Test Car Specifications
Model tested: SEAT Leon X-Perience 184 DSG
Pricing: £28,870 as tested (Leon X-Perience starts at £24,385)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: all-wheel drive, six-speed automatic
Body style: five-door estate
CO2 emissions: 129g/km (Band D, £0 first year, £110 per year thereafter)
Combined economy: 57.6mpg
Top speed: 139mph
0-62mph: 7.1 seconds
Power: 184hp at 3,500- to 4,000rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 1,750- to 3,000rpm
What's this?
Being part of a big family means that you often get to share toys, or in this instance, all-wheel drive systems, which has given SEAT reason to create the Leon X-Perience - a chunkier looking version of its already handsome Leon ST estate. With added cladding around the sills and wheel arches, the front and rear bumpers are also treated to aluminium-like scuff plates to balance the plastic look. Helping to add a bit more presence the car has also been raised up on upgraded suspension springs, which, in combination with the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, means that it sits 27mm taller than a standard Leon ST.
Buyers will have just two versions of the Leon X-Perience to choose from - a manual 150hp 2.0-litre TDI and a more powerful 184hp version of the same engine, though the latter will only come with the automatic DSG gearbox. Both engines power the latest Haldex all-wheel drive transmission that is lighter than previous iterations and enables the Leon to give its styling justice by going off-road - to a degree.
How does it drive?
Aside from the slightly longer suspension travel and the provision of an all-wheel drive system there is mechanically nothing else to differentiate the X-Perience from the rest of the Leon models. Each car is fitted with the XDS 'electronic differential' that, in the case of the more powerful 184hp version, gives much improved levels of traction when exiting a corner under full power. The all-wheel drive system does have a front-wheel bias and feel but should the situation require it, more or even all power can be sent to the rear wheels. This could be particularly useful when towing
The 150hp engine is very capable and at motorways speeds it makes the X-Perience a fast, comfortable cruiser that can be left in sixth gear while its 320Nm of torque means that engine revs are kept to a minimum all the time. Although there is nothing of real note in which to fault the engine, should you then drive the more powerful 184hp version you'll not want to go back. The DSG gearbox, which is still one of the best dual-clutch systems on the market, adds to the driving 'experience' (sorry), but it does command a £4,485 premium over the entry-level Leon X-Perience. Both models' emissions are rated at 129g/km.
Driving aside there is a practical side to the Leon X-Perience down to the big boot, which offers 587 litres of space that can grow to 1,470 litres by dropping the rear seats - a task done by simply pulling a quick-release lever. The rest of the interior is differentiated only by some 'X-Perience' badging on the steering wheel and door sills while some contrasting orange stitching on the upholstery gives a touch more colour to what is otherwise an understated cabin. There is the option of part-leather, part-Alcantara upholstery, but this comes at a price.
Verdict
Even by SEAT's own admission, the Leon X-Perience is only going to appeal to a small section of the buying market, but when you take a moment to look down through the specification offered and compare to other similarly niche rivals it does make for a compelling enough case. The all-wheel drive system is a useful addition, but the reality is that the most off road many of these cars will go is a gravel car park. Saying that, it does have obvious advantages in the winter months, especially for those living off the beaten track.
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
