While we wait for them to launch their first-ever SUV, the guys and girls at SEAT have just introduced the Leon X-Perience 4DRIVE. It's basically a re-engineered Leon ST estate model with increased ride height that can cope with family adventures and still drives like a regular car.
15 mm (0.6 inches) of added suspension height should mean clearing normal obstacles is not a problem. Beefed up wheel arches and metal plates for the front and rear ensure a purposeful looks and protection for the vulnerable underbelly of the Spanish lion. A choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels should ensure this car looks serious, even though mounting a kerb will could result in a few scratches.
Both the outside and inside of the Leon X-Perience have been fittingly colored brown for the launch of the vehicle. Of course, if the color of dirt isn't appealing, anything from boring silver to bright red will be available, as will LED headlights and other options.
Is it a crossover? Well, yes and no. The Leon X-Perience bridges the gap between the regular passenger cars and SUVs like the Touareg, much like other soft-roading estates offered by the VW Group: A4 allroad quattro, Skoda Octavia Scout and Passat Alltrack.
"4DRIVE" is a brand new name from SEAT, having only been launched a year ago, so you probably don't know it means "all-wheel drive". The system is based on the Haldex coupling system developed for the sister model Golf 4Motion and sends power to the rear wheels when it senses slip at the front ones.
The engines chosen for the model reflect SEAT's brand identity: sportiness with a bit of efficiency. The only petrol engine available is relatively powerful, the 1.8 TSI rated at 180 PS (132 kW) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. But the bulk of the engine range is diesel-powered and starts with the 1.6 TDI making just 110 PS (81 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
This reasonable man's choice can be avoided, as SEAT also offers two 2-liter engines, one making 150 PS (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) or 184 PS (135 kW) & 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). That's right, the most powerful version of the car is a diesel.
It's unlikely that this car will make a huge dent in the market, but with added versatility and all the great attributes of the Leon ST, it's going to make a lot of family men happy. In our book, a car like that is built on solid principles.
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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