SEAT has seen enviable growth on the back of sporting performance and value for money but there is no denying life is going to get harder in future.
The advantages the Spanish car maker enjoyed in the late 1990s are being eroded as more manufacturers push out their newest models at prices closer to those set by SEAT.
Ten models from £11,300 to £16,500, a choice of four trim levels with 1.9 and 2.0 diesels or 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines put the SEAT Leon firmly into Britain's most hotly contested sector.
The range topping Leon 2.0 TDI Sport is reasonably well equipped with a lot of airbags and stability control, alloys, air conditioning, powered mirrors and front windows on the bits' list but it is also a very roomy and practical car with strong appeal to families as a more basic attraction.
Using the proven Volkswagen technology, the engine is very powerful, sweet running and remarkably economical and matched to the optional semi-automatic transmission it is extremely easy to drive slowly or enthusiastically, and rewarding on both counts.
Power steering makes light work of town driving but it's still fairly positive on the open road and the brakes with their traction control system ensure all effort is applied to slowing or accelerating irrespective of the road surface beneath its big alloy wheels and chunky tyres.
The easy to use and positive feel of the major controls is matched by the effort and operation of the secondary switches and I like the clarity of the big instruments.
Heating and ventilation is also very good, easy to use and effective controlling the temperature in the big cabin.
I like the amount of oddments room in the front and passengers praise the spaces behind but the major impact of the Leon is from the rear where you appreciate how big is the boot.
The hatchback opens from knee-height to reveal a big opening and its minimum capacity is more than 340 litres - and about three times more with the split rear seat down.
Big door apertures mean easy access and egress and the seats are on the thin side but quite comfortable and supporting with good adjustment on the front pair.
Visibility is very good to the sides and front but not so good over the shoulder or when reversing and looking through the back window due to the high waistline. There are considerable blindspots which could hide a post, pushchair or trolley, among other things.
On the road, the SEAT Leon responds well to throttle, brakes and steering and its roadholding is very good with handling biased towards safe understeer.
It does produce a lot of road noise, however, and this spoils its refinement to some degree. The mechanical fussiness is low but the road and suspension bump-thump is very noticeable.
The most memorable feature of the car is its ability to return both good performance and economy without really trying, and that must be a major attraction on today's congested carriageways.
You need power to accelerate when opportunities come and you know that eeking out the fuel is a must as well.
Whether or not you like the practical looks of the Seat Leon 2.0 TDI Sport is a matter of taste, but there is no denying it offers a lot for the money. Resale values are good, too.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI PD Sport 5dr
Price: £16,495
Mechanical: 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 1yr paint; 12yrs anti-rust