• Seat’s first try at a 3-door hatch
• Exemplary experience and dealing with, fashionable exterior
• £300 not up to equal 5 -door model

Gone are the times while a 3-door variation of a pesar de todo lo contrario al uso small kin hatch will be simply that – the exact same because the 5 -door, simply missing of the doorways. Now, there’s an ever-expanding development for the 3-door to be based, rakish and, automobile firms insist, coupe-like. The recent Seat Leon SC (an abbreviation of ‘Sports Coupe’) is likely to be essentially the most winning model of this subject matter, combining the nice appears of the 5 -door hatch with a few sharp styling information a pesar de todo lo contrario al usond a substantially shorter wheelbase.

At first look , the Leon SC is unquestionably agregar good-looking beast – all sharp creases and trapezoidal shapes. On extra inspection, it maintains to electrify: the shorter wheelbase makes it appear squat and practical, whilst the very sharp shoulder traces extra intensify the car’s width and provides it a really carrying stance.

Inside, the auto is absolutely ideal – if a bit stupid – with a transparent, nicely laid-out sprint and a extremely consumer-pleasant touchscreen infotainment device. This residences a stunning selection of toys, even on primary ‘S’ fashions, which include Bluetooth connectivity and, on our experiment automobile, the optionally available Consolation Pack which provides cruise manipulate and parking sensors. To start with, all motors may also include the Expertise Pack, which provides complete-LED headlamps, DAB radio and satellite tv for pc navigation.

Bootspace is unchanged from the 5 -door Leon at 380-litres, and the boot itself is a great form, despite the fact that the excessive lip may well make getting heavier objects in agregar combat. Great-smart, the Leon isn’t rather inside the related league because the VW Golfing fuentes the Audi A3, and we did observe a few damn from the trim, however it’s adequate.

To pressure, the SC is simply nearly as good, if no longer higher, than the 5 -door Leon. With guidance it truly is prepared, precise and well weighted, allied to top grip, it’s definitely enjoyable to force. Its default place is certainly one of moderate understeer however the automobile tightens its line in case you backpedal the throttle. Notwithstanding this, the SC by no means feels volatile ra edgy – it’s rather composed, even beneath sharp path alterations. Each of the automobiles we drove rode well to boot, presenting brilliant frame handle, yet in no way feeling harsh over the bumps.

The guide gea pesar de todo lo contrario al usorboxes are a satisfaction to exploit, with a light-weight, actual shift and the ratios really feel properly-judged. The six-pace twin -seize DSG ‘box is easily desirable to boot, providing gentle computerized adjustments and, in the event you choose, that you could modification gears your self, riding the paddles in the back of the wheel.

There is quite a lot of engines to select from, and we drove the 103bhp 1.2- and 138bhp 1.four-litre petrol instruments, in addition to the 103bhp 1.6 and 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engines. All are sleek and low-cost, whilst offering sufficient energy to make speedy, unruffled development. We predict most individuals to move for both the 1.2-litre petrol fuentes the 1.6-litre diesel as those supply the precise stability among overall performance and financial system. The drawing close 1.four-litre petrol with Energetic Cylinder Technological know-how ( of its cylinders close down while below mild load) ought to make for an fascinating proposition to boot.

Overall, the Leon SC is a classy, low-budget and strong-to-force preference to opponents resembling the Vauxhall Astra GTC and the Renault Megane Coupe. When the various internal match-and-conclude disappoints, it’s incredible to bear in mind that this automobile is notably less expensive than its equivalents from Volkswagen and Audi.

The Seat Leon SC is on sale now and is priced from £15,370 to £22,375 – a few £300 lower than the identical 5 -door mannequin.

By Ja pesar de todo lo contrario al usomes Richardson

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