MOTORING MoToRINg
Most cars can cope with most conditions most of the time but if you are a rural dweller, you often need a vehicle capable of dealing with more difficult road conditions and sometimes, more difficult weather. Not everyone will need an
out-and-out bulky four wheel drive model, just a more versatile esate - like the new SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE, for example. The newcomer is offered in
a three-model range, all using the same 2.0 litre diesel engine with two power outputs (148 and 184 hp), the latter available only with an automatic gearbox. Prices start at £24,385 for the SE, passing through £26,370 for the better equipped SE Technology with sat nav, DAB radio and full LED headlights and topping out with the £28,870 SE Technology with more powerful engine and 6-speed auto transmission. All of them have suspension that sits the car a little higher from the road surface for better clearance and have a drive system that normally powers only the front wheels but can instantly switch on rear wheel drive as well if any slippage is detected.
HONDA CR-V EX 4WD Honda’s CR-V is one of the world’s best selling sports
untility vehicles, with more than 750,000 sold in Europe since first launched in 1997. The CR-V has recently been significantly revised, including a new 1.6 litre high-power diesel engine, a 9-speed auto gearbox, more safety equipment, revised
RoAD TESTS BY NICk FLETCHER
our motorInG CoLumn, BY tHe eXPerIenCeD anD awarD wInnInG motorInG JournaLIst NICK FLETCHER HeLPs our reaDers CHoose tHe Best oF tHe Latest Cars.
SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE
There are subtle visual clues that this model is more rugged and more capable, including plastic mouldings on the wheel arches and sills and mock-alloy protection panels under the car. Inside, there are sporty seats in faux suede with orange stitching (nicer than it looks!) and door panels unique to the X-PERIENCE. Out and about, this model drives well and on slippery
lanes and farm tracks proves very grippy and reassuring. On the tarmac, in 2WD, it is smooth and refined and has excellent ride comfort.
The test model was the mid-
aLL oF tHem HaVe susPensIon tHat sIts tHe Car a LIttLe
HIGHer From tHe roaD surFaCe For Better CLearanCe
range SE Technology version, priced at £26,370 and with the 148hp engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. The 0-60 mph time is a rather nippy 8.7 seconds, top speed 129 mph. Fuel economy is 47.9 mpg combined.
With its attractive styling, all-wheel drive system and a good standard specification, the new SEAT X-PERIENCE deserves to do well in its niche market. It certainly delivers a very nice driving X-perience!
suspension and a new infotainment system. Built in Britain, the CR-V comes across as a spacious,
comfortable, well-kitted model with a reputation for reliability and while it isn’t the cheapest SUV in its class, its impressive durability and strong residual values are big plus- points. Prices start at £22, 345 for 2WD petrol versions but many
buyers tend to opt for the 4WD diesel models and the latest 1.6 litre 160 hp diesel is a gem, offering smooth responsive performance and exceptionally good fuel economy – 55.3 mpg combined. Top speed is 125 mph and the 0-60 mph time of 10.6 seconds is nippy for the size and weight of vehicle. Noise levels are minimal and the 9-speed auto transmission on my flagship EX model was beautifully spaced. The CR-V’s suspension is nicely set to soak up the bumps and the ride quality is excellent. The handling is composed and grippy though there is some typical SUV body-lean on sharper corners. Overall I found it one of the best SUVs for driving and handling.
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