SEAT will launch its new Leon X-Perience in Ireland in January, and the four-wheel drive Leon estate is the first dip of SEAT's toes into SUV waters ahead of the arrival of a full-on Qashqai rival in the next 18 months.
With prices starting from €32,495 for the 2.0-litre 150hp TDI diesel four-wheel drive X-Perience, and €35,495 for the 184hp DSG automatic version, the X-Perience is a reasonably priced all-paw alternative for those looking for actual off-road and muddy track ability without the weight and expense of a big 4x4.
Based to the SEAT Leon ST, it has 587 litres of luggage space retaining all of the practicality of the regular ST estate. The Leon X-Perience however, has a more robust look with protection mouldings on the door sills and wheelarches, in addition to aluminium touches for the rear bumper and lower front spoiler. Also included in this comprehensive offering are integrated fog lamps and twin chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front.
In addition to four-wheel drive and extra ground clearance, the Leon X-Perience offers 'all-road suspension', 'intelligent EDS dynamic control' and an extended electronic differential lock (XDS) for better traction when cornering.
Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland, commented: "We are really excited to bring the all new 4WD SEAT Leon X-Perience to the Irish market, a market we feel it is ideally suited to. The launch of the SEAT Leon X-Perience continues our principal at SEAT of bringing technologically advanced models to the market at affordable prices. Already in 2014, we have launched the SEAT Leon ST, the SEAT Leon Cupra and the Alhambra SE all of which have been very successful. We expect a similar degree of success with the Leon X-Perience."
All models come as standard with 17-inch X-Perience alloy wheels, rear park distance control, cruise control, a five-inch colour touch screen with USB, SD card slots, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. Sport seats with unique X-Perience upholstery, a leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake are available along with dual-zone climate control. The 184bhp DSG model is also armed with SEAT Drive Profile, which provides the option of adjustable steering and throttle response.
Anything else?
The Leon X-Perience line-up is set to expand in the latter half of 2015 with a 1.6-litre TDI two-wheel drive version, which is expected to come in at under €30,000.