THE multi-award-winning Leon has been a core pillar in SEAT's vehicle line-up since 1999, selling well over 250,00 in the UK.

And, despite the fashion for varying sizes of SUVs, it's great that SEAT has continued to produce its Leon Estate, the latest fourth-generation of which combines loads of standard technology across six trims - SE, SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux.

There are also petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine options available. This 148bhp 1.5-litre model - also available with 128bhp - officially achieves 47.9mpg. Over 345 miles, I returned 40.7mpg, still a decent figure.

All models get cruise control with speed limiter, a forward-collision warning system for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, lane-keeping assist, ISOFIX anchor points in the back and rear parking sensors. Keyless start is also standard.

Sporty models such as the FR Sport feature upholstery stitching that matches the exterior colour, sharper looking front and rear bumpers, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust pipes, a heated steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, wireless charging tray in the front and two additional USB points in the rear.

There's also LED lighting front and rear, heated front seats, heated windscreen washers, wraparound ambient lighting technology and a 15mm lower ride height and stiffer suspension.

The heart of the interior is the SEAT Digital Cockpit, which brings together a high-resolution 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system and a new voice recognition system.

Online Connecitvity via the embedded SIM (eSIM) means that the Leon will never lose its connection to the digital world and allows users access to the latest infotainment apps, as well as being able to offer new digital products and services throughout its lifetime.

The built-in eSIM also delivers the eCall service, which directly contacts emergency services should an incident occur.

The latest Leon also features Car2X connectivity - a cloud-based technology that enables drivers to receive advanced warning on the status of upcoming traffic lights or an incident on a motorway further up the road, with traffic information appearing in real time on screen.

The good news for anyone travelling in the back is that SEAT's designers have added 50mm of extra bodywork between the front and rear axles, so there's more rear legroom.

There's also lots of headroom, so two adults can sit in the back without having to tilt their heads. The rear doors are also larger than before, so it's easier to get in and out.

Up front, the driver and front seat passenger will find plenty of headroom and shoulder room, while there's plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat and steering wheel. Everyone should be able to find their ideal driving position.

The battery sits below the rear seats ensuring weight is balanced between the front and rear of the vehicle. Boot capacity is 620 litres.

To ensure that the vehicle handles the additional weight with ease and cossets the driver on British roads, the engineers have included MacPherson suspension at the front and a multilink system at the rear, which delivers a more composed and involved ride.

The multi-link system also allows for the addition of SEAT's Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) technology, which constantly analyses road conditions and driver inputs, including steering input, braking and acceleration force, to adapt the suspension, optimising damping at each wheel, holding the car steady into bends and offering ample grip,