Test Drive Seat Leon 2000 - 2006 Hatchback

Spanish Conditions

Ten years ago, I saw a strange car on the street - externally zhiguli the first model, but with rectangular headlights and more stylish rear lights. There was a seat on the nameplate, and instead of the digital part of the names called three fasteners. I did not feel any warm feelings for the car - well, Seat and okay, nothing special. Not so long ago, I had a chance to test another seat - Ibiza (Motor # 4, 2001), and my ratio to the brand has changed seriously. Now I was waiting for the LEON model, known for his sports ambitions.

 

Before the cabin, from where it was necessary to pick up the car to the test, I traveled with adventures. Suddenly flown the strongest wind caught up such a shower that he involuntarily remembered a three-year old cataclysm. In the tunnel on Mayakovka, it was necessary to take advantage of his long rope with hooks - the sewage was not cope with the flows of water, and inexperienced drivers tried to overcome the dam run. The lucky ones, who had a miracle with miracle, were able to get out of the tunnel, the three unfortunate stood along the hub in the water. One trampled her cup from the cabin into the window ... Waves from passing trucks overwhelmed the red eight, the owner screamed into a mobile phone - sent SOS, and a peasant of a larous type on a new Gazelle, drossing his pants, ran with a rag around an open hood. Save it all three. A similar picture was observed in other tunnels, but time was already pressed, and in the role of the rescuer, I did not try myself.

 

In the cabin, I was offered two cars to choose from - with a 20-valve gasoline engine, covered with dark blue metallic, and bright red 1.9tdi. Despite the less winning color, the preference was given to the first: Machines with a 1.9TDI engine have already come across twice. In the TCP in the first line it was written as strange: the SESATS with air conditioning (it must be, this is the main car assembly in the Russian conditions).

 

The appearance of Leon is very aggressive and testifies to rich hidden possibilities. A narrow incredulous headlights with gray polycarbonate diffusers currently smooth configuration, the hood flowing on the front part, and the branded emblem in its center is stylish and concise. Ascending to the stern, the belt line together with the short rear breath give additional dynamics image of the machine. Doors five, in the center of the rear - emblem and part-time Her handle is a solution already familiar to Ibiza. The luggage compartment is quite spacious. In general, the delicate balance of the agonizing (but often appropriate) biostille and man-made stakes of the ages.

 

In Spain, more than 80% of the car - local production, and the flagship of the SEAT car industry has in its range of models oriented to all groups of buyers. However, a wide range of engines, various modifications of the body, numerous options for appearance and interiors allow the brand to feel nicely in other European countries. Concern VW, whose subsidiary is SEAT, now serves a brand as an affordable sport car for every day. Which does not mean at all - with mediocre characteristics.

 

The engine sound is good - unobtrusive, discreet-solid. Five valves on a cylinder with a volume of 1.8 liters, almost 130 horses - for a sufficiently light and compact car, this is a lot. Excellent brakes (wheels in a circle) with ABS and FireStone rubber in size 195 / 65R15 on alloy wheels foreshadow excellent dynamics.

 

Inside it becomes clear that Leon is a car first for the driver. Elegant devices are well read at any time of the day. The steering wheel without delights, but in the hands lies fine. Seat adjustments - without complaints. Competently arranged steering switches - to hurt them with an intensive handle with frequent batter interceptions will not work. The upholstery of the seats - unshakful tones, but they can't call them ascetic. Pronounced (within reasonable limits) side support continued perfectly in turns.

 

The radio is reported to strengthen wind and possible falling trees and billboards. Rain is enhanced. I'm talking, I look left at the intersection and see ... the middle rack and the upper fastening of the seat belt. In principle, my growth requires moving the chair even further back, but you have to shift forward to ensure a proper review. All this indicates that the origin of the body was designed three-door, and hence, with a greater length of doorways and, consequently, the larger area of \u200b\u200blateral glazing. Light on a driver's seat will be easier to citizens whose growth is less than 180 cm - good, seats adjustment.

 

It rains. Seat confidently goes on a wet road, the drainage properties of rubber - at the proper level. Located in the front fog spoiler easily cope with water gluing above the asphalt. Disc brakes work on yat. Air conditioning is a really important unit: Leon glasses in rain conditions practically do not dove.

 

Wind, lightning flares and thunder rollers provoke on a series of aggressive injury. On the asphalt disrupt the car in the skid did not work, and only on the fresh coating it is possible to turn the rear in the controlled drift.

 

It darkens more and more, the rain turns into a shower. On a flat section of the road, I decide to a risky event - the currencies for a complete vast meager, leaving the clubs of a couple from the water that fell to the graduation path. But the electrical parts and wiring were mounted on conscience, the motor does not stall, and the water flushes the dirt from the body is no worse than in the car wash. A tree fell on one of the streets, turning the roadway. Deploying, drove, and here is the place where I just had, another tree falls! I was lucky - I didn't even hurt the car, and did not have time to turn out in the Western.

 

The shower is grooming like a brand, which makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the door seals - nor a hint of leakage. The front and rear wiper works are excellent, and not even in the most intense mode. Randomly lifted the lady in compensation becomes a fellow traveler - the mountain transport does not go due to traffic jams. She winds energetically heads - splashes by fan, but the upholstery is quickly moving ...

 

An extremely attractive apparatus is a comfortable, friendly driver, powerful, maneuverable, perfectly feeling in our road conditions. By the way, even in the area of \u200b\u200bpermanent housing construction, the suspension never struck, despite the abundance of hidden water of irregularities and quite high speed. Saying goodbye, who has already managed to dry up the fellow traveler asked: what is this car called? I replied: Sesom with air conditioning ...

 

Text: Egor Carpunin

 
 
 

A source: Magazine Motor [№9 / 2001]