There are few better bargains than a secondhand Seat Leon. Take the important bits of a Volkswagen Golf, add a dash of free equipment and spice up the styling. Then offer it at a knockdown price and you have a Leon.

It was introduced in the UK in the spring of 2000 and was immediately a hit with the critics. Because Seat is owned by VW, the Leon shared its underpinnings with the mark IV Golf as well as the engine lineup, with 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol units and the ubiquitous 1.9 litre diesel, which was tweaked to offer owners 90bhp, 110bhp, 130bhp or 150bhp, depending on the model.

Predictably the diesel-powered models offer the best economy, although the 90bhp and 110bhp models are starting to feel a little off the pace when compared with more modern machinery. The beefier 130bhp SE, introduced in May 2003, is justifiably regarded as the best of the range, blending decent performance with great economy.

At the top of the diesel-engine performance pile sit the 150bhp Cupra and FR models. While they have to sacrifice a little of their economy in exchange for increased power, they offer owners the kind of performance that will embarrass many a petrol-engine hot hatch.

Not that the petrol-powered models should be dismissed. Owners will end up paying more at the pumps because of poorer fuel economy, but they will benefit from a lower purchase cost. A 1.6 litre costs £600 less than a 90bhp diesel equivalent.

Those hankering after true hot-hatch performance should look at the turbocharged 1.8 litre petrol engine, which is tuned to produce 180bhp, 210bhp or 222bhp. These models are probably the most inexpensive route to hot-hatch ownership, though they are starting to show their age a little in terms of refinement.

Unlike the VW Golf, the Seat Leon is available only as a five-door. No bad thing when it comes to practicality, and thanks to the Leon’s attractive lines few owners will be disappointed with its looks.

Back-seat passengers will notice that rear legroom is on a par with competitors, although the sloping roof means rear headroom for tall passengers can be tight.

Slip behind the wheel of the Leon and it’s like a Golf on temazepam: strangely familiar but slightly subdued. All the switches operate with a reassuring click, dials are clear and large, but it seems that the Seat’s designers have consciously decided not to add any of the extra touches that make the Golf a more luxuriously appointed, and more expensive, car.

However, compared with competitors in the same price range, the Leon’s equipment levels are excellent: all models get alloys, air-conditioning, ABS, remote central locking, twin front airbags and electric front windows.

Spend a few hundred pounds more on a used SE or above and you will be enjoying electronic climate control, sports front seats, side airbags and traction control, all for several hundred pounds less than a comparable Golf of a similar age.

On the road the Seat Leon feels solid and stable, especially on smooth tarmac, where the ride is as good as the Golf’s. Comfort in the high-performance turbocharged petrol models can get a little harsh on poor road surfaces because of their larger alloys and lower-profile tyres, but for most hot-hatch fans it’s a price worth paying.

Overall, the Seat Leon manages to offer virtually everything a VW Golf does for a lot less money. Which raises the question, why isn’t everyone driving one?

The answer is the problematic issue of badge snobbery. A Volkswagen Golf tells everyone everything they need to know about you, while a Seat Leon still requires some explanation.

Gearbox Check the synchromesh when changing down from third gear to second

Carpets Check for signs of water ingress, which can be due to blocked drain holes

Electrics Generally robust but some owners report problems with the engine control unit on 110bhp diesel models

Stereo Some cars have problems with radio tuning and signal strength. These should be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty if the car is less than three years old

Visibility Thick pillars and small rear screen can make reversing difficult for petite drivers

Seats Both front seats are adjustable for height, a useful and unusual feature on cars at this price

Colours Used Leon prices are colour-sensitive, with mid-range models best bought in conservative metallics while high-performance models are most popular in bright red and yellow

Boot space Decent-sized boot with split-fold rear seat as standard, although the sill lip is quite high for loading

Safety All models come with front and side airbags, Isofix mountings for child seats and pretensioner front seatbelts, plus ABS, while the SE and Cupra models also enjoy traction control

Vital statistics

Model Seat Leon 1.9 TDi SE

Engine 1896cc, four cylinders

Power 130bhp

Transmission Six-speed manual Fuel 52.3mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-62mph: 9.8sec

Top speed 127mph

The one to buy

Seat Leon 1.9TDi SE 130bhp 2004 04 with 30,000 miles. Pay £7,995 at a dealer or £7,250 privately

Values

Mileage 20,000 30,000 60,000

2003 03 Trade £6,375 £6,075 £5,175

Retail £7,650 £7,350 £6,450

2004 04 Trade £7,375 £6,675 £5,700

Retail £8,725 £7,995 £7,095

2005 05 Trade £7,675 £7,275 £6,250

Retail £9,125 £8,725 £7,675

Or for similar money

2003 52 VW Golf 1.9 TDI GT

2004 04 Toyota Corolla 2.0D4D T3

2004 04 Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD Lusso

2004 54 Honda Civic 1.7CTDi SE 2005 54 Ford Focus 1.8TDCi Ghia