2008 Seat Leon Sport from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing major except when I got home, my neighbour pointed out a scratch on the front wing (small, but deep), a chip on the bumper (again small) but more significantly, one of the alloys had been kerbed, which must have been caused at the dealer, or perhaps on a demo run. The car also had silver touch up paint on the window! Mentioned this to the dealer who denied they would have touched the paint up, but agreed to replace the wheel, which was something.

Also noticed the steering wheel is about 5 degrees out of line, but no-one else who has driven the car has noticed. It tracks OK so I don't think the kerbed alloy is related, and anyhow the scratching on the wheel is fairly superficial. But hey, it's my new car, and I think it should at least be in perfect order on day one! Perhaps I am being too critical?

Also noticed the headlights had condensation in them after four days, but this has cleared and as of yet it hasn't re-occured.

The car looks very impressive, and the fit and finish seems pretty good so far (paintwork issues not withstanding). However, it is brand new so can't expect any issues just yet.

It is amazingly well equipped with electric everything, and a fantastic 8 speaker stereo. Traction control is also a nice toy to have, and is handy on muddy or icy roads.

The smaller engine (1.6) is fine in town or on A roads, but it is rather "busy" on the motorway because of short gearing. At 70mph, the car is cruising at 3500rpm whereas an old Corolla Automatic I owned would have been spinning at 1900rpm at 70. It does affect fuel economy, but as I don't do a lot of mileage, there was no real benefit to buying the TDI model.

Handling is excellent, loads of grip and composure. Ride isn't too bad despite the stiffer sports suspension, certainly hasn't been a problem yet.

Some reviewers have criticised visibility, but I haven't had any problems. The parking sensors are a handy addition though.

Standard 100bhp VW 1600 engine should be reliable, and generally a simpler servicing proposition when compared with the turbodiesels and highly tuned 2 litre models.

Visited the dealer to get the replacement alloy wheel and pointed out the steering wheel issue. A mechanic had a look, agreed it was fitted a few degrees out of line and adjusted it on the spot. It took him about five minutes. I know, I know, a really minor thing, but you have no idea how annoying it was holding the wheel in a slight turn when going straight ahead! Happier now. I'll keep you posted as I go.

Not a very good pre delivery inspection! Sounds like car has been resprayed, not a good sign if paint is on the window. If it's a new car, question why its there? Looks like your problems are are just starting, couldn't wait to get rid of my Leon.

The touch up paint was a "drip" rather than overspray. I have to agree though it was a bit mysterious. No signs of the car being resprayed as far as I can see. However, it doesn't really matter long term as I have the car on a three year lease with Seat, so if there are issues or problems, I give it back for an agreed minimum payment and that's that, not my problem.

I have done 1500 miles now, no problems and the economy is slowly improving. Quite happy with the car now, although still notice condensation in the headlights which clears pretty quickly. A number of Leon owners websites have reported this issue so I am inclined to leave it for the moment, and if it gets worse I'll get replacement lights at the first service.

Only issue that does bother me is the short gearing does make the car a little noisy at high speed. Its perfect at "A" road speed (55-65mph) but if you go much above that speed, you do notice the noise. However, the eight speaker stereo is a great help in these situations!

It seems condensation in the headlights is a 'Seat thing'. Ibizas, Cordobas, you name it the headlights mist up. I've given up trying to find fixes for mine. Just expect them to mist up in the cold and damp and clear when its warm.

I bought a new 2006 1.6 Seat Leon Sport Up. Initially I thought it was a great car. Electric everything, privacy glass on the rear windows and 17" wheels. Unfortunately I stepped from an Audi A2 straight into it. Same day, perfect. The little Audi was made of aluminum and weighed roughly 970kg. It only had a 75bhp engine but 125lb ft of torque so chopping down through the box for power was never an issue. The Leon on the other hand has less torque 109lb ft and a lot more weight. Gear shuffling is a must. 7/10 for the engine potential.

About the suspension, if you buy a sporty car you are going to get a firm ride. I love the handling of the car. Though the over-pricey 225mm tyre's might be a factor too. The Audi was an awful car with the suspension rock hard whereas I find the stiffened Leon suspension a whole lot more forgiving. It stops and steers brilliantly though I can see no benefit of the Traction Control. 9/10 for the handling.

Though the radio is fine with its eight speakers it is sad I have to listen to it uncomfortably loud as I use it to drown out the rattles. There is one in the dashboard another in the drivers door and another (most infuriating one) from the seat belt anchor point at my head. I have left the car into the Seat dealer several times but every time they claim not to hear anything. As the warranty is up I am going to buy a Haynes manual and strip it down to find the problems myself, alternatively chop it in and buy something (not Seat) else. 5/10 for fit and finish.

There is a problem with the boot catch on my car but I have heard people with Skodas having the same problem. The boot needs to be slammed hard for it to lock properly. Both are VAG so I guess the problem is with the majority of the all their cars. 6/10 for quality control.

My first car was an old Leon model, bought new. It was a brilliant car. No problems at all. Seat was a bit poor back then so they (VAG) lifted a dashboard out of an Audi A3 and stuck it straight in. I had a head on collision with a LWB Transit van. Though the car was in bits the doors opened fine as the crash damage was absorbed in the engine bay, up over the doors with rippling in the roof. Definitely a selling point for me.

It has a lot going for it but there are annoying little faults which would put me off buying another Seat, until the new Leon is launched anyway. 6.5/10.