Mazda 3 v SEAT Leon - which car is best? | Ask Honest John

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Mazda 3 v SEAT Leon - which car is best?

I want to buy a new hatchback to replace my old Vauxhall Astra. However, I can’t choose between the Mazda 3 or SEAT Leon. I also cannot decide between petrol or diesel. I cover 20,000 miles a year, with 30 per cent in the city and the rest on the open road.

Asked on 7 November 2014 by Driver

Answered by Honest John

The Leon is a great looking car. But the DSG isn't anything like as good as Mazda's excellent six-speed torque converter autobox. Mazda's 2.2 diesel should not be any trouble. I ran this engine + autobox in a Mazda 6 for a year and 14,000 miles with no trouble, and if I had to buy this type of car for myself I would buy a Mazda 3 2.2d150 auto. The 2.0 120PS petrol engine is a bit flat.

Tags: buying a new car petrol or diesel? hatchbacks

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