Seat decided to dress the Leon ST wagon from top to bottom with adventure gear, ie: more prominent bumpers, greater ground clearance (270mm) and a state-of-the-art Haldex all-wheel drive system (4Drive). From this mix of novelties, the Seat Leon X-PERIENCE was born, a model that pleases both visually and on the road.
The changes compared to the ST version that was in its genesis may not even be many, but added together they make all the difference. This is the case of the interior lined with leather and Alcantara, which contributes to an overall feeling of superior quality and also a greater appeal to adventure, as it recalls some equipment used in outdoor activities.
To reinforce that we are on board a special version of the Leon range, the X-PERIENCE brand appears all over the cabin.
Even inside, the 270mm more ground height of X-PERIENCE compared to the ST, almost make us believe that we are behind the wheel of an SUV model. I have to say that before testing the Seat Leon X-PERIENCE, I thought that this higher ground clearance would imply less sharp dynamic performance.
I misjudged it. Seat has studied the hardness of springs very well and managed to achieve an excellent compromise between dynamics and comfort. A commitment to which the adoption of a multilink suspension architecture at the rear, which deals independently with longitudinal and transversal forces, will not be unconnected.
Seat Leon X-PERIENCE 1.6 TDI
Then there's the bonus of the 4Drive all-wheel drive multi-disc clutch system with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – aka Haldex – which manages to manage four-wheel drive independently, being able to send up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels, or in extreme cases up to 100% for a single wheel thanks to the XDS electronic differential.
Therefore, on the one hand, dynamic skills were not lost on asphalt, and on the other hand, a real ability to advance in difficult terrain was gained. Well played, Seat Leon X-PERIENCE!
Seat Leon X-PERIENCE 1.6 TDI
Given these dynamic credentials (4Drive system, XDS differential, MQB chassis and multilink suspension) when we pulled the 110hp 1.6 TDI engine, we missed a few extra “horses”. But in normal use, this engine is more than enough (184 km/h top speed and 11.6 seconds from 0-100km/h).
We remind you that we are facing the latest version of the 1.6 TDI engine from the Volkswagen group, which now comes together with a 6-speed gearbox. An engine that is available from low revs, develops willingly and does not require trips above the legal speed limit. With the trunk full (587 liters) and full capacity, tempers have to curb, but don't compromise.
Seat Leon X-PERIENCE 1.6 TDI
Positive note for consumption. Without major concerns about fuel savings, it is possible to achieve averages of 6.4 litres/100km. After a Yoga class it is possible to do better, but I prefer to aim for achievable numbers in real conditions of use.