Test drive Seat Leon X-Perience: a good combination

Driving Seat's first off-road SUV

Models with a similar concept have been a great success for Volkswagen for many years. Audi, Skoda and VW have already accumulated solid experience in this area. The time has come for the Spanish division to join this interesting market segment with the Leon compact van. The Seat Leon X-Perience was created according to a well-known recipe - it is equipped with an all-wheel drive system (an option on the base 110 hp engine, standard for all other versions), has increased ground clearance to approximately 17 centimeters, has changed suspension adjustment, new wheels and additional protective elements on the body.

Good concept

The result is very close to that offered by the Czech sister Seat - Skoda, in the face of a perfectly balanced Octavia Scout in every respect. What distinguishes the Seat Leon X-Perience from the Octavia Scout is, first of all, the design, which is fully focused on the modern style of the Spaniards, as well as the sportier chassis settings. In fact, the idea of sporty style is on a higher level in the Seat model, while in the Skoda there is traditionally more emphasis on functionality, which clearly distinguishes the target groups of the two products.

Successful base diesel

Even with the base 110-horsepower diesel engine, the Seat Leon X-Perience is a very decently motorized car - thanks to confident traction at over 1500 rpm, spontaneous throttle responses and perfectly matched gear ratios from the six-speed gearbox. the dynamics in everyday life are more than satisfactory. It's nice to note that the increased ground clearance did not affect Leon's typical dynamic behavior in any way - the steering responds precisely to the driver's commands, the running gear margins in corners are impressive, and the lateral body vibrations are minimized.

As you would expect, the dual transmission clutch system, based on the latest generation Haldex clutch, provides reliable traction and significantly contributes to reliable handling even in adverse conditions. Fuel consumption in the combined driving cycle is just over six liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers. For those who are still looking for temperament in the drive, a 180 hp gasoline turbo engine is offered, as well as a 184 hp diesel engine, which will positively satisfy the needs of more sporty natures.

CONCLUSION

The Seat Leon X-Perience offers an excellent balance between dynamic handling, safe handling regardless of weather conditions and good roadability. All of this is offered at a very reasonable price and with a base 110 hp diesel engine. performs unexpectedly well with quite satisfactory dynamics and low fuel consumption.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Melania Yosifova, Seat

2020-08-29