Version review

Seat Leon 1.0 eTSI SE Dynamic 5dr DSG Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

site ribbon config

Don’t discount the entry-level 1.0-litre three cylinder engine. A turbocharger gives it plenty of poke from low down, providing perfectly adequate if not sparkling performance. Economy is good and it’s pretty refined, too.

1.0 eTSI

Hatchback

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

LEON

We think SE Dynamic is worth the extra over entry-level SE trim, because as well as various infotainment upgrades, it adds front parking sensors, larger 17in wheels, tinted rear windows, and three-zone climate control.


SE Dynamic

1.0 eTSI SE Dynamic 5dr DSG

10-etsi-se-dynamic-5dr-dsg

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Driver/passenger manual seat height adjustment

Park assist (inc front/rear parking sensors)

Body coloured exterior mirrors with integrated LED indicators

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

LED front fog lamps with cornering function

Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control

Full link smartphone integration with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto

Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag de-activation, front side and curtain airbags

Seat Leon

The Seat Leon is a fantastic all-rounder. Not only is it great to drive, well equipped and exceptionally roomy in the back, but it should also prove relatively cheap to run thanks to the frugality promised by its petrol engines – especially the 1.5 TSI 130. Indeed, its blend of talents make it one of the very best family cars.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Seat Leon 1.0 eTSI SE Dynamic 5dr DSG Review

Get the best price with What Car?

The model

The trim

The engine

Buying with What Car?

Key information

Available colours

50.4

380

litres

128

g/km

Also consider

Skoda Scala

Kia Ceed

Hyundai i30

Seat Leon

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information