Faults:

The rear washer hose broke after 5000 miles. This required a replacement tailgate trim panel because the original was "destructively" removed. Seat's advice: "Don't use the rear washer when the weather is cold"

The dashboard rattled badly after 10000 miles. The dealer replaced a self-tapping screw and the rattle ceased.

Both front door "cassette trays" needed re-sealing after 22000 miles. Before this repair water poured into the car from the bottom of both doors.

A plug condenser unit failed after 22000 miles. The vehicle had to be towed in, but the repair took less than 5 minutes.

The windscreen wipers tend to slow down when driving above 130mph (hehehe)

General Comments:

The car accelerates smoooootttthhhhly and quickly. It begs to be driven hard and fast.

The steering is well-weighted and gives excellent feedback when driving on motorways of country lanes.

It sticks to the road. You need to be seriously mental to push it beyond it's limits.

The seats are fantastic. Firm and comfortable.

The CD player and radio sound great even if the controls were designed for people with tiny fingers.

This car is an excellent bargain.

Faults:

All four doors leaked water.

Front headlights full of water.

Rear lights full of water.

Boot lock broke down.

Dashboard light had a mind of it's own.

Dust in the paint job.

Rattling noises.

General Comments:

The Seat Leon is a car I would not advice a friend to buy.

It has many problems and there are a lot of quality issues like the leaking doors that have not been solved even after 2 years of production.

The brakes are dangerous in winter conditions because sometimes they will react only after the second or third time you step on your brakes.

I had to return my car to the dealership 10 times in 9 months, this meant a ninety mile return drive, 10 times.

No apology or compensation was given to me, even after I asked for it.

After suffering 10 months of Seat Leon ownership I can tell you that customer care is something yet to be discovered by this carmaker.

Faults:

Leather on drivers seat is scuffing badly when driver wears jeans! It appears jean rivets should be avoided.

Remote key fob became unreliable and has been replaced by the dealer.

General Comments:

The interior of the car could do with livening up.

The ride can be harsh on bad surfaces, of which the UK has plenty.

Thirsty. Have never exceeded 30 miles per gallon!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I went into a Seat dealer to test drive a new Leon 20VT just a half hour after I test drove an MG ZS120. The dealer didn’t have a new model, but they did have a display model which was for sale that had 3000 on the clock. It has climate control, CD changer, imperial blue metallic paint, mud flaps and carpet mats.

I took it out for a spin and could not believe it. The power was amazing. I had a Focus 1.6 and there just could be no comparison. The Leon felt so solid. The handling was sharp, though not up there with the ZS 120. I drove away with the intention of buying a new model. Later that day I was back in the dealership haggling over the display model. I managed to trade in my focus and get the Leon, 1 year warranty, service, full valet and get one mud flap fixed on properly. It just made so much more sense to buy this hardly used model.

Everything about the car is impressive. It’s forward lean gives the impression of poise and power. The size of the boot is impressive. The engine compartment is a joy to behold. The gear change is fantastic, though I’m going to have to get used to having that 6th gear. A 6th gear is something I’ve hankered after for some time as I spend a lot of time on the motorway. The engine sound really indicates what this car is all about. When you turn the key it sounds just like a 2.0 turbo intercooler diesel engine. But once you start moving it’s just growls along in a very confident manner. Overtaking is a scream in this car. Overtaking is a very sudden event. You can easily do it in 6th as there is plenty of low down power, but do it in 4th or 5th and you are a flash in the view of the driver being overtaken.

The dealer was very knowledgeable of this car. He was great to “work” with, but he was glad when I finally sealed the deal. I was forcing a deal with him a half hour after their office had closed on a Saturday evening. It’s a rare car on the road which really adds to its appeal for me. I have only ever seen one before (a solver beauty in Santry, Dublin).

I’m picking up the car in 6 days and I will add comments to the review of the car as I add on the miles. I’m expecting that I will be heading off into the Wicklow Gap and the Backstairs mountains early on weekend mornings during the rest of the summer to really make the most of this car. Thank you Seat…. I have been smiling for 24 hours!