Length
1. SEAT Leon 2020 (new)
4368 mm
2. Hyundai i20 2023 (new)
4065 mm
When shopping for a new vehicle, a detailed comparison can illuminate the nuances between models, making your decision clearer and more informed. In this comprehensive guide, we juxtapose the Hyundai i20 and the Seat Leon—two competitive offerings in the hatchback segment. We’ll dissect their model information, dimensions, boot/interior space, engines/drivetrain, consumption/ecology, weight/towing capabilities, and for the eco-conscious, electric vehicle parameters. Here's to us embarking, in a very James-Mayish fashion, on a quest to unravel the nitty-gritty details of these mechanical chariots.
| # | Hyundai i20 | SEAT Leon | Add to comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | i20 3. Generation (1. Facelift) (BC3) Change selected generation 2023 - Now | Leon KL (KL) Change selected generation 2020 - Now | |
| Body | Hatchback | Hatchback | |
| Doors | 5 | 5 | |
| Vehicle class | Subcompact car (e.g., Polo) | Compact car (e.g., Golf) | |
| Engine | |||
| Remove | Remove from comparison | Remove from comparison |
Regarding dimensions, the Seat Leon exhibits a touch more generosity, stretching to 4,368 mm in length over the i20's 4,065 mm, and showcasing a 2,686 mm wheelbase compared to the i20's 2,580 mm, offering potentially more stability and cabin space. Width-wise, the Leon is marginally wider, while interestingly, the i20 wins in width including mirrors—a consideration for those narrow city escapes. The Leon overtakes the i20 by a hair's breadth in height, and the i20 secures a superior ground clearance for those surprise speed bumps. However, when it comes to the minimalistic art of turning, the Hyundai i20's smaller turning circle indicates a nimbler city drive.
The boot offers a tale of two storages: the Hyundai i20's boot space oscillates between 262 and 352 liters, smaller than the Leon's range from 270 to a cavernous 620 liters—depending upon configurations tied to specific powertrains. The Seat Leon's rear seats-folded capacity of 1301 liters indisputably surpasses the i20’s 1165 liters, a testament to Leon's appeal for those big shopping days. Both models share the practicality of five seats and Isofix mounts, reinforcing their family-friendly appeal.
Settling under the bonnet, the engine choices range from modest to brisk for both vehicles. The Hyundai i20 offers a minimum of 5 gears, with certain models going up to 7 for smoother transitions and potential fuel savings, mirroring the Leon’s transmission spread. Both vehicles boast a range from 3 to 4 cylinders, indicative of their urban-friendly nature. The Seat Leon's engines, however, span wider in maximum speed from 183 to 231 km/h, eclipsing the i20's 173 to 188 km/h – a point for the speed enthusiasts. Power and torque figures also favor the Leon, which offers a beefier punch up to 150 kW and 360 Nm over the i20's 88 kW and 200 Nm top-end figures, respectively. Overall, the Leon’s larger cubic capacity and quicker acceleration potential suggest a slightly more dynamic and assertive driving experience.
The i20 holds steady with a singular 40-liter tank across its range, faced by the Leon’s varied 17 to 55-liter capacity, potentially fitting a broader array of needs and ranges. CO2 emissions recorded under WLTP standards point toward the Leon as the greener machine at its lowest emission rate, but also accommodate performance variants with higher outputs. When it comes to tyres and noise levels, both vehicles are consumer-conscious, with the noise level of both vehicles’ engines falling within a close range, minimizing ear strain on those longer commutes.
Empty weight (EU) sways from a leaner 1088 kg for the sprightly i20 to 1190 kg, against the Leon’s heftier 1267 to 1663 kg range—a reminder of its broader ambition and potentially sturdier build. The Leon pulls ahead with a greater permissible total weight capacity and braked trailer weights, offering increased versatility for towing. Despite this, the i20 boasts higher trailer (no brakes) and max roof load capacities, revealing its practicality within its size class. Yet, for those looking to equip a towbar, the Leon noses ahead with a max towbar load 5 kilograms heftier than the i20’s.
In the electrified arena, the Seat Leon presents an eco-friendly face with its e-HYBRID option. It offers a WLTP range between 62 to 63 km—a nudge for errand running without sipping a drop of petrol, while housing a total battery capacity of 12.8 kWh, of which 10.4 kWh is usable. The Leon embraces its green ethos further with a battery weight of 130 kg, indicative of the focused engineering aimed at efficiency and reduced emissions.
