THE SEAT Leon ST is a big estate with room for a family and all their stuff for an extended holiday.

But the company has long seen itself at a range disadvantage because it had no four wheel drive competitor like stablemates Skoda and VW.

So the ST has been given that job and called the X-perience, with raised ride height for light off-road work, and the excellent VW all wheel drive system, which sends power to the front wheels most of the time, bringing the rears into play automatically when slip is detected.

It's the best of systems for a soft roader like this, where the driver doesn't have to think about it at all.

But it makes the Leon a get anywhere vehicle in almost any kind of winter weather on the road, and also makes it a superb towcar.

It's only available with the excellent 2 litre TDI engine but the range-topping SE Tech model comes with standard DSG automatic gearbox.

This is the best automatic in the world. Gearchanges feel as quick as a Formula 1 car - far quicker than you can do it yourself - and there's hardly any loss of economy or emissions as against the manual.

The engine rumbles a little at lower revs, but performance is brilliant from any speed - well up there with the GTi's of a couple of years ago.

The X-perience rides beautifully over most surfaces, with none of the sideways rocking motion of some cars with raised suspension.

And it clings to the road through the corners with tremendous balance and excellent grip.

Sports front seats have an excellent mix of support, comfort and adjustment and the boot is huge.

SE Technology spec brings dual zone climate, sat nav, DAB stereo, cruise, 18-inchalloys, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment system and automatic LED headlights.