One thing I can tell you, with absolute certainty, is that you can safely bring a Seat Leon X-Perience to a halt after suffering a rear near-side tyre blowout while travelling at about 60mph. I can also confirm that, even in August, the evenings are cold on the hard shoulder.

If ever there was a stark demonstration of what’s wrong with space saver spare wheels, it’s being forced to travel 140 miles at 50mph while watching the arrival time on the sat nav moving further and further away the nearer you get to your destination.

I was grateful for the surefootedness my test car demonstrated after the tyre blew, its stability undoubtedly owing something to the clever four-wheel drive system fitted to the X-Perience, which is another one of those jacked-up estates that are becoming increasingly popular with manufacturers. Equipped with plastic wheel arch mouldings, sills and lower bumpers and raised by 15mm the X-Perience has an appropriately rugged, robust appearance.

The all-wheel drive is, for the most part, not. In fact, under normal conditions occupants will be propelled around with drive sent to just two wheels but, if the car is carrying a heavy load or it detects things are getting a little slippery underfoot (wheel?), the 4Drive system will send 50% of the power to the rear wheels with the traction control then working out which wheel needs drive to enhance grip.

What you’re left with is a long way short of a bona fide off-roader. It’s actually some way short of being a soft-roader but it can go places where you’re run-of-the-mill family hatchback can’t. That’s not why most people will buy the X-Perience, however, for the majority of owners it’ll be for the added safety and stability that the all-wheel drive system offers on-road, not off it, that'll swing it.

Under the bonnet of the SE Technology model that I tested is VW’s 2.0-litre TDI engine developing 181.5bhp at 3,500rpm and 280lbft of torque from 1,750rpm. It’s a punchy, flexible unit that, while there is a little bit of clatter at start-up and under acceleration, is admirably refined, particularly at cruising speeds.

The list of standard equipment is generous, and includes a five inch colour touchscreen with Easy Connect, Bluetooth handsfree and audio streaming, dual zone climate control and leather steering wheel, gear knob and gator, full LED headlights, a wonderful full-length panoramic sunroof and front sports seats in Alcantara and simulated leather.

Drive Profile, which allows the driver to alter driving characteristics by selecting from four modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual, also features.

The 18in alloys fitted to my test car combined with the all-wheel drive system and XDS electronic differential ensure that there’s plenty of grip and sharp handling but the extra height brings with it additional body roll over the standard Leon ST. It's hardly overwhelming, however, and certainly isn't enough to discourage rapid progress along twisty country lanes, should you desire.

The overall ride is really rather good and the occupants will find themselves largely untroubled by events outside the confines of the passenger space. The cabin is well insulated and the seats very comfortable with reasonable head and legroom, even for passengers in the back.

The cabin is well put together and, as you’d expect from the VW parts bin, the switchgear is tactile with a pleasant feel to its operation.

The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and rake and it’s easy enough to get yourself comfortable. There’s also a decent amount of storage with a deep bin behind the gear lever, a large glovebox and armrest cubby and good-sized doorbins.

Roof rails are standard and there’s 587 litres of boot space to fill with your luggage. That increases to 687 litres with the boot-floor lowered and 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded out of the way.

The Seat Leon X-Perience occupies a space midway between an SUV and family estate car and, in many ways, would be a more sensible choice. It offers a raised driving position, modest off-road abilities and practicality while its smaller frontal profile provides efficiency gains and the lower centre of gravity improves handling.

The four-wheel-drive system has already demonstrated its worth when I had my tyre blowout and, I have to say, I’m all the better for the X-Perience.

Seat Leon X-Perience

Price: £29,880

As tested: £32,860

Engine: 2.0-litre TDI

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Power: 181.5bhp

Torque: 280lbft @ 1,750rpm

Acceleration (0-62mph): 7.1sec

Maximum speed: 139mph

Urban: 50.4mpg

Extra urban: 62.8mpg

Combined: 57.6mpg

Emissions (CO2): 129g/km

For more information visit www.seat.co.uk