generous at 341 litres with all seats taken extending to 1,166 litres maximum with rear seats folded, the luggage bay does have a high load lip which may perhaps not suit everyone.
However, kit levels are very generous in the Stylance model driven here. This middle of the range model includes the likes of single shot electric windows all round, dual zone climate control, cruise control, MP3 compatible eight-speaker sound system with single CD and steering wheel mounted controls, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, coming home headlight function, front, side and curtain airbags and tyre pressure monitoring while driver safety aids include ABS+ with traction control system and electronic stabilisation programme with emergency brake assist.
Plenty of manoeuvrability in the two-way steering wheel adjustment and height adjustable driver's seat height contributes to a roomy and well set out driving environment and, while the wide windscreen pillars which house the 'hidden' wipers will perhaps take a little getting used to, overall driver vision is excellent.
Paired with a smooth switching six-speed manual gear change the 1.4-litre TSI petrol turbo power source delivers a surprising level of urge, the 123bhp peaks at 5,600rpm to deliver a sharp response to the throttle while also producing significant torque from 1,750rpm over a broad range up to 4,000rpm.
The power materialises into fine roadway progress with plenty of involvement for the driver to enjoy. Excellent levels of grip help to provide some sure footed stability and, with the suspension handling pock marked surfaces well and little body roll in evidence, there is an agreeable ride.
The 1.4-litre TSI also scores well in the economy and emissions department. A combined mpg figure of 44.1 is achievable and, with a CO2 emissions level of 155g/km, this latest petrol engine moves the Leon from VED band E to band D, qualifying it for reduced annual road tax of £145, a saving of £25.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 1.4 TSI Stylance 5dr
Price: £15,290
Mechanical: 123bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 150g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw