Reviews

SEAT Leon Review (2020)

Detailed review of the new SEAT Leon FR 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS manual car. SEAT's 4th Generation Leon hatchback. How does the MK4 compare to the successful MK3?

What is it?

We’re looking at the brand-new SEAT Leon FR 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS manual car (that’s a bit of a mouthful isn’t it?) in Nevada (Metallic) White.

SEAT’s redesigned Leon model is now available in the UK and we have been driving it for the last week. The recommended retail price for this model is £24,535.

This new generation of Leon (MK4) replaces the much loved MK3 SEAT Leon model that was available between 2012 and 2020.

If it’s going to be another 8 years before we see the MK5 SEAT Leon, let’s hope SEAT have ticked the right boxes with this car.

Verdict

SEAT’s Fourth Generation Leon will be familiar to owners of the MK3 as things haven’t changed significantly. The new styling is divisive, but the new Leon continues with a familiar formula for SEAT.

Our rating

4 stars out of 5

What we didn’t like

  • Voice control is really bad
  • Removal of important physical buttons and dials
  • No FR badge on the front
  • Signs of penny pinching on storage

What’s changed from the previous model?

The looks, are the biggest thing you notice in terms of difference from the MK3. The new SEAT Leon has had a significant re-design, one that’s proved quite divisive amongst our community

You can see how the Leon has evolved over the generations here.

The front and rear of the car has seen the most notable change, with some arguing the front has taken a much more generic approach, like the Focus and other competing models.

If you’re lucky enough to drive one of the first of a new model of car on the road you usually spot other drivers doing a double take to see what it is. I didn’t notice anyone else batting an eyelid at the car. That is apart from a van driver in Tesco car park who spotted the rear first then drove past, stopped next to the Leon, looked the car up and down, before driving off. Other than that, it has just blended into the background.

Some people will be happy to blend in, one of the things that has attracted many to the SEAT brand has been that the car is different from what you usually see on the road. The MK3 is still a head turner if you ask me.

The car is a little bit longer, a little bit wider and the boot capacity is the same as the last generation.

Let’s get geeky with the figures…

Five-doorSEAT Leon MK4SEAT Leon MK3
Overall length (mm)4,3684,282
Overall width (mm)1,8001,816
Overall height (mm)1,4561,459
Wheelbase (mm)2,6862,636
Headroom row 1 (mm)1,0451,042
Headroom row 2 (mm)969970
Boot space (l)380380
Dimensions and capacity compared to the last model

What extras does this FR trim include?

The FR trim we have here includes the following external changes compared to the lower down “SE Dynamic” trim:

  • Different front and rear bumpers
  • 17-inch alloy wheels (which we think look a bit boring)
  • Dual (FAKE!) exhaust pipes
  • 15 mm lower suspension set-up than the other trims.
  • Full-LED technology at the rear of the vehicle including the “coast-to-coast” light
  • LED dynamic indicators (front and rear)
  • Illuminated front aluminium door plates.

Inside the cabin, the FR gets:

  • Red stitching (steering wheel, gear stick gaiter, and seats)
  • A leather multifunction steering wheel
  • Three-zone air conditioning
  • Wireless charging tray in the front and two additional USB-C points in the rear.

All the available trim levels and pricing can be found here.

Exterior

Let’s explore the exterior of the car in more detail.

Quick walk around

Starting at the front, the Leon features a completely new look. The bonnet has two raised seams nearer the centre that angle away from badge if you are looking towards the car. The subtle centre crease from the MK3 has gone. This is more in line with the introduction of a new bonnet design on the Tarraco.

Front of the SEAT Leon 2020
SEAT Leon 2020 new front design

From the driver’s position you can see more of the bonnet that you can in the MK3. This adds to the impression that the car is a bit longer (it is slightly as shown in the figures above).

The centre grill has more angles to it and has a plastic grey edging that tapers out on different sides.

SEAT Leon 2020 Centre Grille

The LED lights are narrower and more aggressive looking than the MK3s.

SEAT Leon 2020 front light
SEAT Leon 2020 front light at night

The lower half of the bumper is the thing that draws your eyes the most and has a lot more going on than the previous model. The straight lines have gone and there are some curved elements on the MK4’s bumper with fake intakes surrounded by what can best be described as fins.

SEAT Leon 2020 lower bumper design

SEAT, as have other car manufacturers, have had recent restraints placed on them to improve pedestrian safety which is why modern cars are starting to look more similar at the front.

The side profile of the car is more familiar but in my view is a bit sleeker looking than the previous model from this angle.

SEAT Leon 2020 side profile

The 17″ wheels on this model are a bit plain looking, not really fitting for an FR trim, but as one of our members pointed out, they do look similar to those on some of the FR trims on the MK3.

SEAT Leon 2020 FR wheel

Many of you will remember that FR used to represent performance models a step down from the fire breathing CUPRA’s. Years ago, that was changed when FR became just a trim level.

On the MK4 Leon SEAT have taken this a step further by removing the FR badge from the front of the car as well as changing the design of the logo (still featured on the rear, steering wheel and kick plates) and removing the traditional red colour. I like the new FR badge design, but they should have left the red colour and kept the badge on the front in if you ask me. The badge removal just weakens the differentiation further.

New SEAT FR Logo

Moving to the rear of the car there has been a notable change as well. Starting at the top there is a decent size roof spoiler. The rear window feels more sloped (I don’t have a MK3 handy to compare), at the bottom it joins the boot lip which almost looks like a second spoiler.

SEAT Leon 2020 rear

I like the design, but I noticed that water just sits in there when it rains between the window and the bodywork as it’s facing upwards there is no runoff apart from the sizes. You’re going to have to get the microfibre cloth jammed in in there to dry it out properly when you wash the car to avoid streaks when you drive off.

The rear lights SEAT call “Coast to Coast” run across the rear of the car and have a cool start-up and shutdown animation.

Startup animation of the SEAT Leon light strip at the rear of the car
Rear light start unlock animation

Below the lights the boot lid starts quite set back. The SEAT badge is still the boot latch (something sadly dropped on the Ateca), which is good to see retained on the MK4 Leon. However, it looks a bit odd as it has an almost embossed look sticking out of the inset metalwork.

SEAT Leon 2020 rear

Below we see the new Leon logo in a handwriting style. Personally, not a fan and I can see some people will want to remove the lettering. However, we have seen this on the new SEAT Ateca so it’s something SEAT plan to use on models going forward. I am presuming, it’s supposed to indicate “Spanish flair” or something. Thankfully, they have stuck with the familiar CUPRA font for the new CUPRA models.

SEAT Leon 2020 rear angle

I miss the contrast of the black plastic insert on the lower bumper from the MK3 and MK2, instead it is body coloured apart from the small strip at the bottom for the fake exhaust pipes.

SEAT Leon 2020 fake exhaust trim

The rear is certainly modern looking but has lost some of the aggression from the MK3.

SEAT Leon 2020 rear from above

Interior

First impressions of the interior are good. It is comfortable, and SEAT have retained a nice simple ergonomic layout they are known for from their cars. I find other car interiors (outside the VW group) to be cluttered in comparison with SEAT’s offerings.

When you open the door you are greeted by illuminated door sills with the FR Logo. At night you can also see the downlight from the door mirrors on each side.

Illuminated door sill with the new FR Logo
Downlight from mirrors saying “Hola!” (Spanish for “Hello!”)

One of the biggest talking points on the forums is the infotainment screen. We’ve done a video to explain what it is like much better than could be explained in writing.

SEAT Leon Infotainment system walkthrough

In summary for the screen: the interface is good and clear, and you can control everything from it, however the touch buttons for the climate and volume should be physical buttons or dials. SEAT need to rethink this decision, it’s driver hostile. Oh, and don’t get us started on the voice controls!

It is now a glossy screen unlike the previous generation which means fingerprint marks appear immediately and if you have OCD will annoy so keep a cloth in the glove box! They aren’t very noticeable in operation but in sunlight could still be seen when the screen is on.

SEAT Leon 2020 driver’s view

The digital dash is nice and clear and gives you several options to configure it how you like it with quite granular control. I like how it shows the album art from music playing through Android Auto (and I’m assuming through Apple CarPlay) as well as the photograph of your contact if you are on a phone call.

SEAT Leon 2020 digital dash

The red stitched steering wheel is nice and comfortable to use, featuring sporty grips at the top, it doesn’t get in the way of visibility of the dash and has a flat bottom featuring the FR logo. There are lots of controls on the wheel too for controlling the screens, music, phone, and cruise control.

The centre panel has a plastic brushed aluminium strip running across which looks nice. The main dashboard area has the familiar soft touch rubber.

The trim feels on par with the last Leon, not much of a change in quality for better or for worse. I did notice a few minor creaks on bumpy roads.

The air vents, now lower down in the centre due to the screen as well as the side vents have a Lambo look about them.

On the subject of air vents, the air conditioning was quick and powerful compared to the Ibiza I had been driving which took a good few minutes to get going and cool the car down.

SEAT Leon 2020 Front dashboard

Moving on to the rest of the interior, there are signs of unnecessary cost cutting including the slightly flimsy feeling touch controls for the lights when a traditional dial would have been easier to use.

Storage space inside the cabin is ok however the removal of some of the storage areas from the previous generation is again is another cost cutting step.

  • Glove box is a bit bigger
  • Front tray is deeper to hold your phone, wallet, purse etc
  • Drinks holders are a decent size although are compromised by the sliding arm rest
  • Arm rest has storage which is a reasonable size
  • Side door panel storage is bigger and can now support water bottles in an upright angled position
  • The DSG version (not this one) has a couple of small extra trays for things like the car key
  • The under-seat compartments from driver and passenger seats have gone which were handy on the MK3
  • The small cubby compartment from the MK3 below the light switches has also gone
SEAT Leon 2020 Water bottle storage

There are four powered USB C ports, showing SEAT are keeping up with the times, two in the front tray and two for the rear passengers.

SEAT Leon 2020 front tray and USB C ports

The seats are extremely comfortable and supportive with good bolsters and are well-padded but not too soft. I could easily sit on a long drive in them with no complaints. The seating position has plenty of flexibility for your taste and has a lumbar support lever.

SEAT Leon 2020 SEATs and centre console

Moving to the rear the seats which are again comfortable, and the rear legroom has noticeably improved from the previous generation, which wasn’t bad, but you can certainly see the difference on this generation.

SEAT Leon 2020 Rear Leg Room (passenger seat is right back, driver’s seat set for 5 ft 10 inches tall driver)

The rear passengers have their own climate control settings on this model, which as shown in the video can be locked from the infotainment screen if required.

SEAT 2020 Leon rear passenger controls

The rear bench has a pull-down centre armrest as per the last generation and looks the same from what I remember. It also provides access through to the boot if required as before.

SEAT Leon 2020 rear bench arm rest

As you’ll see from the dimensions at the top of the review, boot space is the same as the previous generation. You also weren’t expecting a spare wheel, were you?

SEAT Leon 2020 boot
SEAT Leon 2020 under the boot tray

The interior lighting on the car is worth mentioning. At night, the LED lighting in the cabin when you are getting in our out, is super bright, like daylight bright.

Interior lighting at night
Interior lighting at night
SEAT Leon interior LED Lighting
Interior lighting at night (rear)

You also get ambient red lighting in the car (this colour is not changeable that I could see).

Driving and performance

The 1.5 engine had plenty of oomph to it and I don’t find it lacking. There are issues with this engine within the VW group and VW claim that software updates have fixed them.

I can’t say I came across any hesitation or anything that didn’t feel right to me. I spent a total of 5-6 hours driving the car during the time it was with me for this review.

Motorway cruising is fine as is overtaking capability.

The gear changes feel good with a nice clean mechanism to the gear box. I’m now a DSG convert personally, but enjoyed the manual drive, nevertheless.

Handling feels sharp enough for most drivers, this isn’t a CUPRA after all. It certainly is fun, fast enough and handled well enough for I’d suggest 95% of drivers.

The brakes are nice and responsive, the steering holds no surprises, and the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and engagement with the road.

It all feels very-familiar, very much like the Leon before it. I can’t say I noticed much in the way of a difference in agility or handling due to the slightly longer wheelbase.

Driver aids

The car has several driving aids included, such as lane assist and parking assistance. These work as expected so I won’t go into detail about them here.

You can find out more about all the available driving aids on the new Leon on our YouTube Channel,

New key

SEAT have launched a new key design with the new Leon.

I have mixed feelings about it. It looks nice, but form has taken priority over function and the buttons are moulded into the plastic and only have a slight indentation. This means it’s hard to lock and unlock the car without looking at the key. Something I did without looking on the previous model as you could easily find the buttons.

Key front
Key back with slightly indented buttons

However, the key is certainly different and quite stylish. Glossy black though so likely to scratch.

Last thoughts

With the Leon being SEAT’s biggest selling model, having overtaken the Ibiza with the last generation, SEAT can’t afford to get this car wrong.

In my view, the new SEAT Leon doesn’t take a huge step forward for SEAT, instead they have iterated on an already successful formula. They have played it safe.

The fact the car is running on the same – albeit tweaked chassis goes a long way to making the car feel the same to drive, and that’s not a bad thing by any means.

Looks wise you’ll need to make your own mind up. It certainly needs to be seen in the flesh before making judgement I’d suggest. With a better set of wheels I think the car would be quite a looker, one that blends in with more cars on the road than ever before, yes, but the SEAT and CUPRA fans will take notice I’m sure.

There has been a bit of cost cutting on storage removal, but SEAT have to save some things to market as enhancements for the mid-life face-lift!

What do you think? let us know in the comments below or feel free to ask any questions you might have about the car.

SEAT Leon 2020

Specifications of the model in this review

Engine1.5-litre TSI
Transmission6-speed manual
Power (BHP)150
Torque (Nm/lb ft)250 / 1500
Fuel economy (mpg) WLTP44.8 – 48.7
CO2 (WLTP)132
0-62 mph8.4
Top speed134
Price (as of 1st June 2020)£24,535
Insurance group22E

Standard Equipment fitted: FR

  • 17″ Dynamic bi-spoke alloy wheels with  225/45 R17 91W tyres
  • Electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors with fold function
  • LED Headlights with dynamic indicators and high beam assist
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Daytime running light with automatic headlight control and Coming Home feature
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Auto-dimming rear view mirror
  • Front centre armrest
  • Front seats manual lumbar adjustment
  • Rear seats armrest
  • Leather flat bottomed, perforated steering (with red stitching and FR logo) and leather gearstick (gearshift paddles replace leather gearstick on DSGs)
  • Illuminated front door sill
  • Three zone climate control
  • SEAT drive profile selection
  • Sports suspension

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,519
1,378
@Syphon - Good comprehensive review that focuses on many of the more day to day practicalities of the car than the usual motoring press reviews do.

I think the lack of physical buttons for heating/ventilation/air con will be the deal breaker for many current Leon owners thinking of changing their current cars. As you’ve demonstrated, voice control is no substitute for removing physical buttons - especially in the Leon when it doesn’t respond well to simple voice commands. A gloss black plastic key fob seems a strange move - that‘ll not stay looking glossy for long in daily use.

The small storage cubby below the light control panel has also been removed from the Golf.

I‘m probably in the minority here, but I don‘t dislike the wheels. Any ‘upgrade’ versions available will probably be diamond cut (like the FR First Edition wheels) - they great bling appeal in the showroom, but almost always succumb to whiteworm corrosion. If I wanted different, upgraded wheels, I’d probably go for an aftermarket set.
 
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Seriously?

Active Member
Apr 20, 2018
1,302
889
Great review!
I'm now finding that the front styling actually seems OK; it's a bit generic, but all the elements work pretty well together.
The rear styling, which had the wow factor when I first saw it, actually is just too fussy for me. There's too much going on and some awkward bits (like the SEAT badge you mentioned). Oh and BTW car designers, either put a proper set of exhaust tailpipes on it or hide them completely. Fakes just look stupid, especially in cold weather.
 
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Degs

Active Member
Feb 10, 2019
109
87
North Wales
So to basically sum it up as far as I'm concerned compared to the mk3,similar quality,performance and handling,better side profile,better rear (disagree) ,generic front,flimsy light switches and driver hostile controls,nothing in that review makes me want one ☹
 
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SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,519
1,378
I watched the Autogefühl review of VW’s all electric ID3 yesterday, which essentially has the same infotainment screen, the same touch pad for the lights and largely buttonless interior as the current Leon (and Golf, A3 and Octavia too).

The reviewer was quite critical of the lack of buttons for basic functions. The ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel were also touch pads rather than actual buttons. He made the comment that VW seemed to want to do something new, even if it wasn’t better, and he wasn’t a fan of it. Seems to echo most of the comments on forums on the interior of the new Leon and Golf.

For those interested, here’s the review of ID3;

 
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Seriously?

Active Member
Apr 20, 2018
1,302
889
So to basically sum it up as far as I'm concerned compared to the mk3,similar quality,performance and handling,better side profile,better rear (disagree) ,generic front,flimsy light switches and driver hostile controls,nothing in that review makes me want one ☹
That sums it up very nicely IMHO. At the moment I'm not sure that there's any VAG car in the same market sector as the Leon that I actually would want to replace our MK3 ST.
 

Glosphil

Active Member
Nov 10, 2004
444
193
Gloucestershire
A very useful review - far better than any others I have read.
It worry me that the car is reported to have a gator (alligator?) around the gear lever - I would prefer a gaiter.
 
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red line fun

Full Member
May 24, 2004
602
12
Scotland
sadly, the more I look, the less I like it.
rear end is horrible,
front grill not very nice.
touch screen controls and removal of basic buttons I loath. (but this is the way the whole industry is going)

Good review however I feel the same. Yes cars can grow on you (I wasn't a big mk3 fan when it first launched) so I'm happy to correct myself if I change my opinion in a few months time. However I have my doubts. The exterior just doesn't do it for me and, although I appreciate it's the direction of travel, having more and more techy dashes doesn't appeal to me either. And why oh why do they do things like glossy screens that show fingerprints and dirt straight off the bat?

And, just a personal thing, I can live with integrated screens, those that look like an afterthought (stuck on) I can't.

I'm keeping my mk2 on the road until it dies on me (don't do the miles these days) however when I do need to change, it'll be to a mk3 or another brand altogether. If they are penny-pinching here and there, has that been reflected in the prices? If they're doing it to realign SEAT as a good quality budget alternative to VW that's fine. If the prices don't reflect the penny-pinching that's just another reason for me to look elsewhere as and when I do buy a new car.
 
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Rooster

Active Member
Oct 27, 2018
1,188
326
Yorkshire
Thanks for the review, the looks i can deal with, that's just how things go, but the big no no for me is the interior and especially the touch screen. I suppose it's the way most manufacturers will go in the belief that it's better, when in practical terms it just isn't. Iv'e just tried a Focus St Line X and the Leon has a job on it's hands there!
 

Vag8

Active Member
Jul 5, 2019
57
34
sadly, the more I look, the less I like it.
rear end is horrible,
front grill not very nice.
touch screen controls and removal of basic buttons I loath. (but this is the way the whole industry is going)

Tend to agree with most parts,
Front end, from a distance is it a Mazda 3, and i30 or Leon... ?
To give the golf some credit it’s ugly but you not gonna confuse it with anything else.

I actually like the rear end but don’t like the centre brake light being so low - reminds me of the mk2 Toledo and would be useless as wont be visible to cars 2 or 3 behind so for me it’s dangerous too, it should be high in the spoiler.

Removing all the buttons I also loathe and it’s massively put me off, having to scroll menus and swiping replacing one simple press or depress ... pointless and annoying at the same time, and touch sensitive slide controls for heating etc.... So how many seconds will your eyes be off the road trying to operate the controls?

They maybe trying to be more tech but they are pushing away people on basic functionalities.
 

AndrewJB

Friend to SEAT UK & Cupra Racing
Aug 16, 2007
11,209
485
Maranello
I've got a magnetic grey FR press car at the moment. Initial impressions are all the controls being on the screen will take getting used to but will be fine after a few days.

Mine doesn't seem to do the cool shut down thing with the lights at rear.
 

Lozzy15

Mods mods mods
Staff member
Moderator
Mar 24, 2015
576
385
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
Definitely some features there that I like and would in my current MK3. Still not fully sold on the rear 'coast-to-coast' light but I've yet to see one in person so I'll reserve judgement until then.

It will be interesting to see how this will compare to the CUPRA.
 
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Dec 31, 2012
51
3
sadly, the more I look, the less I like it.
rear end is horrible,
front grill not very nice.
touch screen controls and removal of basic buttons I loath. (but this is the way the whole industry is going)

Deffo agree on the removal of buttons is disappointing, they try to make UI more intuitive but in the ends being a bit of a faff. I like a mininilst design with just a few chunky knobs. Personally I love the rear end myself (Especially the light animation), not too keen on the front, reminds me of a Hyundai.
 
Dec 31, 2012
51
3
I know there's no FR badge on the front grill but tbh I'm not sure an engine with that power deserves to sport the FR brand. I remember when the FR range was considered a cheaper alternative to the VW's GTI :(
 
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Seriously?

Active Member
Apr 20, 2018
1,302
889
I know there's no FR badge on the front grill but tbh I'm not sure an engine with that power deserves to sport the FR brand. I remember when the FR range was considered a cheaper alternative to the VW's GTI :(
Yep, it's a shame that the FR designation is just a trim level now; I mean, an FR with a 1.0 litre ?☹
 
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Syphon

Site Owner
Staff member
Feb 28, 2002
9,380
2,127
South West
www.seatcupra.net
I know there's no FR badge on the front grill but tbh I'm not sure an engine with that power deserves to sport the FR brand. I remember when the FR range was considered a cheaper alternative to the VW's GTI :(

FR is just a trim now though and nothing to do with the engine. No longer the CUPRA's step down car. You can get a 1.0 Ibiza with an FR badge on the front.
 

AndrewJB

Friend to SEAT UK & Cupra Racing
Aug 16, 2007
11,209
485
Maranello
I know there's no FR badge on the front grill but tbh I'm not sure an engine with that power deserves to sport the FR brand. I remember when the FR range was considered a cheaper alternative to the VW's GTI :(

Agree, I had on my drive last week

MK1 Leon FR+ 1.9TDI PD150 (stock, its running about 200)
MK4 Leon FR 1.5TSI 130

So in 15 years we have lost 20bhp (yes I know they do a 150 model as well), we've previously had 170-200 FR's.

Now CUPRA has broken away it would of been nicer if they made FR the top dog again and gave it GTI level engines.