SEAT Leon e-HYBRID review: efficient power and everyday comfort

With more than 2.4 million units sold across four generations, the SEAT Leon is one of the Martorell manufacturer's cornerstone models. Now, in the age of electrification, it offers one of the broadest engine line-ups on the market, spanning diesel, petrol, CNG, mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. It is the latter, the Leon e-HYBRID, that we are looking at here.

Recently awarded the 2021 Hybrid of the Year trophy in Portugal, the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID is the Spanish brand's first plug-in hybrid. From the outside, however, it is not immediately obvious that this is a new version of the model.

Were it not for the charging flap above the right-hand front wing, on the driver's side, and the e-HYBRID lettering at the rear, this Leon could easily be mistaken for a conventionally powered model. That should certainly be taken as praise, as the fourth-generation Spanish hatchback's styling has attracted highly positive feedback since its launch.

Much of the credit goes to its new light signature, which follows a design direction first introduced on the SEAT Tarraco, along with sharper lines that create a more distinctive and striking profile. This being an FR version, its more sporting bumper design also plays a part.

What has changed inside the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID?

Telling the plug-in Leon apart from the rest of the range is even harder once inside. Only the dedicated menus in the instrument cluster and infotainment system indicate that you are sitting in a SEAT Leon capable of travelling solely on electric power.

Again, that is meant as a compliment. The progress made by the new Leon over its predecessor is considerable, producing one of the segment's most modern cabins. Materials are softer, at least in the areas touched most often, build quality feels much sturdier and the finish has improved by several levels.

If it were not for the touch-sensitive strip used to adjust audio volume and climate control, I would have nothing to criticise in the Leon e-HYBRID's interior. As I noted in my review of the 130 hp SEAT Leon 1.5 TSI, it is visually appealing but could be more intuitive and accurate, particularly after dark because it is not illuminated.

What about space?

Whether in the front or rear seats, where legroom is particularly noteworthy, the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID meets the demands expected of a family car. Much of this is thanks to the MQB platform it shares with its two German cousins, the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

However, packaging the 13 kWh battery beneath the boot floor reduces load capacity from 380 litres to 270 litres. Even so, this figure does not seriously undermine the versatility the Leon can offer.

The Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID estate, meanwhile, provides 470 litres of luggage space, making it substantially more versatile and the better choice for family use.

The most powerful model in the range

Despite its environmental credentials, the plug-in hybrid is, rather surprisingly, the most powerful version in the current SEAT Leon range - the CUPRA Leon is not included here. Its maximum combined output is 204 hp, created by pairing a 150 hp 1.4 TSI petrol engine with a 115 hp (85 kW) electric motor. Maximum torque is an equally respectable 350 Nm.

With these figures sent exclusively to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox, the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID completes the familiar 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h.

This hybrid powertrain works particularly well with the new Leon's chassis. Although this test car was not fitted with the “Dynamic and Comfort Pack” (€719), which adds adaptive chassis control, it always performed confidently when driven more enthusiastically. As an FR model, it also benefits from specific, slightly firmer suspension.

The steering remains accurate and direct, the body stays well balanced and motorway stability is every bit as accomplished as that of its German cousins. Despite the FR badge on both the name and tailgate, I would say this version's set-up favours comfort over entertainment, even with the optional 18-inch wheels. That approach is very much in keeping with what this model is designed to offer.

Efficient and… economical

In consumption terms, the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID can compete with the diesel versions in the range, helped greatly by its claimed 64 km of all-electric driving.

Without paying particular attention to efficiency, and despite including a motorway journey, I managed almost 50 km on electric power alone. Even after the battery had been depleted, this Leon remained notably economical.

While there is stored energy in the battery, achieving average consumption below 2 l/100 km is relatively easy. Once it operates purely as a conventional hybrid, the Leon e-HYBRID returns figures of around 6 l/100 km, which is an impressive result given the performance it delivers.

Is the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID the right car for you?

SEAT may not have been the first brand to introduce a plug-in hybrid, but it was determined to make its debut count. In other words, while this is a new proposition for the Leon, it displays impressive maturity - and the synergies between the various Volkswagen Group brands are a real asset here.

To the qualities already identified in the fourth-generation Leon, the e-HYBRID adds greater performance and an effectiveness in everyday use that make it a compelling option.

Is it worth it? That is always the million-euro question. Apologies for not giving a more direct answer, but the broader response is: it depends. It depends on how the car will be used and how many miles it will cover.

As with the Leon's diesel alternatives, this electrified version has interesting potential for drivers who cover high monthly mileages, especially on urban and suburban routes. In these conditions, there is a genuine benefit to travelling in all-electric mode for approximately 50 km, reducing fuel use in the process.

For that reason, it is a matter of doing the sums. This is another major advantage of the new-generation Leon: it appears to offer a solution tailored to each driver's needs.