WHEN SEAT launched the Leon in the summer of 2000 more than a few eyebrows were raised over its similarity to parent company Volkswagen's Golf.
However, this impressive machine also came to market boasting VW's top-notch build quality which, along with attractive pricing, generous kit levels, good looks and decent performance levels swiftly helped it to get noticed in its own right.
Today's SEAT Leon is the second generation model, a creation which became the third and most sporty model in SEAT's all-new product line-up behind the Toledo and Altea back in the summer of 2005.
In traditional Volkswagen fashion, SEAT Leon is offered with a choice of five different power sources, a trio of petrol engines, 1.6-litre generating 101bhp, 2.0-litre housing 148bhp and the range-topping 2.0-litre 183bhp TFSI, with diesels of 1.9-litre 102bhp or 2.0-litre 138bhp TDI.
There are five trim levels, Essence, Reference, Reference Sport, Stylance and Sport. While the entry level Essence model doesn't come with air con as standard, the inventory does include the likes of ABS braking with Traction Control System, one-shot electric front windows, six-speaker sound system with CD and remote central locking while occupant safety effects include six airbags and tyre pressure monitoring.
Standard air con kicks in with the Reference trim, Reference Sport adds six-speed manual transmission, front fogs, sport suspension, 16-inch alloys, sport seats and leather steering wheel.
Further up the kit league, the Stylance also comes with 'Coming Home' headlights, electrically adjustable door mirrors with park function, dual zone climate control, eight-speaker radio/CD system with steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, illuminated sun visors and trip computer while driver safety aids include a sophisticated Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) while the range-topping Leon Sport adds sports seats, 17-inch five-spoke alloys and exclusive interior styling.
Produced exclusively at the SEAT plant in Martorell near Barcelona, the current Leon is longer and wider than its predecessor and, with an extended wheelbase and wider front and rear tracking, the sleek lines of the car help to neatly blend the sporting image of a coupe with the extra roominess inspired by five-door practicality.
The increased dimensions have translated well into a very comfortably roomy interior. There is head and shoulder room aplenty for a quartet of six-footers, plus legroom in the rear is well generous. However, the angled tailgate may perhaps limit headroom a little for some passengers.
The rear door handles are cleverly concealed in the door frame and despite a slightly awkward shape and a deepish drop to the bootroom floor, luggage space is pretty generous, expanding to 341 litres from the outgoing model and 1,166 litres with the rear backseat rest folded completely flat.
Additional interior storage places incldude an ample glove compartment and a storage box under the front passenger seat.
This partiuclar Reference model was comfortable from the driver's seat and instrumentation is well laid out. Overall vision is good but some drivers may find the wide windscreen pillars, which house the wiper blades, may take a little getting used to.
Powered by the 1.6-litre petrol engine which transmits its 101bhp of urge to the front wheels via a slick-switching five-speed manual gear change in very capable fashion, Leon delivers some quite refined progress with wind and road noise well under control.
While the 0-62mph comes in a pretty family style 11.7 seconds, it actually appears quicker and the car does ride and handle well. It turns crisply into corners showing little or no body roll.
While the VW TDI engines are most definitely a family favourite, the 1.6 petrol engine, the smallest in the Leon range, performas well despite having to work hard when under pressure.
Competitively priced, the Leon is well kitted out, spaciously appointed and its quite dramatic styling ideally shows off a five-door hatchback which is anything but mainstream in its outlook.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 1.6 Reference 5dr
Price: £12,495
Mechanical: 101bhp 1,595cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 11.7 secs
Combined mpg: 37.2
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 180g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust