Seat Leon 1.4 TSI SE

Had one for a couple of months now, will do a write up shortly.

Very quickly

Cost me £5000 less than a Golf GT with the same engine. You don't get the ACT gimmick but in the real world its as much use as stop/start.

Excellent ride on 16" wheels. Handling exactly what you expect.

Incredible performance, 140 PS and 185 lbs of torque makes for rapid progress whenn needed.

Computer showing 50.2 mpg since I bought it 1500 miles ago. Its a bit optimistic, calcs show 47 mpg nearer the mark so far which is excellent for a petrol. On a 270 mile round trip to the coast the other day it showed 56.0 mpg on the dash, probably 52 or 53 mpg after correction, good as my old BMW 118D.

Why buy a Golf or an A3.

We looked at the V40. Cheaper than the Golf but access was compromised into both front, rear and boot. Dealer was not prepared to sell us the model we wanted (ES petrol), said everyone bought the R-Line diesel for several £1000 more. Laughed at him and walked out.

miles better than all that front wheel drive stuff

90% of drivers are much better served by fwd. Don't let familarity breed contempt.

Of the remaining 10%, most have large caravans.

Before I bought the Leon mentioned above I had owned a BMW 118D for over 5 years. Never had an issue with it. Averaged almost 48 mpg over the 37000 miles I had it.

Great to drive, very tempted with another, considered a 116i when we got the Leon.

But in the real world the actual difference in driving a RWD and FWD car is barely noticable. yes the BMW had very nice steering but on a motorway you don't steer that much.

Add essential extras and the 116i was £4000 more than the Leon. For that the BMW gives you slightly nicer steering, a much harder ride and a rear seat that is difficult to get in.

Will also say in it defence that when fitted with winter tyres I never had an issue with the BMW, passed quite a few FWD cars that were stuck last winter.