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SEAT Leon ST X-PERIENCE 2.0-TDi SE Technology review: Rugged and practical

SEAT Leon X Perience 1800
SEAT Leon X-Perience

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17 October 2014

 

SEAT, Leon, X-Perience, ST, estate, rear
The Leon ST X-PERIENCE adds welcome cosmetic tweaks, including new bumpers, wheels and body cladding

What’s good?

  • The standard Leon could never be considered as bland but the ST X-PERIENCE adds some welcome cosmetic tweaks. New bumpers, alloy wheels, roof rails and extra body cladding give it some added presence.
  • The ST X-PERIENCE is the only Leon in the range available with four-wheel drive, so it offers more than simply visual upgrades.
  • 28mm has also been added to the ride height, so if you do venture off-road there’s no risk of damaging the underside of the car or getting beached.
  • The added ride height doesn’t disrupt the way the X-PERIENCE handles. Advanced XDS traction control keeps the handling precise and there’s only a fraction more body roll over the standard ST model despite the increased ride height.
  • More powerful 181bhp versions come with the smooth six-speed DSG gearbox as standard. Changes are well mannered and accurate but the six-speed manual fitted to the lesser-powered 148bhp model is still precise.
  • Both engines offer identical running costs, claimed at 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km, meaning a BIK rating of 21 per cent.
  • The ST X-PERIENCE is one of the only four-wheel drive estate models to dip below 130g/km of CO2, too.
  • In everyday driving conditions, power is sent only to the front wheels. When the car senses a loss of grip, drive is distributed to the rear wheels to give extra traction. Employing the four-wheel drive system to work in this way also help boost efficiency.
  • The new Haldex 5 clutch is responsible for shuffling power between the front and rear axles. You can’t feel when the system is at work as the transition of power is smooth and uninterrupted.
  • The added ground clearance also adds to the car’s comfort on the move. Even on larger 18-inch alloys, it manages changes in surfaces and potholes without upsetting passengers inside.
  • Practicality is unaffected despite the adoption of four-wheel drive, so the large 587-litre boot remains. Fold the rear seats flat and space increases to 1,470 litres.
  • Only two specs are available but both are generously equipped. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass and roof rails. More luxurious SE Technology trim adds sat nav, DAB radio and auto lights and wipers.
SEAT, Leon, X-Perience, interior
Inside, there isn’t much to differentiate the X-PERIENCE from a standard Leon ST

What’s not so good?

  • It’s expensive. Prices start from £24,385 but opt for a top spec model and the cost quickly rises to £28,870 – making it the most expensive Leon in the entire range.
  • There isn’t a lot to differentiate the ST X-PERIENCE from the rest of the Leon range from the inside. You do get orange stitching and bolstered front seats but given the price premium a few more extras would be welcome.

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