SEAT Leon

e-Hybrid

SEAT’s best-seller receives plug-in hybrid underpinnings, leading to lower running costs and impressive efficiency – but at an affordable price, says Martyn Collins.

SEAT Leon

e-Hybrid

SEAT’s best-seller receives plug-in hybrid underpinnings, leading to lower running costs and impressive efficiency – but at an affordable price, says Martyn Collins.

SECTOR Large Lower Medium PRICE £30,970-£34,315 RANGE 40 miles FUEL 217.3- 235.4mpg CO2 28g/km

Given that the new Leon sits on the same MQB architecture as the Audi A3 40 eTFSI, Skoda Octavia iV and Volkswagen Golf GTE, it should be no surprise that the Spanish division’s C-segment model would be next to go plug-in hybrid.

More interesting, is that with SEAT’s all-electric el-Born concept now switching to performance ‘Cupra’ badging for the production version, the Leon e-Hybrid is the only electrified SEAT at the moment.

Upfront, the SEAT is fitted with the brand’s familiar 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine. This is mated to a 115hp electric motor via a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, giving 204hp and 350Nm of torque. If you want more power for your Leon e-hybrid, a 245hp Cupra-badged version is available too.

Aside from performance, taxation is going to be key for fleet drivers, and the Leon e-Hybrid fares well here too. With emissions of 27-28g/km depending on the model and the ability to travel on electric power alone for up to 40 miles, BiK starts from as little as 6%, rising to 10% for the range-topping Xcellence Lux. The range seems realistic, although we saw around 30 miles during our time with this car. Charging takes as little as three hours 42 minutes via a 3.6kW wallbox, or around six hours if you use a 2.2kW charger. Official WLTP combined fuel consumption is between 217.3 and 235.4mpg.

The standard Leon already impressed us with its keen drive, and the e-Hybrid is much the same. Despite our FR trim running on 17-inch alloy wheels with lowered sports suspension, plus 300kg extra weight, the ride is comfortable if a little firm. In fact, I’d say the Leon plug-in hybrid’s ride is better resolved than the standard car, thanks to the multilink rear axle that’s been fitted over the standard car.

It starts in full-electric mode and carries on this way until the range is depleted, or you jab the throttle for more power. Acceleration to 62mph officially takes 7.5 seconds, but it doesn’t feel that quick, possibly due to the fact that the six-speed DSG transmission seems to hold on to gears longer than expected under acceleration – especially in Sport mode. From the outside, the only giveaway this is a hybrid is the second charge flap mounted on the offside front wing and the tastefully subtle hybrid badging.

Inside, apart from specific digital instruments and the fact there’s 110 litres less load space due to the battery pack, it’s the same as the standard Leon, including the divisive infotainment system.

SEAT’s first plug-in hybrid is available in five versions. The £30,970 entry-level FR, which includes climate control and navigation, moving up next to the £32,530 FR Sport with its Winter Pack and 18-inch machined alloy wheels. The £36,115 FR Sport Edition adds a panoramic sunroof and rear camera. The choice is topped off with the £32,960 Xcellence and £34,315 Xcellence Lux trims, with their unique bumpers, grille and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The addition of plug-in hybrids for the Leon is a success in our opinion; running costs are cut, but the SEAT’s keen drive and interior space are almost unchanged.

THE LOWDOWN

KEY FLEET MODEL

SEAT Leon e-Hybrid FR

STRENGTHS

GOOD TO DRIVE, EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR SPACE, RUNNING COSTS

WEAKNESSES

COMPROMISED BOOT SPACE, OVERCOMPLICATED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

THE VERDICT

Reservations over the Digital Cockpit and infotainment on the standard model remain, but the Leon’s transformation to plug-in hybrid is a success. It’s affordable compared to rivals, almost as good to drive and just as practical.

THE LOWDOWN

KEY FLEET MODEL

SEAT Leon e-Hybrid FR

STRENGTHS

GOOD TO DRIVE, EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR SPACE, RUNNING COSTS

WEAKNESSES

COMPROMISED BOOT SPACE, OVERCOMPLICATED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

THE VERDICT

Reservations over the Digital Cockpit and infotainment on the standard model remain, but the Leon’s transformation to plug-in hybrid is a success. It’s affordable compared to rivals, almost as good to drive and just as practical.

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