If a regular Leon ST isn’t tough enough for you, there’s a more hardy version now on sale to take you exactly where you want to go.
Seat’s Leon in all its forms – hatch, three-door SC and spacious ST wagon – has been winning fans and awards since it first appeared in 2013, but if for some reason you feel its vast range doesn’t quite cater to your needs then there’s a new model that might just fit the bill.
The Leon X-Perience is based on the ST model but puts a more adventurous spin on things with a splash of off-road credentials. Four-wheel-drive is standard as is a raised ride height, and there’s a choice of two powerful diesel engines. It looks the part too thanks to some unique exterior styling and specification.
It’s the revised exterior that catches the eye first, and, as its name would suggest, the Leon X-Perience is all saddled up and ready to go off on an adventure. As well as the raised ride height there’s plastic cladding all around the lower half of the body, while front and rear there are revised bumpers with a flash of aluminium effect. It’s notably more rugged than the standard ST but the neighbours won’t think you’ve suddenly turned to agriculture. It looks smart and functional, like a well-chosen pair of hiking boots.
Happily the lifestyle spin that the Leon X-Perience brings doesn’t hurt any of the practicality of the regular ST model. There’s 587 litres of space with the rear seats in place, and 1,470 litres with the seats folded. The boot floor can also be adjusted to two different heights and you can specify a folding front passenger seat to carry longer loads.
It doesn’t make it any more practical, but the cabin is finished in a smart grey with orange stitching and gives it a visual lift over the standard car.
Mechanically the Leon X-Perience uses the smart Haldex four-wheel-drive system that dishes out power only when it’s required. In normal driving all of the drive goes to the front wheels – keeping friction losses down and maximising economy – but if conditions get a little slippery it can send up to 50% of the drive to the rear wheels.
Happily driving the X-Perience is just as fuss-free as a regular Leon. The increased ride height doesn’t hurt the ride quality or the handling; the X-Perience deals with poor roads very well, smoothing out the bumps. The 181bhp diesel engine mated to the DSG transmission gives slick and sprightly performance – 0-62mph is despatched in 7.1 seconds yet it’s still capable of 57.6mpg and 129g/km of CO2.
The X-Perience comes in two trims, SE and SE Technology, both of which are loaded with equipment. This higher-spec Technology version tested here comes with 18in alloy wheels, full LED headlights, folding door mirrors, sports seats finished in Alcantara and the impressive touchscreen system including satellite navigation. There is a price premium over the equivalent ST model, but if four-wheel-drive is useful to you it makes a lot of sense.
Most of us don’t decide to drive up the side of a mountain every weekend but the extra reassurance of four-wheel-drive is useful for towing and keeping yourself out of trouble in poor weather conditions. It’s ideal for families who can’t justify an SUV but want something a little more capable than a standard estate, and the X-Perience sits happily between the two.
Facts & figures
Model: Seat Leon
X-Perience SE Technology 2.0 TDI 184
Price: £28,870
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel unit producing 181bhp and 276lb/ft of torque
Performance: Top speed 139mph, 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds
Economy: 57.6mpg combined
CO2 rating: 129g/km