I am on a bad run at the moment. The reason I went into famous international motoring journalism was that I thought I'd be cruising around north-west London in glamorous Italian supercars that end with an i. The only car that ends with an i I've driven recently is a Mitsufriggingbishi. Oh, and a Mini. Otherwise it's been Vauxhalls and Toyotas, Peugeots and Kias. And now this, a Seat. How am I going to get passionate about a Seat León? How am I going to get passionate prose out of a Seat Leon?
Actually, I do like it. This – the third generation León – is smaller than its predecessor: shorter, lower and lighter, though admittedly a little bit wider. Cars almost always grow from one generation to the next, though streets and supermarket car park spaces don't. The country's roads are clogging up like a smoker's arteries. So it's refreshing to have a car that bucks the trend. Cleverly – and because they've lengthened the wheelbase, even though overall it's shorter – there's just as much room inside as before.
It's built on the same platform as, and shares engines with, a VW Golf. Yet it costs about 10% less than its German first cousin. Is it 10% less desirable? I don't think so. The new León has a crisp sharpness about it, with a scooped-out waist and fashionable creases along its flanks. It's at least as handsome as a Golf.
Inside, it's smart and functional, rather than plush. There are plenty of places to put things such as coffees and sunglasses, it has a fancy touch screen for controlling the radio, etc, and the satnav is understandable even by my satnaphobic girlfriend. That's not a sexist thing, it's a fact thing: she's crap at satnavs. All automobile companies should employ her – for enormous fees, obviously – as a benchmark for satnav comprehension: if she can do it, anyone can. For the record, she's excellent at lots of other car-related things, such as parking and driving.
The León's crisp looks are reflected in the way it drives. (Jesus, did I actually write that? I do apologise.) What I'm saying is it's a firm, engaging ride. There is a sportier model, with a punchier 181bhp diesel engine. This one has the 104bhp 1.6-litre diesel, which is gutsy enough. And impressive, when you consider that it emits less than 100g of CO2 per kilometre, so your tax disc is free and you don't have to pay to drive into central London. Boris – already cross that there's a car named after Trotsky – will be even crosser. Possibly.
A very able car, then, and likable, if not quite a passion wagon. And next week I'll be in something a bit more, well, me. It doesn't end in an i, but it does cost very nearly £100,000. Watch this space.
Seat Leon S 1.6 TDI CR 105PS
Price £13,370
Top speed 119mph
Acceleration 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds
Combined fuel economy (manufacturer's figure) 74.3mpg
CO2 emissions 99g/km
Green rating 8/10
Cool rating 6/10
