SEAT Leon ST (2014 – 2020) Review

The SEAT Leon ST is the Volkswagen Golf Estate’s Spanish cousin, offering an affordable blend of space and style when sold new between 2014 and 2020. It makes a compelling argument for those not wanting to add another SUV to the roads, but a large boot means there are no compromises when it comes to practicality. The Leon ST is also enjoyable to drive, while standard equipment is impressive across most of the model range. Compared with the Volkswagen, only the less prestigious SEAT badge is likely to deter potential buyers.

Although the world may seem to have gone mad for SUVs, traditional estate cars like the SEAT Leon ST offer a more efficient alternative. Add a combination of stylish looks and good value for money, and the Spanish wagon is worth a look.

Launched in 2014, the ST shares much with the regular hatchback version of the SEAT Leon. That means a wide choice of engines, plus a generous level of standard equipment once you venture beyond the thrifty entry-level versions. SEAT has done enough to make the ST stand out from the hatch. In other words, it looks like more than just a regular Leon with a bigger boot grafted on. 

However, the boot does give a notable increase in space over the Leon hatchback. With the back seats in place, the Leon ST has a 200-litre advantage over the regular Leon. Dropping the rear seats swells total space to 1470 litres, meaning it can accommodate the most optimistic of flat-pack furniture purchases.

Space for passengers inside the Leon ST is generous, with enough space to carry four adults on long trips. Adding an extra person to the centre seat in the rear might produce complaints if they are more than child-sized, though. 

The rest of the Leon ST’s interior includes plenty of additional storage space for family detritus. Large door pockets, cupholders in the centre console and an armrest on all but the basic S models are just some of the features. A split-level boot floor can make loading items into the rear easier, along with the naturally lower boot lip versus an SUV.

Along with competing against the lure of SUVs, the SEAT Leon ST also has a number of direct competitors. The mechanically similar Volkswagen Golf Estate comes closest, but demands a higher price for its more upmarket badge. Skoda’s Octavia estate delivers a bigger boot, but does so with more utilitarian styling. 

While it may not have the largest boot in its class, the Leon ST occupies a relatively compact footprint. City driving should not be an issue with this estate, although the ST will always feel more at home out on the open road. Eating up the miles on long motorway journeys suits the Leon ST, although it can still entertain when the roads get twistier. 

SEAT sells the Leon ST with a number of different engines. The 1.5-litre TSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel are the pick of the bunch, suiting the long-range cruising nature of the car. The diesels are also likely to be the preferred option for anyone looking to use their Leon ST for towing. 

Where the Leon ST truly delivers is when it comes to costs. Compared with an equivalent Volkswagen Golf, whether new or used, the SEAT will be cheaper to buy. Add in fuel-efficient engines and generous standard specification, and the Leon ST makes a strong case for itself. 

Buying a family estate does not need to break the bank, or mean a compromise on style, as the SEAT Leon ST proves.

Sharp styling aside, SEAT knows that the Leon ST is designed to appeal to families and practically-minded buyers. On the motorway it is stable and composed, making it well suited to being a long-distance machine. 

Models fitted with engine outputs lower than 150PS have a simpler rear suspension setup, whereas more powerful models have a multi-link system. As a result, Leon STs with more than 150PS benefit from a slightly more refined ride quality, but the difference will be hard to spot for most drivers. 

Making a bigger difference is the size of the wheels fitted. On FR models, which also gain stiffer sports suspension, the optional 18-inch wheels make for a slightly uncomfortable ride. Unless looks really matter, sticking with the standard 17-inch wheels is preferred for those in search of a smoother drive.

SEAT launched the Leon ST with a range of engines as used in the regular hatchback model. This means plenty of choice, with various petrol and diesel versions on offer. 

Petrol engines include the 1.0-litre TSI and earlier 1.2-litre TSI units. These are fine for urban use, but can start to feel underwhelming on faster A-roads and motorways. The 1.5 TSI is the sweet-spot in the petrol range, delivering usable performance but not at the expense of fuel economy. 

The diesel engines will suit those making longer journeys, with the 150PS and 184PS 2.0 TDI versions an attractive option. The extra shot of torque from the 184PS version will be useful for those travelling fully loaded. A smaller 1.6 TDI is also available for those wanting maximum miles per gallon. 

Overall refinement from the petrol and diesel ranges is good, and buyers have a choice of manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

When introduced in 2014, the Leon ST was crash tested by Euro NCAP. SEAT was suitably proud of its new estate achieving the maximum five-star rating, demonstrating the high level of crash protection on offer.

There is a full suite of standard airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, along with traction control and stability control. Front and rear parking sensors are fitted to FR models and above, whilst later Xcellence models gain a reversing camera. Visibility is generally good, but the sensors do help when manoeuvring in tighter spaces. 

A spare wheel is not standard on the Leon ST, but there is space beneath the boot floor to fit one.

As a moderately large estate car, the Leon ST is likely to appeal to those looking to tow caravans and other trailers. The diesel-engined versions make the most sense for towing, with the muscular 2.0-litre units particularly suited to the task. 

The 150PS 2.0 TDI model has a maximum towing weight of 1800kg. A kerb weight of 1425kg allows for pulling trailers up to 1210kg, based on the accepted 85 percent rule.

For anyone buying an estate car, practicality is likely to be the most important consideration. Thankfully, the SEAT Leon ST does not disappoint, offering a spacious interior and boot, but still within relatively compact dimensions. 

The boot is not the biggest in class, but is still capable of holding 587 litres with the rear seats up. Fold the seats flat (using the levers just inside the boot hatch on all but S model cars) and storage space swells to 1470 litres. A Skoda Octavia has more still, but the SEAT counters by looking less workmanlike. 

Space for passengers in the front and rear is generous, and the rear bench will be able to accommodate three adults on shorter journeys at least. The boot floor uses a split-level system, offering clever storage for smaller items, or expanding for big loads. All models except the base S have multiple storage cubbies throughout the cabin, plus a centre console armrest.

Compared to premium brands, it may seem a little uninspiring, filled with acres of black plastic. Yet the components used are solid, and feel like they will last a lifetime of being poked and prodded by children. 

Models above S grade are a little fancier, with leather trim being used on the steering wheel, handbrake and gear knob. These cars also benefit from extra chrome detailing throughout the cabin. Range-topping Xcellence versions feel genuinely plush, with standard leather upholstery and LED mood lighting.

The earliest versions of the Leon ST came fitted with a 5.0-inch multimedia touchscreen as standard. Later models saw this increased in size to a more substantial 8.0-inch display, but both versions are easy to use and offer similar functions. 

Sitting at the top of the dashboard, the touchscreen is aided by a digital display mounted between the instrument gauges. Buttons on the steering wheel also make it easier to adjust settings on the move. 

Connections for USB devices are standard on all models, whilst later cars gain full Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Bluetooth makes it easy to connect your mobile phone, and there is an MP3-compatible CD player in the glovebox.

Fitting with SEAT’s strategy of being a more affordable alternative to the premium Volkswagen brand, pricing for the first-generation of the Leon ST is competitive. Final 2020 model-year examples begin from £20,635, gaining buyers an SE Dynamic model with a 1.0-litre TSI engine. 

As an outgoing model, choices of colours and options may be limited for the Leon ST, but the price makes for something of a bargain. In comparison, the cheapest Volkswagen Golf Estate costs from £23,980, demonstrating the substantial saving the Spanish option offers. 

Opting for the sportier FR version sees starting prices climb to £23,075, with a 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol the standard engine. The FR Black Edition uses the same motor, but adds a digital dashboard and black alloy wheels, with the cost increasing to £24,285. 

Topping the outgoing Leon ST range is the Xcellence model, priced from a considerable £25,675. Adding more safety kit and technology is the Xcellence Lux version, at a hefty £26,590. 

SEAT dealers are likely to offer attractive deals in advance of the replacement second-generation Leon ST, so buyers should bargain hard. At the time of writing, SEAT is offering a £3,000 deposit contribution on the outgoing Leon ST, making PCP finance an attractive option.

Even with only a £750 deposit, a Leon ST FR 130 TSI would cost £355 over four years. SEAT also requires no payments to be made for the first three months. 

Having been launched in 2014, there are now plenty of examples of the Leon ST on the used market. Prices start from less than £4,000 for early high-mileage cars, although many of these cars will have less desirable engine and trim combinations. 

Finance payments on used versions are attractive, though. With a £500 deposit, buyers could be behind the wheel of a Leon ST 1.6 TDI for £100 a month over four years.

The tiny 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine can deliver 64mpg, whilst even the popular 1.5 TSI Evo can achieve 55mpg in more powerful 150PS form. 

Diesel options will make sense for those covering longer distances, and the 110PS 1.6 TDI Ecomotive achieved almost 79mpg in official tests. The Honest John Real MPG data suggests these older (NEDC) figures for the Leon ST are broadly representative of what drivers can expect in the real world, too. 

That 1.6-litre TDI version of the Leon ST is likely to hold further appeal for those wanting to save on VED (road tax) costs. Models registered before April 2017 fall inside Band A, meaning they are liable for no VED at all. Owners of cars registered after April 2017 will all pay £150 a year, with the 2.0-litre TSI petrol stung with a £540 first-year rate.

Insurance costs also suit the more budget-orientated nature of the Leon ST. The SEAT badge helps keep insurance group ratings relatively low. These start at group 12 for the 1.0-litre TSI petrol, increasing to group 27 for the 2.0-litre TDI 184PS diesel.

The SEAT Leon ST has been sold with a number of different trim options, intended to appeal to differing budgets and taste. 

Entry level S models are best avoided, with 15-inch steel wheels and black roof rails giving a bargain appearance. SE versions should not cost much more, and add features like cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and leather trim for the steering wheel. For most drivers, the SE model should deliver what they need. 

Fans of sportier looks will be drawn to the FR, which wears different bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels. Stiffer sports suspension and dual-zone climate control are also part of the deal. 

The range is topped by the Xcellence, adding almost every possible option to the Leon ST. Full LED headlights, keyless entry, leather seats and a chrome front grille are just some of the highlights. 

As neat as some of these touches are, they are not worth paying a substantial premium for over the SE or FR versions.