What SEAT calls “the most beautiful estate car in its class,” the Leon ST, has just been made more enticing through the introduction of the X-Perience variant. While it’s ill-inspired name and the manufacturer’s lack of experience may drive you away, they shouldn’t, because this car is actually pretty good as it’s closely related to the capable Skoda Octavia Scout.
It promises standard all-wheel drive, with power outputs ranging from 108 to 180 hp, as well as the latest electronic gadgets to keep you safe and rolling.
The all-wheel drive system it uses is of the permanent kind, and according to SEAT, it’s “one of the most modern and efficient systems of its kind in the world,” using “a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control,” plus a fifth-gen Haldex coupling.
As you’d expect, power is sent to only the front wheels when grip levels are good, but when they aren’t the car’s electronic brain shuffles power around to ensure progress is maintained – it theoretically promises the best of both worlds: efficiency and some off-road capability.
Compared to the regular Leon ST estate, it’s been jacked up by 15 mm and been clad in plastic all-round to keep branches, tree stumps or rocks away from the paint on the lower part of the body.
Aside from the above, and some badging and minor details, this is basically a Leon estate on small stilts, otherwise sharing its characteristics with the rest of the range.
Expect to see it hit dealerships in the autumn of 2014.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
