SEAT Leon ST

FIRST UK DRIVE We try refreshed estate with 1.0-litre turbo triple.

- James Brodie

SEAT has freshened up the Leon for 2017. We’ve already driven the hatch in the UK with a 2.0 TDI diesel – but now it’s the turn of the practical ST estate.

The Leon has come as a wagon since 2013, adding versatility for those after style, space and low running costs. Rivals include its Volkswagen Group stablemates – the VW Golf and Skoda Octavia – plus the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra.

As before, the Leon ST packs a decent 587-litre boot, which expands to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded flat. It’s a generous size, but also evidence that the rakish styling has taken its toll somewhat on the cargo area.