The ST based lifestyle estate, but with a more rugged look to it, boasts permanent four-wheel drive, and extra ground clearance. The car is suitable for the harshest of weather conditions.
The X-Perience is the start of the 4WD story for SEAT.
It is aimed mostly at males - average age of 46 years - who have an active life style.
It has the look and the handling, of an estate car and of a SUV - a bit of both, and will help the Leon brand to grow over the next few years. Leon is now the volume seller for the first time, replacing the Ibiza as SEAT's best selling car.
Similar to the SEAT Leon ST, it offers 587 litres of luggage space.
The car has a robust look with protection mouldings on the door sills and wheel arches in addition to aluminium touches for the rear bumper and lower front spoiler. Also included are integrated fog lamps and twin chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front.
In addition to 4WD and extra ground clearance, the Leon X-PERIENCE also offers all-road suspension, intelligent EDS dynamic control and an extended electronic differential lock for better traction when cornering.
All models come with seven airbags, 17-inch X-PERIENCE alloy wheels, rear park distance control, cruise control, 5-inch colour touch screen with USB/SD/Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. Sports seats with unique X-PERIENCE upholstery, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake are available along with two-zone Climatronic air conditioning. The 184 DSG model gets the brand's Drive Profile which provides the option of upgraded steering and throttle response. All models will be prewired with tow bar connectivity, capable of towing a maximum weight of 2,000 kg.
The 2.0 184bhp 4WD DSG (6-speed Automatic) I drove earlier today around Aughrim (in heavy frost and later snowy conditions - ideal 4WD territory) had an official fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100km and an annual Road Tax of €270. Brand Director at SEAT Ireland Niall Phillips (pictured at the launch in Co Wicklow), said "This car opens up an entirely new market for us, offering all the versatility of our ST estate car, with the benefits of capable AWD traction, all in a high-specification, good-value package.
"SEAT has had a strong start to 2015, building on the growth of the last two years and new products like this car help to bring us to new customers and new segments. This, along with a new SUV in 2016, will see SEAT establish itself not only as a maker of sporty family cars, but also as a strong contender in the lifestyle segment."
