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Which used SEAT Leon should you buy?

In years gone by, the SEAT Leon was a car that ticked a lot of boxes, but despite the flamboyant styling and sporty intentions, it wasn’t quite as popular as rivsals such as the Volkswagen Golf or top-selling Ford Focus. However, the latest fourth-generation SEAT Leon is a very worthy contender indeed.

Drivers who cover lots of motorway miles will likely be better off with a SEAT Leon that uses the 152PS 2.0-litre diesel engine. However, you likely won’t find too many diesel SEAT Leons, as the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol models tend to be a more common sight.

If you’d prefer performance to match the sporty flair, a 192PS 2.0-litre petrol was also available, and buyers after a bit more pace will be catered for by the Cupra Leon hot hatch model.

For the first time in the SEAT Leon’s history, petrol-electric plug-in hybrid options are available on the fourth-generation car. These promise low running costs thanks to their ability to cover up to 38 miles on electric power alone.

However, they do tend to be noticeably more expensive to buy than the regular petrol models, and we’d only suggest going for the plug-in if you’re able to charge the battery up regularly – otherwise, you’ll be driving predominantly with the engine running and negating the benefit of the hybrid tech.

There’s a bit of variety when it comes to body styles, too: the SEAT Leon is available in five-door hatchback and estate guises. By and large, SEAT Leon Estates tend to be a bit rarer and pricier than like-for-like hatchback models, but they do offer a bit more versatility from their bigger boots.

Read our full SEAT Leon review

What used SEAT Leon trim levels are available?

The entry-level model is the SEAT Leon SE, but we'd suggest looking for a SEAT Leon FR, which is the most popular model, meaning there’s plenty of choice on the used market.

SEAT Leon SE

The entry-level SEAT Leon spec comes with basic, but adequate, standard specification. Highlights include:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth seats
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Eight-inch touchscreen
  • Automatic LED headlights
  • Heated wing mirrors

SEAT Leon SE Dynamic

SEAT Leon SE Dynamic cars feature a number of visual enhancements and tech upgrades from SEAT Leon SE variants. Among the key upgrades are:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • 10-inch touchscreen
  • Digital instrument display
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Push-button start
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Three-zone automatic air-conditioning (from 2022 onwards)

SEAT Leon FR

If you’d prefer something a bit sporty, then the SEAT Leon FR models may be what you’re after. As well as a more aggressive look, they provide sharper handling (albeit at the expense of ride comfort), plus some tech additions.

  • Redesigned front and rear bumpers
  • Lowered and stiffened suspension
  • Three-zone climate control
  • Wireless charging tray

SEAT Leon FR Sport

SEAT Leon FR Sport models are very similar spec-wise to the SEAT Leon FR cars, although they did get a few extra features as standard. 

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Heated seats
  • Heated steering wheel

SEAT Leon Xcellence

In some ways, you can look at the SEAT Leon Xcellence models as being the non-sporty equivalent of the SEAT Leon FR spec. SEAT Leon Xcellence models do without the SEAT Leon FR trim’s stiffer suspension and more aggressive exterior styling, though.

  • Climate control
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Parking sensors
  • Reversing camera
  • Keyless entry

SEAT Leon Xcellence Lux

SEAT Leon Xcellence Lux cars build upon the SEAT Leon Xcellence spec with an even more comprehensive equipment list, as detailed below:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Leather upholstery
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Powered tailgate (estate)

 

Is a used SEAT Leon a good buy?

The SEAT Leon is an appealing family hatchback, although you likely won’t find a dirt-cheap version of the current version on sale yet, as the car has only been available since 2020.

However, earlier examples will have reduced in value by a fair bit, so there are savings to be made. Nearly new examples should be affordable, too.

The latest SEAT Leon will typically be a bit more expensive like-for-like than the youngest versions of the previous model, but that extra outlay will get you a car with a more upmarket-feeling and sophisticated interior.