New car time: Mazda3 vs SEAT Leon - opinions?

TheVoice

TheVoice

TheVoice

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I'm looking at replacing my current 2007 Mazda3 Sport within the next few weeks, and I've narrowed it down to either 2014/15 Mazda3 (probably SE-L spec, 120ps) or a similar-age SEAT Leon 5dr (probably an FR 150ps). My budget is about £12-13k.

I intend to go and take a look at a couple of examples of both this weekend, I know what to expect from the Mazda as my parents recently bought a 6-month old auto one, but the Leon is a mystery to me. The Leon has the clear performance advantage but the Mazda appears better-specced, has a better-looking interior and can be had for cheaper. The new 120ps 3 is supposedly quicker than my current 150ps one so I'm not totally concerned about it being slower, but the FR does appeal for the fact that it's clearly the quicker, sportier-looking car. I also really like the LED headlights on the SEAT because I'm a bit of a sucker for new tech stuff in cars.

Essentially, I'm a bit stuck. Anyone driven/owned both (or either) and able to share some opinions? Even open to the suggestion of alternative options for the budget, though I've already ruled-out the obvious in-class alternatives.

Cheers all.
 
Antony101 said:
Can't see him getting a 14/15 plate A3 for 12/13k unless it has loads of miles.
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It does seem that way. Halogen headlights and manual air con too, which is a bit disappointing when my current car has HIDs and climate control. I'm trying not to lose features I've already got which is why I'm down to these two.
 
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TheVoice said:
It does seem that way. Halogen headlights and manual air con too, which is a bit disappointingwhen my current car has HIDs and climate control. I'm trying not to lose features I've already got which is why I'm down to these two.
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The Sport and above have climate as standard.
 
Leon, surely.

Mk2 interior was a bit ****, but the new one has sorted that I believe. Haven't ever sat in one, mind.
VAG > Mazda, but then I'm not a massive fan of Japanese cars.

Have you driven either?
 
I had a rental Leon FR 1.4 TSI ACT for a few weeks before leaving the UK and was pleasantly surprised by it so I'd definitely go for that over the Mazda.
 
Leon. I've driven both the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI for 6 months each in FR guise. Most definitely get a DSG and I'd go for the 1.8 TSI over the same powered 2.0 TDI. If those are a bit fruity for you, the 1.4 TFSI is fantastic for what it is, 150ps and returns high 40s MPG.

1.8, loved it in green.

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2.0 TDI.

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Interior:

NGb9zDC.png


Much prefer the interior over the 2016 Golf I'm currently driving, gloss black plastic has no place in a car, bloody awful.
 
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The new Seats are a LOT better. My sister bought a Leon FR recently. The nasty, tictac box plastic interiors are a thing of the past.

The interior quality is almost VW level now I thought. It's better screwed together than my mk7 Fiesta ST is. Inside and out (all the panel gaps are even) :D
 
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I've recently got the Leon 2.0 TDI FR 184 and it's a great car. Quick enough, decent MPG and has all the tech on it I want. I will be looking to get a Cupra 290 when this is due to be replaced in 2 years time
 
mjt said:
Leon, surely.

Mk2 interior was a bit ****, but the new one has sorted that I believe. Haven't ever sat in one, mind.
VAG > Mazda, but then I'm not a massive fan of Japanese cars.

Have you driven either?
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The Mazda briefly, albeit an auto, but it was a nice drive. Felt slightly gutless compared to mine but can't say if that's down to the gearbox or not until I drive a manual. I like the interior (aside from the stuck-on tablet display), everything looks and feels a bit more integrated compared to the Leon but I still need to see the Leon in the flesh.

DSG will be tricky, there's only one for sale with DSG within 200 miles of here according to AutoTrader. Same thing applies to the 1.8, they're all 1.4s.

I'll take a trip into town this weekend and have a look at this one:
http://www.john-clark.co.uk/seat/used-cars/5879511-seat-leon-1.4-tsi-act-fr/

Over my budget but hasn't been taxed since mid-March so could be they've had it sitting a while and would be keen to get rid of it.

LiE said:
Interior:

http://i.imgur.com/NGb9zDC.png[img]

Much prefer the interior over the 2016 Golf I'm currently driving, gloss black plastic has no place in a car, bloody awful.[/QUOTE]

Cheers for that, interior looks a lot better there than in the awful dealer-provided photos I've seen so far.
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Leon though the Maz3 is a good car. Leon has more grunt and is better looking IMO and seems to rate better than the Golf for reliability.

Might go for a diesel Leon when I replace the Golf (MkV 1.4 TSI 140) though I really like the MkVII GTD.

A mate of mine has an Octavia VRS (diesel) which other than the ride (way too firm for my liking) is worth a look IMO.
 
Leon FR all day! I blooming love them! The green one that LiE posted is gorgeous!!

Nothing against the Mazda though, still a great car, but I'm a sucker for Seat's personally!

go and drive both though, but I think the Seat will pleasantly surprise you.
 
Jamesyboyjim said:
Leon FR all day! I blooming love them! The green one that LiE posted is gorgeous!!

Nothing against the Mazda though, still a great car, but I'm a sucker for Seat's personally!

go and drive both though, but I think the Seat will pleasantly surprise you.
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Another vote for the Leon. On my 3rd Seat which is a MK3 Leon Cupra 280 and its a big step up from the last generation.
 
My vote would be for the Mazda. Might be slightly less powered than the SEAT, but it is much more fun to drive. VAG cars are a bit like driving dishwashers.
 
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