2001 Seat Leon Sport 20 VT review from UK and Ireland

Nothing.

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!