Following Modern Trends, Spanish Car Maker SEAT Has Released a Terrain Vehicle Form of the Leon ST.
This is a kind of intermediate class between the standard version of the estate car and the crossover. The model, called the X-Perience, is endowed with a higher undercarriage position (compared to the Leon ST by 15 mm), and you’ll recognize it from outside very quickly by the plastic protective elements of the car body. The Leon in this version is at the same time a challenge for those who like to go off-road with the knowledge that in lighter terrain they have a bit more clear height available. It is also a car that thanks to its accessories is interesting with its elegant, individualistic style.
Survey of the Interior
The transition from exterior elegance to the inside of the car brings recognition that creative engineers did not neglect two basic requirements – to create a comfortable environment for the driver and to make passengers feel comfortable in the cab. The first is satisfied by the pleasantly shaped front seats; furthermore, the driver has a logical and suitably arranged set of controls available. The selected materials and the quality of the work are also impressive. Backseat passengers have spatial conditions made even for longer journeys. The luggage compartment, with a capacity of 587 litres (1470 l after folding down rear seat), really is sufficient. Along with the richly presented features, the enhanced Exclusive and Comfort package can be ordered along with a number of other interesting features. The SEAT Leon X-Perience 2.0 TDI 4Drive 7-DSG then adds a corresponding price rise to the otherwise affordable basic price 28,280 euro. 
Sufficient Pulling Power
The 2.0 TDI diesel engine (110 kW/150 hp/3500 – 4000 rpm, 340 Nm/1750 – 3000 rpm) is also combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the pulling force is transmitted, if necessary, to all wheels through a connected rear wheel drive. The use of automatic transmission gives the driver more comfortable control of the vehicle and a more comfortable driving experience when changing gears. However, the aggregate, with characteristic performance (but it is not disruptive), develops sufficient pulling power to get from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, which shows that it is equipped with solid driving dynamics. The stronger tuned chassis “standsˮ on 19-inch wheels, which when going through the potholes on our roads brings an undesired shock. A more suitable alternative seems to remain with the smaller wheel diameter. The Leon X-Perience rides brilliantly on quality roads. And it doesn’t disappoint even when overcoming the mildly challenging terrain when driving to a cottage.
Text: Peter Stano, photo: SEAT
