Seat has launched the first ever three-door version of its popular Leon model and it looks promising. The car has been given the ‘SC’ moniker meaning ‘Sports Coupe’. It is sleeker than the five-door Leon and has a sloping roof line in-keeping with its ‘coupe’ name. In theory, the latest Leon is a cheap version of VW’s Golf, but has it got enough to worry the class-leading Ford Focus? Performance 4/5 There is a wide variety of engine choice on the Leon line-up. Those worried about harming the environment will be pleased to hear that there is a 99g/km Ecomotive version with a 103bhp 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine. It will get from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 139mph. Two power outputs are available when opting for the 2.0-litre diesel, a 148bhp version and a higher-powered 181bhp. The low powered 2.0-litre diesel will complete the benchmark sprint in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph (131mph with the auto ‘box). With the higher powered diesel, the benchmark sprint time comes down to 7.5 seconds while it will go on to a top speed of 142mph. Petrol highlights include the 1.2-litre petrol engine available with 103bhp there’s also a 138bhp 1.4-litre with 138bhp and also a 177bhp 1.8-litre. The flagship 177bhp 1.8-litre will get from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph when mated to the manual six speed gearbox and 139mph when mated to the seven-speed DSG ‘box. Ride and handling 4/5 The Leon has always been a good car to drive and this generation is no different. The steering is well weighted, however, the feedback is not as good as you would get if you were sitting in a Ford Focus. Front-end grip is fantastic but unfortunately you never feel at one with the car. The standard suspension is a good balance and comes on S and SE versions while the sports suspension on the FR trim has been enhanced – much to our approval. Equipment 5/5 Equipment levels are good right across the Leon SC range. Standard kit includes 15-inch steel wheels, heated exterior door mirrors, front electric windows, air con, a five-inch colour touchscreen media system with CD player, Bluetooth handfree connectivity, six speakers, remote audio controls, stability control with tyre pressure monitoring, driver and front passenger airbags, front side and curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, alarm and remote central locking. On the mid-level SE grade you add hill hold control (prevents the car from rolling backwards when on a hill), 16-inch alloys, front fog lights with cornering mechanism (allowing you better vision around bends), cruise control, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel and gearknob, front armrest, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, front reading lights, footwell illumination and SEAT XDS system. XDS can detect slip at the front wheels and alters the amount of power to stop wheel spin when you are cornering quickly. It also works in conjunction with the stability control to make handling more precise and neutral. Choose the flagship trim and you’ll add 17-inch alloys, LED rear lamps, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, dark tinted rear windows, electric folding mirrors, eight speakers, front sport seats and the SEAT Drive Profile. This is where you can switch the set-up between normal, eco and sport modes depending on your mood and your driving style. Practicality 4.5/5 The boot space on the Leon SC is identical to the five-door car, however, rear headroom is less thanks to that sloping roofline. With the seats in place the SC has 380 litres of luggage space that means it’s identical to the Kia Pro Cee’d and the Vauxhall Astra GTC. Running costs 5/5 When it comes to fuel efficiency the 103bhp 1.6 TDI diesel is best returning a claimed average 74mpg and emits 99g/km of CO2. MotorTorque Verdict 4.5/5 Attractive looks mated to competitive whole life costs, the Leon SC is a cracking little hatchback. It’s based on VW’s Golf so it should fare well in the reliability stakes. If you are not a badge snob then the Leon SC should be on your list of models to consider when you are looking at your next hatchback.
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