Our fleet: Seat Leon ST 1.6 TDi SE Technology Business - April 2016

Seat launched the ST estate version of its popular Leon back in 2013 and in 2014 we had one on long-term test in Ecomotive guise.

Since then, the manufacturer has brought out the SE Technology Business edition. Business editions are becomingly increasingly popular with manufacturers as a way to offer equipment that appeals to company car drivers (typically, sat-nav, Bluetooth, cruise control and parking sensors) at a lower P11D price than if the driver had to specify them as optional extras.

Seat’s stablemates Skoda and Volkswagen already offer business models while other manufacturers have chosen not to label them as ‘business’. Mercedes-Benz’s fleet-friendly trim is Executive SE while Vauxhall’s is Tech Line.

Hyundai and Kia are among those yet to offer a business trim, with the latter cautioning that it has to be positioned carefully with the pricing guides (Fleet News, January 7).

Seat’s SE Technology Business edition comes with a technology pack (which includes integrated satellite navigation, DAB audio system and LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and rear parking sensors) and a convenience pack (which consists of automatic headlights, rain sensor and auto dimming rear view mirror).

Two diesel engines are available with the ST estate (a 1.6-litre 110hp or a 2-litre 150hp). We’ve opted for the former, which has CO2 emissions of 105g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 68.9mpg (revised from 102g/km and 72.4mpg, respectively).

I’ve yet to put the Leon to the test on a long run but during my daily 26-mile commute it has achieved 62mpg, with a long-term average of 52mpg.

Boot space is not class-leading but is more than adequate at 587 litres with the seats up and 1,470 with them folded. There is an optional front-folding passenger seat, while a double boot floor is standard.