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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 15 MAY 2016 IV Motoring More than a hint of Spanish flair CHRISTIAN MANGION takes the new SEAT Leon for a spin PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MANGION STREAMLINED proportions, icon- ic angular design, sharp swage lines and pointy door mirrors fluidly merge into the most distinct SEAT Leon yet. A stylish, family car with more than a hint of Spanish flair. The designers of the new Leon left no stone unturned. The dashboard is nothing like the old model. Whilst the dashboard is kept clean and simple, an array of cubbies and pockets, surround an air-conditioned glove box, giving new meaning to fit and finish. Control dials are clear and easily ac- cessible, giving the impression that the dash actually wraps around the driver. The infotainment is displayed on a 5inch touchscreen mounted in the centre of the dashboard, making it easy to look and control while driving. The inside of the five-door Leon is large enough for four adults, while the more style focused, three door SC, has less rear space but an equally spaced boot. The boot offers 380 litres of space. The rear seats split 60:40 to increase storage area but these seats do not fold down completely, eating into what could have been a larger storage space. One of the technically interesting things on this vehicle is the suspension set-up which changes depending on the engine range you're in. While all ver- sions ride firmer than the competition, the ride remains comfortable whether you are cruising or revving things up in this hot-hatch back. The reason for this is either a torsion- bean rear axle or a more sophisticated multi-link set-up, which are married to different engine setups. An accurate, evenly weighted steering and strong brakes compliment a clean, sharp and precise six-speed gearbox. A seven- speed automatic gearbox is also avail- able but doesn't produce the grunt of its manual sibling. All versions are fitted with Seat's Driv- er Profile system, allowing you to adjust the car's set-up to your own ideas of comfort or sportiness. Three distinct modes – Normal, Sport and ECO – give the driver full control over engine re- sponse, steering, interior ambient light, and engine sound. The version we reviewed was the 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI FR model. Have to say it proved to be one of the best sporty diesel hatchbacks tested this year, with an acceleration from 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds. The 1.6-litre TDI returns 74mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2. Being friskier and more fun to drive the tested 2.0-litre TDI FR model gives you over 65mpg with emission just 118g/km of CO2. There are also an entry-level 109bhp 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.4 with either 123bhp or 148bhp, and a 177bhp 1.8-litre which is only available in FR trim. All engines are married to a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional DSG automatic. However the automatic gearbox is not available on the 1.4 ltr unit. In the security sector the SEAT Leon achieved the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests. It attracted particular praise for its full range of airbags, seven in total, protects all occupants, regardless of body size. The car can also be equipped with High Beam Assist – which alters the light intensity when it senses oncoming traffic; Lane Assist – warning you when you drift onto another lane; a Tiredness Recognition System, and a Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The SEAT Leon comes in three specification levels – S, SE, and FR. All come well equipped, with air-condition- ing, a colour touchscreen and a Blue- tooth phone connection. The SE will you get electric windows, alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and gearlever, chrome detailing around the cabin and cruise control. At higher levels, the Leon FR gets an upgraded 6.5inch touchscreen, sat nav, sportier seats, dual-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors. It gives owners the option from 17 different, model dependent, upholstery trims, 14 body colours, 20 wheel options rang- ing from 15inch to 19inch diameter and various additional accessories. What makes the SEAT Leon stand out in this sector is its manages to blend style with practicality, resulting in a fun to drive, stylish sporty looking family hatchback with excellent drivability and affordability. Locally the new SEAT Leon is avail- able from Continental Cars Ltd, in Ta' Xbiex, starting from €16,990 TEST DRIVE maltatoday