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Buying
What should I be paying?
The Leon undercuts the equivalent Golf by around 10 per cent, with prices starting from £25,345 for the 1.5-litre 113bhp turbocharged petrol.
If you want a hybrid, be it a mild one where the engine runs all the time, or a plug-in with a decent dose of electric only range, you’ll need to shell out considerably more: you’re looking at £28,380 for the mild hybrid, rising to £36,705 for the plug-in.
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The plug-in is arguably more attractive to fleet and business users thanks to a six per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate, versus 29-32 per cent elsewhere.
Oh, and this latest version now supports 50kW charging, meaning 10-80 per cent takes 26 minutes on a fast charger (and an astronomical bill to match), or you’re looking at two and a half hours from flat to full using a home wallbox.
Talk me through the trim options.
There are five trims to choose from: SE, SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, or FR Black Edition. A quick whistlestop tour, then…
As standard you get keyless start, LED lights, heated mirrors, 10.25in digital dials, a 10.4in infotainment system, cruise control, wireless smartphone pairing, and front and rear parking sensors. SE Dynamic adds 17in alloys, tinted rear windows, a 12.9in infotainment display and a rearview camera.
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Middling FR trim adds a sportier look, including a 15mm lower ride height and faux exhaust pipes, while FR Sport adds 18in alloys, matrix LEDs, heated front seats and steering wheel, wraparound ambient lights, and suede upholstery.
The top of the tree FR Black Edition adds exactly what it says on the tin, including 18in black alloys, mirrors, side skirts and spoiler. Oh, and a panoramic roof.
What would be your choice?
We’d be tempted by the 1.5-litre 148bhp petrol engine: it’s quick enough for a family hatchback, offers impressive fuel efficiency and above all, substantial savings over the hybrid models.
Any extra cash left over we’d be tempted to spend on a more luxurious trim – the middling FR trim is our pick of the bunch with its slightly sportier image and lower ride height.
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