Xperience life the Leon way
A fleshed-out Leon estate it may be, but the new Leon Xperience is worth more than the sum of its parts, writes Matt Kimberley
What you’re looking at is a Leon ST, that’s the estate, with taller suspension, bigger wheels and tyres, some bodywork extras and a unique interior trim style. There’s also fourwheel drive that activates only when you need it.
Inside, you get a higherquality ambience with some lovely orange stitching unique to the Xperience, as well as new door trim, a bulkier centre console to accommodate the rearward drive shaft, and, crucially, an upgraded media interface.
That the Xperience is more rough and ready than the ST is obvious. It’s an ST that’s been to the gym a few times and grown a healthy layer of designer stubble. The image is more premium, then. It’s not just an estate; it’s a lifestyle statement. Seat expects a large number of buyers to be keen on triathlons, surfing and other forms of self-torture.
Space and practicality
There’s no doubt the new flagship Leon has got plenty of room. Clever engineering in the four-wheel drive system means that it takes up none of the boot space, leaving a mammoth 587 litres to play with – and that’s with the seats still in place. A space-saver spare wheel is an option that most adventure-hungry types will want to add, but those luscious alloy wheels are not the ideal choice for cutting a swathe through the countryside, unless you like lots of repair bills.
Behind the wheel
Aside from the trim upgrades, the most important and most obvious change is the new, higher-resolution screen. It comes with improved satnav graphics that simulate a 3D effect, create sharper details and leave you a whole lot more satisfied. It’s all still based on the old flawed navigation software, but it’s still a big improvement. The drive is one that mirrors the ST’s, in that it’s not as nimble as the hatchback but it’s easy to strike up a comfortable rhythm along a twisty road. Overall, it’s exactly the sort of car that won’t bore you, won’t grow old too soon and will do the job you ask of it with no fuss. Three years on a finance deal should fly by.
Value for money
As the flagship non-Cupra Leon, the Xperience is on the pricey side compared to the humbler hatchbacks and even the ST. You do get a very impressive all-rounder for your cash, though, and that four-wheel drive could be priceless if your circumstances are right, or wrong, when winter comes. The best value model is the entry-level SE, as long as you don’t mind switching your own lights and windscreen wipers on.