The Leon 20V T left our fleet feeling as fresh as the day it arrived, having covered a total of 36,102 miles without a squeak or a rattle, which must prove it's also pretty robust. This doesn't mean it's been trouble-free, however. In fact, an odd problem cropped up very early on.

When it was delivered to Evo Towers, H9 OLA was newly released from the SEAT's press fleet, where it had served just over 5000 miles. A week into our tenure, it was refusing to start after a hard run or when the sun was shining at its brightest. Very frustrating. I learned that the car would start after it had been allowed to cool, so there was nothing for it but to chill out, twiddle thumbs a bit, then give the key a hopeful twist with fingers crossed. However, about a month in, things started to get a bit more serious, with the engine cutting out, on one occasion mid-corner on an A-road, giving the driver (not me) a bit of a scare.

Then it conked out on me on my way to work, right in the middle of London while I was in the thick of traffic diverted by a bomb scare. I had just enough momentum to place the car out of harm's way. This time a call to the AA was a must. Unfortunately, because of the bomb scare they weren't able to come in a hurry. So there I sat, with the bonnet propped up to let the heat out. A good deal of pleading, swearing, finger-crossing and frantic twisting of the key eventually got it started and off I sped ΂- for about 20 metres, before hitting the mass of traffic again. With no idea of an alternative route out of London I decided to head back to base in Clapham and let the traffic thin.

Imagine how I felt when I returned to the car and found it wouldn't start again. A call to SEAT's press office elicited the suggestion that I get the AA to have a look at it. So I did, and when the man arrived the bloody thing started!

When I eventually got into the office I was at the end of my tether, especially as the problem had been pointed out a week before at the 10,000-mile service, though the dealer didn't mention if any work had been carried out. Another call to SEAT and the car was taken away. It turned out the problem was simply a loose fuel relay, which was losing its contact as it got hot.

Summer turned into autumn and brought with it heavy rain and condensation, especially on the rear screen. So much so that I thought there was a problem with the rear screen demist and the air-con ΂- no matter how much I used both, I couldn't get the rear screen to fully demist. Then I discovered the real cause ΂- a not-so-nice water feature in the right rear footwell. SEAT was aware of the problem, which was a dodgy air filter seal in the ventilation system, apparently.

Despite the niggles, I remained a fan of the car. Unfortunately the service from our local dealer left a lot to be desired. Marshall's of Bedford never seemed to know which service needed to be carried out, failed to get my name right, left glue marks on the bodywork after relocating a badge that had fallen off, never explained what work had been carried out and not once was the service book stamped. At least I could have no complaint with the cost of the servicing ΂- ΂£226 over 30,000 miles is cheap in anyone's book.

The Leon has also been extremely economical in my hands, though the lack of short journeys certainly helped keep it over 30mpg. In fact it is very well suited to long trips; relaxed but rapid, with a fantastic ride, good low-end power and meaty, confidence-inspiring steering. It's mature, refined and comfortable (though the seats could do with a bit more lower-back support). In one month alone the Leon and I visited the Borders, the Lake District, Edinburgh, London and Land's End, with the obligatory trips back to Northamptonshire in between!

The Leon gives you a good sense of security whether the road's dry or wet, though it can make you feel a bit clumsy if you expect to be able to jump in and drive it fast. In the wet the traction control initially felt intrusive, cutting in abruptly to quell wheelspin. Gradually, however, I became used to the power delivery and could manage slight wheelspin out of tight corners without activating the electronics. This wasn't a problem if it was warm and dry, as grip from the P6000s was really good. It's surprising how easily the Leon handles 180bhp through just the front wheels; there's no torque steer and it delivers plenty of grip without lunching the front tyres. Overdo it mid-bend, back off sharply, and you have to be quick as the heavy rump steps out of line... and then carries the slide a little longer than you might expect. Still, it's fun ΂- maybe not quite original Clio 172-fun, but as a more mature version of the Renault it's a good compromise.

The brakes always felt spongy and the gearbox a bit clonky, but you tend to drive round this after a while and savour the best parts of the car, like the suspension set-up, the handling, the refinement, the performance and ΂- dare I say it ΂- the practicality. The package as a whole takes some beating at this price.
So what do I think of the Leon after 14 months and 30,000 miles? It's every car I've ever needed... but just maybe not the only one I really want.