We must admit that we've had just about enough of all the small SUVs on the market. They're slow to accelerate, they cost a lot to buy, drink a lot more fuel than is claimed and take the joy out of driving in most cases. That's why autoevolution has been a little more adamant in promoting the new lineup of crossover wagons that have been coming out of European automakers.
It's not a new idea at all. There's an old Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon parked near our office to remind us of that every day. However, the latest generations of turbocharged engines make these crossovers better than ever.
SEAT launched the Leon X-Perience at the beginning of this month, during the Paris Motor Show. It's based on the Leon ST wagon, but comes with extra protection for the bodywork, a raised suspension and the latest Haldex 5 all-wheel drive system as standard, which SEAT calls 4DRIVE. Only the four best engines available with the Leon have been made available. There's a base 1.6-liter 110 PS diesel, two 2.0 TDIs with either 150 or 184 PS and a 1.8 TSI petrol with 180 PS.
Now, in case you're thinking of buying one of these models, we suggest you spend about 50 minutes of your weekend looking at the next review. It's from German magazine Autogefuhl, which has tested the whole range. They say the Leon X-Perience is much better at offroading than they expected an that the ground clearance is good enough. On the road, SEAT doesn't disappoint either, with a comfortable suspension and decent acceleration.
Sister company Volkswagen makes basically the same car, something you need to keep in mind when making a buying decision. It's called the Golf Alltrack, comes with the same engines and we think it looks just that little bit better. However, VW are known for charging extra due to the badge. The X-Perience is ideal as a family car and should prove a lot more enjoyable to own than a small SUV.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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