With their practical design and ability to carry bulky loads, hatchbacks are often an attractive option as a family car. The Ford Focus and Seat Leon are two popular hatchbacks on the market, each offering their own benefits to potential buyers.
So, which car provides the best overall features and performance to drivers?
Let’s have a look at both cars in more detail, click the links below to jump to the relevant section:
Learn more about the interior features available when you buy either a Ford Focus or Seat Leon.
Find out more about the trim levels you can choose from when purchasing a Ford Focus or Seat Leon.
Read this section for more information on the exterior features of these two cars.
Find out more about the engine options and fuel consumption figures for Ford Focus and Seat Leon models.
Learn more about the costs of the two cars to find the car that suits your budget.
Interior features
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is spacious enough for up to five people and provides enough room for comfort for everyone with the leg room in the front seat up to 1109mm and 918mm in the back seat.
The Ford Focus has a wide range of technology available, depending on which model you opt for and your budget.
As standard, you will have:
- Ford SYNC 3 Navigation
- 8-inch touchscreen and AppLink
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- 2-inch colour analogue TFT cluster
- Wireless charging feature
- Integrated audio controls on the steering wheel
Also included is:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Speed-limiting cruise control
- Quick clear heated windscreen
The entry-level Ford Focus hatchback car doesn’t offer any special additions to the seats so, if you want heated or sporty-style seats, you’ll need to opt for a higher trim level. However, even in the standard model, there is a hand-stitched, 3-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Seat Leon
Similarly to the Ford Focus, the Seat Leon hatchback can seat four to five people and offers spacious boot space, with more than 380 litres available in most models.
Even the basic model in the range is available with attractive technology, including:
- Media system
- DAB and AM/FM radio
- Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free system
- Steering wheel mounted audio and phone control
Higher prices models also allow for:
- Inbuilt navigation system on a digital screen
- Wireless phone charger and UBS ports
- Cruise control with a speed limiter
- Front assist to provide a collision warning
- Keyless start and entry system
Depending on the model you choose, you will find chrome interior detail, cloth upholstery and driver and passenger seat manual height adjustment as standard. There is also the option for heated seats and powered driver’s seat lumbar adjustment in the more expensive versions. Some options also include a leather heated steering wheel.
Trim levels
Ford Focus
- Focus Zetec: Despite being the entry-level model for the range, this trim comes with a variety of features, including an electric parking brake, front and rear parking sensors and a passenger airbag deactivation indicator.
- Focus Titanium: Boasting all the Zetec features, the Titanium also incorporates keyless entry, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control.
- Focus ST & ST-Line: With an overall sportier look and feel than some of the other models, these editions offer the same excellent performance as the other trim levels, with the added benefit of sports-tuned suspension, sports style seats and fixed LED headlights.
- Focus Vignale: As with the ST and ST-Line, this model boasts sports style seats but has a sleeker design as well as a head-up display and a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster.
Seat Leon
- Leon SE: Although this is the most basic model in the range, it certainly doesn’t skimp on features. With an enticing infotainment package, multiple safety and security features and attractive metallic paint on the exterior, it offers great value for money.
- Leon SE Dynamic Technology: Offering all the same features as the SE, this Seat also adds dark tinted rear windows, park assist and a navigation device.
- Leon FR: with ambient lighting, climate control, automatic wipers and sports suspension, the FR has a higher price tag than other models and includes a host of appealing features.
- Leon FR Sport: This sporty model is designed to impress with its 18” alloy wheels and interior wrap-around lighting. It also offers heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
- Leon Xcellence: Charming and comfortable, the Xcellence aims for maximum comfort with its inclusion of powered lumbar adjustment for the driver as well as the rear-view camera.
- Leon Xcellence Lux: As the most luxurious trim available, the Lux not only boasts all the other trims’ appealing features in the range but also adds leather upholstery, predictive and adaptive cruise control and 18” Aerodynamic Performance alloy wheels.
Exterior features
Ford Focus
Key exterior features for the Ford Focus include:
- 16” alloy wheels
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Front fog lights
- Electric heated door mirrors
- Integrated side indicators
More expensive trims include:
- Door edge protectors
- Rear privacy glass
- Rain-sensing wipers
Seat Leon
The Seat Leon includes the following exterior features:
- Heated door mirrors
- Metallic paint
- LED front fog lights
With higher spec models, you can also opt for:
- Tinted rear windows
- Rain sensing wipers
- Electrically foldable door mirrors
Engine options and fuel consumption
Ford Focus
All Ford Focus models are available with either petrol or diesel engines, with engine sizes ranging from 1.0-litre to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine in the Focus ST model.
The Zetec, the most basic trim in the line offers:
- 0-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre diesel engine
- Average of between 62.8 and 67.3 mpg
You can find out more about the fuel consumption you can expect from each Ford Focus model by reading our guide. Or, if you’d like to find out more about emissions from the cars, please read our guides by clicking here.
Seat Leon
The Seat Leon is only available with a petrol engine, except in the 2.0-litre version.
Fuel consumption ranges between 47.1 to 52.3mpg for the smaller petrol engines and between 60.1 and 67.3mpg for a 2.0L diesel engine, making it less economical than the Ford Focus.
Cost comparison
Ford Focus
Starting at £22,215 for the Focus Zetec, you will pay more for the feature-filled higher models in the range, especially if you opt for a hybrid. Some models could cost up to £30,000 if you want add-ons and extras.
All of our Ford Focus models are available with finance offers so take a look at our latest deals by clicking here.
Seat Leon
The Leon SE starts at £20,405, with the basic price for the Xcellence Lux starting at £27,810. As with the Ford Focus, there is also the option to customise your car. However, remember that this will push the price up too, if you add on chargeable features.
Both the Ford Focus and Seat Leon offer enviable performance, good fuel economy and reasonable running costs. They each boast features that will appeal to potential buyers, so it’s almost impossible to choose a winner. The important this to do is opt for a car that suits the specific needs of your family.
If you’d like to find out more about buying a new or used Ford Focus, please contact your local dealership today.