SEAT ARONA REVIEW: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

It's less than three years since the Volkswagen Group announced that it would stop producing SEAT passenger cars, in favour of concentrating on the Cupra performance brand, writes Brian Byrne. But last October the group changed its mind. Officially, the Spain-based subsidiary is now the affordable entry brand to Volkswagen's overall portfolio. Possibly because of that first short-term decision, the SEAT market share in Ireland slipped downwards over the last few years, but that slippage appears to be slowing and for three of the first six months of 2026, sales have shown a healthy uptick compared to the same months last year.

The Arona has consistently been the brand's best seller since it was first launched in 2017. Partly because of the overall strength of the B-segment crossover-SUV category in the overall car market. When a small family buyer needs something larger than a hatchback but doesn't want to go up a segment size, in this case from the Ibiza hatch, the crossover offers a bit more space without increasing the footprint much, and retaining the ease of use. 

There's been no generational change in the Arona since it first arrived, but there have been two refreshes, the most recent for the 2026 model year. None have involved changing the shape or interior size, though the latest one is lower and a tad longer than the previous version. Put one beside the other and you'll see a larger grille with a diamond-mesh pattern, a different front bumper design with integrated front foglight, and new alloys. More important is the brightness of the new LED headlights. The overall shape of the car is remarkably fresh still, reflecting the fact that SEAT within the Volkswagen Group often had more style chops than the parent company's own-brand equivalent cars. In this instance, the review car also had a sleek presence thanks to the contrasting black roof and roof rails.

There have been improvements inside, mainly in materials, which now include soft-touch dashboard surfaces, some texture to the door trim panels, and fresh design to the air vents. My review car was in FR grade, which also provides more supportive seats, the integrated headrests of which were perfectly comfortable for me — regular readers will know I've had difficulties with such in other brands.

There was a certain old-world feeling, perhaps for budgetary reasons, with the traditional handbrake and an actual fit-in key for the ignition. The traditional part of the car that I very much appreciated was the retention of physical switches for climate control. In cars where these have disappeared in favour of screen menus, they will also be coming back in future years because of new regulations designed to cut driver distraction. I was far from alone amongst my colleagues globally when I criticised the screen systems at first introduction, but it has taken a long time for the industry to catch up.

I've been driving a fair number of large cars recently, yet I didn't feel cramped in any way in the Arona. Particularly, the door opening leaves room for me to get in and out without bumping my head. Also, the design of the inside door handle means that one doesn't have to lean back out to reach it — this is something of an issue in some, indeed more than some, cars.

Given that the car is on one of VW's rather older small car platforms, there's actually a reasonable knee-room for those in the back, while the crossover-style takes the sting out of headroom for all but quite tall people — it's still a more comfortable space for two rather than three, though. The 400L cargo volume is par for the segment.

The Arona is aimed at basic motoring needs. There's no high-tech electrified engine, simply a 1.0 petrol 3-pot, in my review car with the more powerful 115hp output. Also, thankfully, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that works well with the little engine. The motor's 3-cylinder buzz is audible, but it's not really intrusive. The powertrain package, over a variety of roads and terrain, came back with an average of around 5L/100km, which I figure to be quite usefully frugal.

The ride and handling are well capable of dealing with what the car can do, making it pretty safe for family use.

Overall, I left it back with the thought that, for many, it's not all about the tech. It's that the car does what it says on the tin. In this case, fulfilling its newly committed place as an affordable entry to an automotive emporium of many prices.

PRICE: From €28,175; review car €36,146. WHAT I LIKED: A car for its place. 

SEAT unveils new Ibiza and Arona

SEAT has refreshed two of its most popular models - the Ibiza and the Arona, writes Trish Whelan. 

Both models now feature updated styling, vibrant new colours, and a completely renewed range of alloy wheels available in sizes from 16-inch to 18-inch. The cabins have new embossed textiles, refined materials, darker headliners, and neutral accents on the air vents. In the launch edition FR trim, bucket seats now come as standard. 

Both models are powered by a range of petrol engines from 80hp to 115hp. They include a 1.0 MPI 80hp 3-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual gearbox (exclusive to Ibiza); a 1.0 TSI 95hp also with 5-speed manual gearbox; and a 1.0 TSI 115hp with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. 

Designed, developed and built in Martorell, Barcelona, both models are available to order now at SEAT retailers nationwide. 

The SEAT ’261’ sales event takes place at the brand’s dealerships from 3-15 November.

SEAT Leon FR PHEV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

SEAT cars are renowned for their stylish good looks and for how well they drive. The brand offers a range of models from compact city cars to hatchbacks, estates, and SUVs.  

My most recent test drive was in the Leon, available in hatchback or estate Sportstourer body styles. Both versions offer good value for money, making the model an affordable family car and the estate a very good alternative to a compact SUV.  Mine was the 5dr hatchback version, a good all-rounder that is fun to drive, spacious, and very well equipped with standard features.  The Leon and the Volkswagen Golf are closely related, sharing the same platform and many components, but the Leon is often described as the more youthful, sportier, and more affordable alternative.  

 

Trims are FR, SE Plus, and SE. The FR trim is the sporty option for those buyers looking for enhanced performance and generous amounts of standard equipment. The styling features a prominent grille and triangular daytime-running lights, with sharp lines, distinctive creases along the sides, and a full-width LED rear light bar, which makes the rear seem wider. The FR trim adds further sporty touches, including some additional chrome, 18-inch machined alloy wheels in Cosmo Grey, and full LED headlights, along with FR badges on the exterior, while the Leon badge on the rear is now in handwritten script.  

Leon is quite a low car, so tall people may have to duck their heads when getting in and out, even with the front passenger seat set as low as possible and fully back.  The well-thought-out interior features good-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The FR trim adds red stitching and the letters FR on mats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless phone charger (with two C-USBs close by and two more in the back). A sunroof stretches to the backs of the front seats, and you can pull down the blind. Sporty seats with black microsuede and red stitching are comfortable, and the cushions are nicely padded. Front seats have manual adjustments and can be heated.  

The dash is dominated by a large 12.9-inch free-standing central screen and a recessed 10.25-inch digital cockpit where your current speed is shown on the bottom right of the screen. Colourful graphics in both cases look really well and are clear. Climate controls are on the base of the central screen, as are volume controls. The dual-clutch automatic transmission selector is located on the flat of the central console, which is my preference. Paddles on the steering wheel allow you to change up or down a gear when the selector lever is in the D/S position.  

The rear offers good head and legroom but fits three adults at a squeeze. A high tunnel intrudes on the middle seat leg space; the middle seat back lowers as an armrest with two cupholders, and there’s a hatch through to the boot. My car had a manually opened tailgate and a boot space of 270 litres, which is less than the 380 litres of the standard petrol or diesel versions due to accommodating the battery. This means there’s no room for a spare wheel.  Front and rear parking sensors, good blind spot monitors, and an excellent reversing camera are standard, while parking controls also let you see around your car.  Driving modes are Eco, Comfort, Performance, and Individual.  

My car was the e-Hybrid PHEV powertrain version, which pairs a 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, giving a claimed electric range of up to 133km (in the real world, maybe around 100km) and a total combined output of 204hp. Maximum torque is 350Nm and top speed 220km/h. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is a very decent 7.7 seconds. My car returned around 5.4 L/100km fuel consumption, which is pretty efficient. Road tax is €140.  

I found the Leon FR to be a perky performer, which handled well and proved plenty agile with a turning circle of 10 m. With its stiffer suspension than the other trims, the ride was a bit on the firm side over rural roads, much smoother on good motorway surfaces. Little wind or road noise filtered through to the cabin, and I had no problem with visibility front/side views. The SEAT Leon, including ICE and plug-in hybrid versions, achieved a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.  

The entry level is priced from €30,070-€43,855; Sportstourer 204hp e-hybrid FR from €45,555. SEAT name all their cars after towns in Spain. Leon is a city in northwestern Spain.

 

 

SEAT Leon FR review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

For no particular reason, it's been three and a half years since I reviewed a SEAT car, writes Brian Byrne, but a recent opportunity put me back into a Leon, once one of the brand's mainstay models but, like elsewhere, diminished by the inexorable advance of compact crossover-SUVs. 

As it happens, this week is the 75th anniversary of the formation of the original Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo as a joint venture between the Spanish government and Fiat. In 1990, after four years as a majority shareholder following the company's falling out with the Italian partner, Volkswagen bought total control of the brand.

The Leon, named after the city in Spain as is the company's practice, was launched nine years later as a sportier and cheaper alternative to VW's own consistently successful Golf.

This fourth-generation Leon has been around since 2020. The car is wearing its sharp-with-softness styling well, it must be said. Illustrating the benefits of not going overboard with design flourishes that can quickly go out of favour. A clean front end, with the LED headlight styling giving the car a slight bird of prey look. A particularly well-characterised rear with full-width LED-line linking the main light clusters. The scripted Leon badge font is pleasant, and there are extra chromed treatments with the FR grade that the review car was.

The edgy design of the dashboard suits the sporty ethos, though for me the large centre screen is too dominant, albeit graphically well designed as is the driver instruments cluster. The DSG automatic finger-shift in the centre console is the type I like, and the steering wheel feels just about right. 

That FR grade also gives a pleasant design and some red-stitch detailing on the trim and seats, leather-type with cloth inserts in my review car. There's good room for two adults in the rear, three would be a pinch. The fit and finish of everything is top class and well-matched in every element.

The FR also gets the eHybrid PHEV powertrain, based on a 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, giving a total output of 204hp. Worth mentioning that this is similar power to that of Golf GTIs when this generation was first rolled out, though the current GTI is 240hp. It gives the Leon FR an acceleration potential of a decent 7.7s to 100km/h, but in a really smooth and non-intimidating manner thanks to the fast-acting dual-clutch gearbox. The electric-only range is rated up to 133 km, though the real world is probably closer to the 100 km point, but that gives the opportunity for some frugal commuting.

The FR gets a different suspension setting than standard Leons, which I found to be a little too firm on any surface that wasn't highway smooth ... but that's probably not an issue for the performance-tending real buyer of this particular car.

The future of SEAT itself is unclear. Two years ago, Volkswagen said they were going to cease building cars under the brand, in favour of the Cupra sister brand spun off as an upmarket performance entity, which also uses the Leon in a more powerful version. By 2030 was given as the end game. But policies can change surprisingly quickly in the automotive industry, so it may be too soon to organise the wake. Meanwhile, for those who appreciate a solid hatchback with good performance and plenty of specification for the money, the Leon FR as we have it now is worth taking for a spin. 

PRICE: From €29,910; FR from €44,470. WHAT I LIKED: Good specification and style with perky performance. 

SEAT celebrates 40 years of Ibiza with new edition

Since its introduction in 1984, the SEAT Ibiza has spanned five generations and sold over 6 million units, becoming the brand’s best-selling model, writes Trish Whelan. 

Now, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ibiza, the brand’s Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition is now available to purchase. This special edition features new equipment and colours, as well as new alloy wheel and design cues. The exterior design has an exclusive Graphene Grey colour on the body and Cosmo Grey on the 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin sees the introduction of exclusive textile Bucket seats in the front. 

There is also a SEAT Arona FR Limited Edition now available, also with Graphene Grey body, exclusive 18-inch Cosmo Grey wheels and interior touches like grey air vents and Dark Aluminium Matte mouldings. 

SEAT June 2024 offers include the Ibiza from €199.00 p/m; Ibiza FR40 from €209.00 p/m; Arona from €189.00 p/m; Arona FR40 from €219 p/m; Ateca from €289.00 p/m; Leon from €229.00 p/m; and Tarraco from €449.00 p.m. All except the Tarraco are 0pc APR; Tarraco is at 5.9pc APR. These offers are available on new retail sales ordered between now and 30 June 2024 and registered before 31 August 2024.

 

SEAT hold Open Event this week

SEAT’s Open Event runs from today 10 May to 18 May at its dealership nationwide, writes Trish Whelan. 

 Potential customers of SEAT cars can avail of low rate PCP finance from 0pc APR, plus a free 3-year service plan during this week. 

The SEAT Ibiza celebrates its 40th anniversary with a limited edition FR trim. Those eyeing up a compact SUV, can check out the Arona FR Limited Edition option. The brand’s Ibiza and Arona are offered from €179,00 per month with 9pc APR; Ateca from €269.00 p/m, Leon from €239.00 p/m with 1.9pc APR, and Tarraco from €419.00 p/m with 4.9pc APR. 

All come with a complimentary 3-year service plan.

 

SEAT Ibiza and Arona maintain 5 star Euro NCAP ratings

SEAT’s new Ibiza and Arona have maintained their top five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, writes Trish Whelan. 

SEAT took a new approach to the Ibiza and Arona’s passive and active technologies. 

Ibiza scored high in each area tested with scores of 83pc for Adult Occupant Protection, a matching score for Child Occupant Protection, 65pc for Vulnerable Road User and 70pc for Safety Assist while Arona (pictured above) achieved almost identical ratings in each category. 

Ibiza starts from €21,110 or €209 per month with 2.9pc PCP finance. New Arona is from €25,465 or €219 per month with the same finance offer. 

Customers can also add a 3-year Service Plan for €9.99 per month.

 

Bundee Aki partners with Galway SEAT dealer

Irish International and Connacht player, Bundee Aki has signed a 12-month partnership with SEAT dealer, Monaghan & Sons in Galway, writes Trish Whelan.

He picked up a 7-seater SEAT Tarraco FR from the Galway dealership showroom prior to travelling to join his Lions Tour teammates in South Africa.

Awarded the title of Ireland’s best large SUV, the Tarraco is packed with the latest advancement in design and technology features including online-based navigation functions and services, voice recognition and the SEAT Connect app.

The FR version integrates the latest generation infotainment system including a navigation system with a 9.2-inch screen which optimises driver feedback and passenger connectivity.

The Tarraco FR also comes with electric bucket seats with memory function, a leather sports steering wheel, leather gear selector and aluminium pedals. This version is offered in both petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines.

SEAT and Leo Monaghan, Dealer Principal at Monaghan & Sons Galway wish Bundee the best of luck on the Lions Tour.

 

Review: SEAT Ateca - Brian Byrne, Irish Car

It would be easy to say that the various brands in the Volkswagen Group simply make small revisions to style and then are clones of each other, writes Brian Byrne. It's a bit more subtle than that, though.

Like the SEAT Ateca, a compact SUV that does share most things with its cousin Skoda Karoq, but doesn't directly reflect any equivalent SUV/crossover in Volkswagen's own range. It is larger than the T-Roc, smaller than the Tiguan, for instance. So, in the Volkswagen firmament, it and the Karoq fill their own distinct space.

Are a few centimetres here or there that much difference? Probably not, the average car buyer doesn't go around showrooms (now that they can do that again) with a tape measure. But the sizing does put the Ateca right in the most successful family cars format of the second decade of this century — with Nissan's Qashqai to Peugeot's 3008 to Kia's Sportage and several other notables.

First launched in 2016, the Ateca got a mid-life nip and tuck last year which refreshed the front and added a tad to the length. It didn't need to be much and it was enough to make the car look right at home in a 2021 driveway. And what I noticed most about it outside my house was the neatness. An SUV in style, but absolutely without any intimidatory design elements. It looks good front, profile, and rear. I've always liked the SEAT 'S' logo too, distinctive but never overwhelming.

That neatness also transferred to the inside. The dashboard has clean lines, with a well integrated centre screen and main instruments, the latter in traditional analogue style with the option of a digital readout between the dials. There's very much a sense of not trying to be avant-garde here, which means the car is aimed at that large middle ground of buyers who don't particularly go for whiz and glitz. And, as is my wont, let's hear it for the straightforward climate controls, real knobs.

It's obvious that the buyer target is also a full family cohort, because the rear seats offer lots of knee-room as well as quite adequate space for elbows and heads. At the compact end of the segment, Ateca doesn't compromise here. Nor does it do in luggage capacity, with the 520L quite well up on even some of its larger competition.

My review car was at the top end of the possibilities, so came with the full whack of safety and comfort tech that's now available. Top connectivity too, with the small niggle that the USB connections are the latest 'C' kind … which just shows that my charging leads are a little behind the front line. It also had a wireless phone charging pad, and for the first time I realised that my iPhone 8 actually has this capability!

There are petrol and diesel options in the Ateca, and dual-clutch automatic available in both. My review car had the 2.0 150hp diesel that has long been a workhorse in the Volkswagen Group, with the 7-speed automatic. After a fairly long period of driving petrol and electric cars, the diesel did sound relatively loud at the start. But I got used to it quickly, and on the run it remains a reasonably smooth performer that will take you easily down the long road.

There are ads and commentary saying 'diesel is dead', which are for the moment somewhat ahead of themselves. Sure, the share of diesel in the sales of cars today has come down significantly, at the moment registering around 36pc. I expect it to sit around that point for quite some time, because for a certain level of annual driving, it makes the most sense.

As also does the SEAT Ateca and its cohort of competitors for those who want a no-nonsense family car.

PRICE: From €32,660; review car €43,360. WHAT I LIKE: It's an eminently pleasant family car.

---

 

SEAT Ireland's 212 offers

SEAT customers’ who purchase a new 212 model can avail of 0pc finance and online discount vouchers of up to €2,000 across a selection of their 212 models which can be used towards the purchase of a new SEAT car, writes Trish Whelan.

Available to download from the www.seat.ie website, the vouchers allow for a discount of €1,000 on the Leon, Leon e-Hybrid, Ibiza and Arona. The company is offering customers who wish to purchase the Ateca, Tarraco or Alhambra, a €2,000 discount off the purchase of their new 212 upgrade. A discounted 3-year service plan is also offered for €9.99 per month. Tarraco is the brand’s largest SUV and is available in SE, Xcellence and FR trims starting at €38,890.

Earlier this year, SEAT launched the new Leon e-Hybrid five-door hatch (pictured above) which handles most commuters’ everyday needs in EV-mode as it is capable of up to 64km on battery power alone twinned with the potent 150hp 1.4 TSI petrol engine to offer a combined 204hp. Prices start from €35,570 for the Xcellence five-door hatch and €37,075 for the Xcellence Sportstourer, dropping to €30,570 and €32,075 respectively for private customers who can benefit from the SEAI grant of €5,000.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland says “While showrooms remain closed due to ongoing restrictions, we are encouraging customers to access our virtual showroom on the website and avail of the online services to help them choose their new SEAT model. All our retailers are offering a click and delivery service.”

 

SEAT Ireland absorbing increased VAT through April

SEAT Ireland will continue to absorb the 2pc increase in VAT through April for new car customers, writes Brian Byrne. The 23pc rate was reintroduced at the beginning of March.

Zero percent PCP finance is also available on selected models and customers can apply for finance online. A 3-year Service Plan is available at €9.99 per month.

The brand recently launched the new plug-in hybrid version of its Leon, starting price €30,740.

SEAT customers can avail of multiple online services via a virtual showroom including car configuration, live chat, and online financial services, allowing them to seamlessly interact with all retailers.

---

 

Driving in bad weather? Be prepared

Whether we get the levels of snow and ice forecast, it's still a potentially dangerous time for driving, writes Brian Byrne. SEAT in Ireland has issued a reminder to all drivers about basic safety tips which anyone can make a habit, and should do.

They include making sure your tyres are safe, with tread that's more that the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Check pressures, and for any cuts that could mean a blowout.

Visibility is important when driving at any time, but be sure to remove any snow and ice BEFORE you drive off, including snow that might be gathered on the roof. If you're driving in fog, SLOW DOWN and keep your distance from other cars. Also switch off foglights when you're in the clear again.

Make sure you have enough fuel before starting a journey, and pack emergency supplies of torch, water, a bar of chocolate, warm clothing including boots in case you have to walk through snow.

Generally, just have a think before starting a journey in poor conditions, is the trip necessary? If it is, be prepared.

 

Volkswagen Group Ireland retailers offer 'click and collect'

Volkswagen Group Ireland retail dealerships will, for the most part, operate a 'Click & Collect' service for new car buyers during the period of the Level 5 restrictions, writes Brian Byrne.

The Group's brands include Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Skoda, SEAT and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. In a statement today, VGI says the retailers can accommodate most customer’s individual wishes, with the safety of both retailer staff and customer alike of paramount importance.

"With Ireland at a crucial and significant juncture in the fight against COVID-19, Volkswagen Group and its network of dealers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all services, whether essential maintenance or click and collect vehicle orders are provided in accordance with government guidelines."

 

SEAT Ireland details enhancements and pricing for 2021 Ateca and Tarraco

Two enhanced SUV models from SEAT in Ireland in 2021 will give the brand further leverage to continue its expansion of market share here, writes Brian Byrne.

The revised Ateca will come with a wider range of grades, starting at €31,395 for the entry SE version. A Tarraco FR will be priced from €45,605.

The Ateca comes with improved engines, with an average CO2 reduction of 8.6pc across the powertrain range. Petrol options will be 1.0 with 110ps and 1.5 with 150ps, and 2.0 diesels with 115/150ps respectively. DSG auto transmissions will be options with the higher power engines in both fuels. The Irish distributor expects that diesels will still account for 60-70pc of Ateca sales next year.

Each grade, SE, Experience and FR, will also have Plus variants which add a pack of options at a price point which gives the buyer 40-50pc advantage over adding the options individually, according to SEAT Ireland.

The Tarraco for 2021 will come at a lower entry price of €38,260, and a new 2.0 diesel with 150ps that gives 22pc reduction in fuel consumption and a 23pc reduction in CO2 emissions. The Tarraco FR will be priced from €45,605.

In addition to exterior and interior detail changes, the Tarraco FR gets a sport suspension which the company says offers a better driving experience.

A 2.0 petrol plug-in hybrid version will will arrive in Ireland in the middle of the year, in time for the 212 registration period.

SEAT in Ireland is also offering a range of finance offers for the 211 registration, including 0pc on PCP, competitive 3-year service plans, and scrappage offers.
 

---

SEAT showrooms reopen today with 211 offers

SEAT Ireland’s showrooms re-open fully today with 211 offers including 0pc PCP finance on selected models extended until 31 December, writes Trish Whelan.

Customers can avail of 0pc PCP finance on the Ibiza from €179 per month, the Arona from €189 per month, Ateca from €259 per month and the 7-seater Tarraco range from €309 per month. The all new Leon is available to purchase with 1.9pc PCP finance from €219 per month.

Customers can avail of an online scrappage voucher across the range up to €5,000 and a heavily discounted 3-year service plan for €9.99 per month. SEAT customers can avail of multiple services online via a virtual showroom including car configuration, live chat, aftersales services and financial services allowing them to seamlessly interact with dealers from the comfort of their own home.

 

---

 

Review: SEAT Leon FR

There's a quirk in the Volkswagen Group setup that quite often means the compact hatch from its SEAT subsidiary, the Leon, is a more stylish competitor to VW's modern icon, the Golf, writes Brian Byrne. I think they have done it again this time. It might be that the company has always been very careful not to interfere greatly with basic style cues that have rolled through all the generations of the Golf and which make all of them recognisably related to each other.

The latest version of the SEAT Leon landed in Ireland in the middle of the year, and it is not just the most stylish yet, it begs consideration as the best-looking car in its class this year.

You can see that for yourself in the pictures. A front end with a lot of character and shape. Edgy and with very sporty elements but in a very coherent way. The 'S' motif in the centre of the grille is just the right size (it's amazing how much difference a detail like that can make).

The creasing of the character line across the upper profile both adds details and links the front and rear lights clusters very well, adding perceived length to the car. And from that rear, the view is once again of a stylist who really deserves to be proud of their skills. There's a lighted edge-to-edge element that connects the rear lamps when on, a much neater version of a previous Leon style theme.

The 18" alloys on the review FR grade car were the final touch, setting off the rest of the vehicle in a splendid fashion.

Inside there are nice crisp executions of dashboard and trim that also exude a sense of quality. The large digital main instruments cluster is a very nice thing to have in front of a driver, and the centre touchscreen is bright, colourful, and generally OK to navigate. I say OK because I think it could be more intuitive, but if I owned the car I'd have learned it all and it wouldn't matter.

The system is the same as in the Golf, so certain controls, including the climate management, are adjusted by a finger swipe along a ledge at the bottom of the screen. Takes getting used to, too, but it works once you have.

Full connectivity includes the capability to have internet access with the appropriate service in place via the SEAT Connect system.

It's a roomy car, though low to the ground so there's an element of dropping in or climbing out for those in the back. But they're not short of space once ensconced, thanks in some measure to a longer wheelbase than before.

The Leon is built on the same underpinnings as the Golf, which means among other things that the driving characteristics are going to be top class, whatever engine or power output is the owner's preference. My version had, as one of a suite of extras, a dynamic chassis control system which added a fun factor on a few of my safe back road excursions.

The engine in my car was the 150hp 1.5 eTSI, the 'e' standing for a mild hybrid setup that's the first in the brand and uses recovered energy to provide boosted acceleration when needed. It did seem beautifully balanced to the car, and the automatic was a treat. The neat drive selector switch between the seats must be mentioned.

This Leon turned out to be one of the real joys of my review cars in 2020 and is high on my list of vehicles driven this year. Albeit a shortened one because of Covid, but I've been trying to catch up since the first lockdown ended. If I can find a slot to try another version in the coming months, I'll be jumping at it.

Oh, and the press car came with a SEAT electric scooter in the back. No, it doesn't come for ordinary buyers. But it WAS fun, even addictive. That's a different review story.

PRICE: The new Leon starts at €23,910; FR is €30,890; Review car €35,674. WHAT I LIKED: The brand's superb style touch. 

---

Special September deals from SEAT

SEAT in Ireland is enhancing the 2pc reduction in VAT by the Government by offering up to €5,000 off the VAT component of its cars, writes Brian Byrne.

The deal runs until the end of September, and is running with a discounted 3-year service plan for €9.99 a month.

SEAT dealers are also promoting a 0pc PCP finance on selected models, and discount vouchers up to €3,000 downloadable from the seat.ie website.

---

SEAT Ireland launches roof box rental service

SEAT Leon with roof box fitted

SEAT Ireland has launched a roof box rental service, available to SEAT customers across its 23-retailer network, writes Trish Whelan.

The service provides the brand’s customers with a roof box and roof rails which will be fitted at their local retailer and offers SEAT customers a convenient travel solution that is ideal for those planning a staycation in Ireland this summer.

A qualified SEAT technician will fit the roof box in under half an hour while the customer waits. The roof box can be fitted on all SEAT models and offers customers up to 460 litres of storage in addition to their boot space. It’s designed with simple loading and unloading in mind; with the roof box being able to be opened on both sides. Customers can also be reassured that it comes with a central locking system that locks the box securely in three places.

SEAT Ireland say the purpose of the campaign is to make their customers’ staycations in Ireland more affordable. For example, the seven-seater SUV SEAT Tarraco roof box and bars normally retail at €1,087 but are now available to rent for a fraction of the price.

John Cunningham, Head of Aftersales at SEAT Ireland says roof boxes are often used once or twice a year for staycations and are difficult to store, hence their solution for customers to avail of a rental service. They can be used for holidays at home or abroad with installation as part of the rental.

---

New generation SEAT Leon arrives in Ireland

The fourth generation of the SEAT Leon is now on sale in Ireland at a starting price of €23,910, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is available in three configurations, each with with two levels of specification. It is built on an enhanced version of Volkswagen's compact platform, designated the MBQ EVO.

There are petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid powertrain options, and a plug-in hybrid will be available towards the end of the year. Petrols and MHEV are 110hp and 150hp, while the diesel options are 115hp and 150hp. The total output of the PHEV version is 204hp.

Since the first generation was launched in 1998 some 2.2 million units have been sold globally, with 13,500 units in Ireland.

In style terms the new car retains the essential cues of its previous versions, with a significantly sharper design. An estate version will complement the hatchback and is expected to be available from August.

In a virtual launch to Irish motoring journalists today, SEAT Ireland's Head of Product & Planning Mark McGrath described the Leon as a 'core pillar' in the brand's model lineup. He noted that more than €1.1 billion has been invested in the fourth generation.

In-car connectivity technology includes online navigation, internet radio, and an embedded SIM. A digital cockpit is fully customisable by the owner to their own preferences. Two sizes of centre screen are available, the larger for included navigation versions.

Standard equipment through the range includes LED lights, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, auto highbeam, and air conditioning. Available details on some levels include rear view camera, park assist and other driver assistance technology, and a high end sound system.

Special offers for the 202 registration period include 2.9pc APR finance, a €1,000 online discount voucher, and 3-year service plans.

Price differential between petrol and diesel is €1,900, and between manual and DSG automatic €1,800. The Sportstourer estate is €1,470 more than the hatchback.

Brand Director for SEAT Ireland Niall Phillips noted that in 2019, the brand achieved its highest ever market share here at 3.5pc, with 4,119 cars sold. This was against a total market which had shrunk by 8pc in the same year.

In 2020 year to date, despite the market difficulties caused by coronavirus, the brand share is running at 4pc.

---

New SEAT Leon generation rolls in

The all-new SEAT Leon has now arrived in Ireland with prices starting at €23,910, writes Trish Whelan.

The fourth generation Leon launches with traditional TSI and TDI engines as well as the new addition of a mild hybrid electric vehicle engine (eTSI), a first for the brand. Petrol choices are the 1.0 TSI 110hp and a 1.5 TSI 150hp; the two diesel options include a 2.0 TDI 115hp and a 2.0 TDI 150hp DSG; and the mild hybrid electric vehicle engine (eTSI) available in a 1.5 eTSI 150 DSG.

Standard features include 16” alloy wheels, an 8” media system and SEAT Connect. Standard safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, light assist and fatigue detection.

The new car is longer, lower, and has an extended wheelbase which means that more room has been added to the interior of the car.

For further information, contact your local authorised SEAT dealership or visit www.seat.ie.

---