THE beautfiul Spanish city of Barcelona is famous for many things. There's the Gaudi-designed cathedral, the football team, erm, Manuel from Fawlty Towers and, of course, SEAT.

The Spanish arm of the VW group prides itself on its being the sporty styling, from the small but spritely Ibiza, through the stylish Leon and up to the sleek Exeo.

Even the Alhambra people carrier has a sporty profile.

Sporty and stylish but inexpensive and with a range of the latest VW engines that deliver pace and economy - so crucial when taking on the likes of the Vauxhall Astra Peugeot 308 and stablemate VW Golf.

The latest Leon embodies everything about the Spanish car with sharp, racy, coupe-like styling. It is one of the smartest hatchbacks on the market.

The front has newly designed grille with a smaller SEAT brand logo and a more stylish chrome surround, while there are  larger headlights, making the front end look much sharper and wider.

The concealed rear door handles add to the impression of a coupe.

The interior is also high quality with attractive hard-wearing fabric that is both comfortable and supportive and a number of neat and funky touches like the novel  rotating selection display on the radio, which delighted child passengers.

Inside it is roomy, even at the rear despite the sleek profile with five accomomodated in reasonable comfort.

Boot capacity, at 341 litres with the split folding rear seats in place, is generous while thoughtful design allows for the most efficient use of the available space.

Modifications have been made to the steering wheel, controls, instrument cluster, central console and seats with backlit white LEDs with brightness that varies according to the light in the passenger compartment.

The engine line-up includes six petrol and four turbodiesel units ranging from the super-frugal 1.6-litre TDI CR 105ps Ecomotive to the lightning quick Cupra Bocanegra.

But one of the stars of the line-up must be what appears to be a modest 1.2 petrol engine. Appearances however, can be deceptive.

The TFI Ecomotive pumps out 105ps to give feisty acceleration, has bags of torque, so pulls well at low revs, delivers a mightily impressive claimed 52-odd mpg and emissions of only 124g/km.

This is achieved through stop/start technology allied to energy recovery systems when braking and modifications to the gearbox and special aerodynamic alloy wheels.

Diesel-like performance without the extra  purchase costs while being cheap to tax and insure.

It is powerful, yet refined and good too for business users with low benefit in kind taxation.

The sporty stance is mirrored with the ride and handling. which is sharp and precise, but never uncomfortable.

The range consists of S, S Copa, SE, SE Copa, Sport, FR, Cupra, Cupra R, Ecomotive S and Ecomotive SE and all include air conditioning, electrically-operated front windows, electrically-adjustable door mirrors and  MP3-compatible CD player with AUX-in socket, front, side and head airbags.

For safety ABS, stability and traction control are included as are five three-point seatbelts and  ISOFIX child seat anchoring points.

A sensor automatically turns the headlamps on or off depending on ambient light while a rain sensor is located at the top of the windscreen on the front passenger side. Its tiny dimensions and tidy positioning in the tinted zone of the screen render it barely noticeable. 

The SE Copa  also has  auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control and a ‘Coming Home' headlight function.