Sales of the new five-door Seat Leon hatchback, new to the domestic market, have started in Russia. The car's striking appearance is successfully complemented by rich interior equipment and lively driving manners.
The ancient Greek thinker Heraclitus once said that you cannot step into the same river twice. However, there are daredevils ready to challenge this statement. The Spanish brand Seat has decided to try its luck in our market again. The manufacturer's previous attempt turned out to be short-lived and not very successful. Whether the marketing strategy for Russia was chosen incorrectly, or the powerful support of the parent Volkswagen blocked the way, or the prices were too high, or perhaps all factors played a role at once. Be that as it may, contact with buyers could not be established, and in 2005 the company retreated to its homeland. Perhaps the departure was premature — because it was then that the new generation Seat Leon, a very worthy car, debuted on the European market. Judging by how easily and effortlessly the hero of our today's test does this, the model could well have stirred up the domestic public back then.
2008 Seat Leon
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Compared to the dull and faceless predecessor, built according to the patterns of the Volkswagen platform, the current Leon has turned into a real Spanish macho. Although, if you remember that the model's name comes from a Spanish town, and "leon" translates as "lion," it would be more accurate to say — "male." This Spaniard is not just liked at first sight — he possesses some kind of animal attractiveness, awakening an instinctive desire to get behind the wheel as soon as possible. The swift silhouette of the Leon is emphasized by a high beltline and narrow side windows. A small false radiator grille crowning the predatory front part visually brings the headlights closer, making them seem angry. The rear, however, is a bit heavy due to the massive bumper, but this does not spoil the overall impression. It is clear that every design detail — hidden rear door handles, triangular windows in the front doors, or wipers hidden in the pillars — is carefully thought out with one goal: to lure the buyer as deep as possible into the still not very extensive dealer network.
The interior fully matches the exterior: once behind the wheel, you immediately tune into an aggressive driving style. The moderately firm front seat has pronounced lateral support. There are few adjustments: height, lumbar support, and longitudinal movement. The chunky three-spoke steering wheel with thickened grip zones adjusts both for height and reach. The large instrument dials are easy to read. The quality of the finish is generally pleasing, and even the central console made of hard matte plastic does not spoil the impression. The only inconvenience is the large angle of the windshield, due to which the rearview mirror ends up almost at the driver's ear level and interferes with the view of the right front area.
There is no secret: the Seat Leon is Spanish only by documents. Technically, the model repeats the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf. The 1.5-liter engine (1595 cc) with 102 hp is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. This tandem provides confident acceleration to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds. The engine is also known for excellent elasticity: in fourth gear, the Leon accelerates from 60 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds, and from 80 to the same speed it needs only 0.9 seconds more. The unit cannot be called noisy — only after 4000 rpm does the cabin begin to fill with engine sounds.
2008 Seat Leon
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The chassis inherited from the Golf has taken root perfectly in the Leon. Sportingly stiff, it works like a high-precision instrument. The car responds with military precision to the slightest steering movements, takes corners with minimal body roll, and only at a completely inhumane speed do the front wheels begin to drift outward. But filigree handling has a downside — a noticeable loss of comfort. The suspension does not let passengers relax: it tosses them even on the relatively flat Moscow Ring Road.
However, let's return to our improvised Ancient Greece with its philosophers. For the second attempt to enter the swift Russian automotive "river," Seat prepared more thoroughly. But the brand's cars, as before, cost a lot of money. For example, the minimum price of the Seat Leon is $24,190, while the founder of the golf class, the venerable VW Golf, can be bought for several thousand dollars less. It seems that Seat cars will not become a mass product soon. But you can look at it differently: by buying such a car, you get almost an exclusive model!
Some Like It Hot
2008 Seat Leon
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The main star of the Seat model range is the sporty Leon Cupra version, built on the basis of the five-door hatchback. It differs from the standard model in a different shape of bumpers, a spoiler on the edge of the luggage compartment door, retuned suspension, upgraded brakes and steering, as well as seats with enhanced lateral support. Under the hood of the Cupra is a turbocharged two-liter gasoline TFSI engine with direct injection, producing 240 hp. Paired with a six-speed manual, the car accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and the top speed reaches 247 km/h. In Russia, this version is offered for $44,990.
Expert
Eduard Shivorshinov, 34 years old, test pilot, driving experience 16 years, drives a Mercedes-Benz G300 TD and V220 CDi
The Seat Leon, as expected, passed all the tests without any problems. It is not surprising: it is on the basis of this model that racing versions have been created that successfully compete in world rallies. If not for the price, I would definitely take a closer look at it for my wife.
2008 Seat Leon
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Body
+ Spacious interior, quality finishing materials, attractive appearance
Ride comfort
+ Comfortable seats, ergonomic interior
- stiff suspension
- poor front visibility
Powertrain
+ Excellent dynamics, precise gearbox shifts, elastic engine
Handling
+ good steering response, small body rolls in corners
Safety
+ large number of airbags and safety systems, tenacious brakes
Ecology
+ Engine meets Euro 4 standards
Our rating
The many years of technical experience of German colleagues, multiplied by the design passion of the Spaniards, has given an excellent result capable of finding its audience. The only question is whether the Seat Leon will find enough fans in Russia. With all the obvious advantages, the car has one but very significant drawback — the price looks depressing.