SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID review

Having previously tested the FR 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid version, we met up with the Spanish estate car again to try its brand-new plug-in hybrid variant: the SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID.

This is SEAT’s first model that can be “plugged in”, yet it conceals its mixed electron-and-petrol diet very effectively. The only clues are the charging flap on the driver’s-side front wing and a small badge at the rear.

Aesthetic assessments are inevitably personal and subjective, but I have to admit that I like the appearance of the new Leon Sportstourer. While retaining a degree of restraint, this Spanish estate has a more sophisticated look than its predecessor.

Whether it is down to the light bar spanning the rear or its larger dimensions, wherever I drove this SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID, it attracted attention. Hopefully, that can only be regarded as a “positive mark” for the styling of Martorell’s offering.

What changes inside the SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID?

While there are few distinguishing features on the outside compared with other Leon Sportstourer versions, there are virtually none in the cabin. As a result, only the dedicated menus in the instrument panel and infotainment system remind occupants that this SEAT Leon Sportstourer can also be “plugged in”.

Otherwise, it still offers one of the segment’s most modern interiors; the progress over the previous generation is particularly evident in this respect. It feels solidly built, with soft-touch materials in the areas most frequently seen and touched.

The overall result is positive, with the near-total lack of physical controls and shortcut buttons being the only real disappointment. In fact, there are only three on the centre console: two for the climate control temperature and one for radio volume. As these are touch-sensitive surfaces rather than proper buttons, and are not illuminated at night, they are not especially user-friendly.

In terms of roominess, the Leon Sportstourer lives up to its family-focused body style in both the front and rear seats. It makes effective use of the MQB platform to provide generous passenger space.

As for the boot, the need to accommodate the 13 kWh battery reduces capacity to 470 litres. That is considerably below the usual 620 litres, although it remains adequate for family duties.

It is “just” the most powerful version

As well as being the greenest Leon variant, the plug-in hybrid is also the most powerful. Its maximum combined output of 204 hp comes from pairing the 150 hp 1.4 TSI with a 115 hp (85 kW) electric motor.

Despite these respectable figures, which exceed those offered by rivals - the Renault Mégane ST E-TECH, for instance, makes do with 160 hp - do not expect the Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID to have sporting ambitions.

Its performance is certainly appealing, but its priorities lie with family use and economical running, an area in which it can compete with Diesel alternatives.

After all, it can cover up to 64 km in fully electric mode. Without trying to drive economically, and on a route containing plenty of motorway miles, I managed between 40 and 50 km without using any petrol. This Leon can also be notably efficient.

Leaving aside the periods when the battery has a substantial charge, during which its smooth and effective hybrid system can return averages of 1.6 l/100 km, the SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID operates as a conventional hybrid once the charge is depleted. Under those conditions, average consumption was 5.7 l/100 km.

Dynamically, the Spanish estate proved capable of balancing comfort and handling well. Its character is more composed than entertaining, which is entirely suited to its family-oriented role.

Although the test car was not equipped with DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), its steering felt accurate and direct. Body movements are well controlled, while motorway stability is in line with that of its German “cousins”.

Is it the right car for me?

The SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID demonstrates that SEAT “did its homework” before introducing its first plug-in hybrid.

Alongside the Spanish model’s already recognised strengths - its spacious cabin, distinctive looks and solid build - the SEAT Leon Sportstourer e-HYBRID brings more power than some of its key rivals and a genuinely effective plug-in hybrid system.

Is it the right car for you? In this case, you may be best advised to reach for a calculator. While it has 204 hp and appealing potential savings, this version starts at €38,722.

For comparison, a Leon Sportstourer with the 150 hp 1.5 TSI can achieve average consumption of around 6 l/100 km and is available for a more reasonable €32,676.

What does that mean? Much like a Diesel, the plug-in hybrid offering is most likely the ideal solution for drivers who cover plenty of miles every day, especially in urban and suburban areas. There, the ability to travel for several dozen kilometres in electric mode can deliver significant savings on fuel costs.