BEING under the wing of the giant Volkswagen group, Spanish-firm Seat continues to go from strength to strength, writes Roy Lewis.

The company’s new Leon has boosted sales and has become something of a star model in its very competitive sector, causing rival manufacturers to sit up and take notice.

The Leon is also a strong rival to the group’s iconic and more expensive Golf, which continues to maintain such a strong image.

Now, following the launch of the three- and five-door Leon models, comes the compact five-door sports tourer or estate, which is being aimed at youthful family buyers. It strikes a good balance between sporty design and impressive performance from its punchy, quiet and smooth motors.

Costing around £1,000 more than the equivalent five-door Leon, it doesn’t come cheap, but considering the extra practicality, quality of construction, refinement and generous equipment levels, it represents good value for money.

On-the-road prices go from £16,675 for the 1.2TSi petrol to £24,630 for the top-specification 2.0TDi with a DSG auto gearbox.

As one might expect from Seat there is a good range of petrol and diesel engines, and the 104bhp 1.6-litre turbo-diesel manual is expected to be the best seller. A main attraction with this motor is the excellent combined fuel consumption of 74.3mpg, though in the real world of everyday motoring the return is likely to be less. The C02 emissions are also splendid at 99 (g/km).

However, the most economical model is the Ecomotive version of the 1.6-litre diesel, which returns a combined figure of 85.6mpg and has C02 emissions of 87 (g/km). All the engines are good on fuel and they comprise 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesel, with varying power outputs.

The estate rides on the same wheelbase as the five-door hatch, but being 27cm longer has the larger cargo space of 587 litres, which rises to 1,470 litres with the back seats down. And not only is the boot floor flat but the front passenger seat backrest can be tipped forward to carry long loads. There is also a useful double boot load floor to store extra items.

The good thing about the rear design is that it remains handsome with no bulky look to spoil the overall appearance of the car.

The Leon does have a distinctive and modern look largely due to the sharp styling creases along the sides. Like its stable-mates, the estate also shares the latest Volkswagen group’s MQB platform, and this shows in impressive handling. The car feels light and agile and drives very much like the five-door hatch both in town and on the open road.

Not only does the new chassis offer weight-saving advantages, but there is more stability, particularly at speed, and this is also aided by expensive multi-link rear suspension, which is fitted to the higher-powered models. Under way, the car’s body feels firm, stable and squeak-free and offers a comfortable ride.

Seat has raised the game with higher-quality upholstery and fittings which blend with a sporty look.

The 1.6-litre diesel also comes with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox, which is a smooth operator, and in SE specification the model is well equipped. There is also a long list of options and, for the present, these include a free technology pack comprising LED headlights, navigation system and DAB digital radio.

At-a-glance.
Seat Leon Sports Tourer 1.6-litre TDi 104bhp DSG auto.
Price: £20,745.
Top speed: 118mph.
0-62mph: 11 seconds.
Fuel: 72.4mpg (combined figure).
C02 emissions (g/km): 102.
Verdict: Great to drive, sporty and stylish, practical, economical, well equipped and good value.