2002 Seat Leon SE TDI 110 review from UK and Ireland

The radiator fan chewed a hole through one of the coolant hoses within 50 miles; a clip had been incorrectly fitted allowing the hose to come into contact with the edge of the fan blade. Replaced under warranty without any problems.

Currently in negotiation with SEAT UK over the condition of the polycarbonate headlight lenses after returning from a holiday on the continent that entailed masking the headlights. I followed the instructions to the letter as given in the owner’s manual, but on removing the masks have discovered that the polycarbonate material has reacted with the adhesive used on the tape (ordinary black electricians insulating tape) and has resulted in a mass of cracks appearing in the lens. Please note that no specific tape or adhesive is recommended or prohibited; the owner’s manual merely recommends the use of (quote) “…an opaque adhesive strip.”

First impressions are that I have found this car to be very reliable (overall) and economical. Admittedly, I have not covered a high mileage as yet, but things are currently very favourable.

Fuel economy is gradually improving as the miles build up and the engine loosens up. In mixed driving, including a lot of commuting and town use, the average mpg has increased from 46 when new to around 51 now. The highest figure I recorded was 64 mpg when touring, the lowest figure 26 mpg whilst towing my 1000kg caravan, which is a very respectable figure.

However, economy is not the only reason for liking this car. The performance is very good for a rotary-pump diesel, and it is quiet and refined at most speeds. It handles and holds the road really well, especially when compared to my previous Citroen ZX Volcane that had a reputation for good handling and road holding.

Although based on a VW Golf, in my opinion it is a much more appealing car aesthetically, with a much more youthful and exciting form and stance. Having driven the VW Golf GT TDI PD 130 back-to-back with my Leon, I found the Leon to have much sharper steering and handling. This results in a firmer ride in the Leon, but is a much more interesting and involving experience than driving the VW. With the 130 BHP TDI PD engine now available in the Leon, there will be no discernable difference in performance between the two.

The interior of the car is a little on the sombre side, but I buy a car to look through the windscreen and drive, not to sit staring at the interior. My only criticism of the black interior is that marks and hairs tend to show up too readily. I opted for SEAT’s model-specific fitted rubber mats for the interior rather than carpet and these have proved to be good value. Equipment levels are good and finish is fine, with the exception of the centrally mounted dash switches for hazards and heated rear screen that are decidedly wobbly…

Storage is not so good and anyone thinking of having the CD multi-changer should insist on a deal for the central armrest that incorporates useful additional space, as the multi-changer uses up most of the space within the glove box. The actual CD head-unit has a single CD player and RDS radio, and is very good; my only complaint here is that it is not too easy to navigate around the player when driving.

Rear space is a little cramped and only really suitable for short journeys if carrying adults. Boot space is fine for our needs, the split fold rear seat being fine for carrying larger loads and the hatch opens nice and high for clearance. SEAT do produce a boot liner for the Leon, but a much cheaper and more practical alternative is manufactured by Cannon.

The only real problem I have had with the Leon has been the variable attitude of SEAT dealerships. This is particularly focused by the fact that my car was a parallel import. There are good SEAT dealers out there, but they may take a little finding.

I am currently saving up to swap my TDI 110 for the TDI 130 Leon.