SECTOR: C-sector PRICE: TBA FUEL: 3.2-5.9l/100km CO2: 87-137g/km

SEAT has never before offered a station wagon variant of the C-segment Leon hatchback. Customers who previously wanted a C-segment estate car from within the Volkswagen Group had to change their allegiance to Skoda or Volkswagen. But that is about to change. SEAT took the wraps off the Leon ST (Sport Tourer) just before the Frankfurt Show, revealing a stylish station wagon interpretation that is as pleasing to look at as the current Leon on which it is based. In fact it looks like a subtly extended version of the Leon five-door.

It may not look that much bigger at first glance, but the ST offers 587 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place, while a movable floor section can offer up to a useful 100 litres of concealed storage space just by re-positioning the movable floor. This helps to overcome the long-standing problem of how to keep valuable items out of sight in an estate car – the roller cover usually suggesting that there is something that might be of value in the boot. Wherever the boot floor is positioned, there is space beneath it to store the roller cover so it does not have to be removed when it is not needed. The additional boot capacity is produced by extending the rear overhang by 23cm – the wheelbase stays the same as the Leon five-door.

Fold the 60/40 split rear seats down and the Leon ST will offer up to 1,470 litres of space. If that is still not enough, the front passenger seat can also be folded down as an option to give a flat floor section from the back to the front of the car.

The ST also gets a 12-volt power point in the boot and storage nets there too. Rear seat reading lights are also part of the package. Other options include a panoramic sun-roof and a variety of option packs including folding seat back tables on the front seats.

The ST gets the same wide range of petrol and diesel engines as the five-door models and will also get the new 1.6TDi Ecomotive diesel with emissions of 87g/km, designed to conform to the new tax system in the Netherlands from next year. The entry-level petrol engine is the 86hp 1.2TSI offering 119g/km of CO2 and 5.2l/100km combined fuel consumption. 1.4 and 1.8TSI engines give a total of five petrol engine ratings up to 180hp, with CO2 emissions between 119g/km and 137g/km while the diesels span 90hp to 184hp with 87g/km to 119g/km. Each engine is available with Start/Stop technology and the DSG automated transmission is available with all engines apart from the 1.4TSI.

There will be an AWD version too, or more correctly four AWD versions, probably sold under SEAT’s up and coming "Experience" sub-brand likely to appear at the end of 2014.

The ST brings the same accomplished driving experience as the Leon five-door, with the same impressive build quality. It may have a 23cm longer rear overhang, but, certainly when lightly laden it makes no difference to either the pleasant driving experience or the polished handling. It’s a stylish estate car with a high degree of practicality and fun. In other words, just what SEAT needs to help expand its fleet business.

SEAT has developed a European used car strategy, in line with the Volkswagen Group’s 2018 target, involving extensive investment in the used car network. This is designed to bolster residual values and the Leon ST is part of that programme. There are quarterly and bi-annual residual value committee meetings in all markets, involving distributors and VW Group Financial Services.

Verdict:

The Leon ST is a welcome addition to the new Leon range, extending the company’s fleet appeal and helping to bolster its retail presence. Well worth a look.