Review

After two months on our fleet, the Leon ST SE Business edition has returned to Seat. The manufacturer has discontinued the business trim to focus on the SE Dynamic, which can be ordered with a wider choice of engines, optional equipment, colours and DSG transmission.

The new model has a P11D value of £21,170 including optional ‘Apollo’ blue metallic paint and automatic lights and wipers – a £205 saving on the outgoing model, representing a slight drop in benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax (£10 per year). The Full Link navigation system is still included alongside Bluetooth and cruise control. And styling is improved thanks to larger alloy wheels and tinted windows.

Although this appears to represent good value, two key options have been removed: adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking and parking sensors. Adding these fleet-friendly features increases the price by £810, with a £4.85 increase in monthly BIK tax.

The SE Dynamic is powered by the same engine as before, a 1.6-litre TDI with 110hp. Performance is best described as ‘adequate’; in most scenarios it delivers just enough to not feel sluggish. You do have to work the Leon’s five-speed gearbox when joining motorways or overtaking which makes the drive less relaxing. But more irritatingly is the engine noise at 70mph, which is far too intrusive.

It does, however, feel extremely well made. Aside from some hard plastics around the dash, the interior is well laid out and switchgear feels satisfyingly solid.

Fuel economy has also been impressive; on longer trips I have regularly averaged more than 65mpg and even pootling around town the reported figure rarely drops below 50.

On the outside, the Leon’s sharp styling, combined with the LED signature headlights, gives the car a Germanic motorway presence. It certainly looks more premium, with aluminium roof rails completing the package.

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Specs

Manufacturer SEAT
Model Leon
Specification Leon Sport Tourer 1.6TDi 110 SS SE Dynamic Technology 16MY
Model Year 0.00
Annual VED (Road tax) £0
BIK List Price £20,340
CO2 106g/km
BIK Percentage 21%
Insurance Group N/A
CC N/A
Fuel Type Diesel
Vehicle Type Estate car
Luggage capacity (Seats up) 5litres

Running Costs

67.3 MPG
106g/km CO2
£0 VED
P11D £20,340
Insurance group N/A
Fuel Type Diesel
Cost per mile 66.97ppm
Fuel 7.56ppm
Depreciation 56.89ppm
Service maintenance and repair 2.52ppm

Info at a glance

  • P11D Price
    £20,340
  • MPG
    67.3
  • CO2 Emissions
    106g/km
  • BIK %
    21%
  • Running cost
    3 Year 60k : N/A 4 Year 80k : N/A
  • Fuel Type
    Diesel