I loved the Ibiza FR when I drove it a few months ago so I had high hopes when I got the chance to put its big brother, the Leon FR, through its paces.

The Seat Leon is blessed with the latest VW Group technology and rides on the same MQB technology as the Golf so, sharing so much of its DNA with one of the best cars in its class means that it would be a huge shock if it disappointed.

It doesn’t.

The Leon is available in three body styles: Five-door hatchback, ST estate and SC three-door coupe.

The SC is easily the best-looking of the trio but the trade-off is a marginally less practical passenger space. The estate is at the other end of the practicality spectrum but I found myself behind the wheel of the five-door.

It’s a good-looking car, even with the extra set of doors, and the distinctive front and rear LED lights give the Leon a smart, upmarket appearance. Sharp blisters over the rear wheel arches lend it a sporty, aggressive stance that suits the character of the car.

Fans of VW’s cars will be familiar with the range of engines – either turbocharged diesel or petrol – and under the bonnet of my test vehicle was the 1.4 EcoTSI with 148bhp driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s a peppy little engine that’s full of zest and character with an engaging exhaust note. It’s clever too, because under light loads two cylinders are deactivated to improve fuel efficiency. You wouldn’t know anything unusual was taking place without the notification on the multi-function display between the speedometer and rev counter.

It works, too, with significant gains in economy when you’re cruising along the motorway at 70mph.

It’s much more fun, of course, when all four cylinders are beavering away beneath the bonnet. You can hit 62mph in a not too shabby 8 seconds thanks to 184lbft of torque which is available from just 1,500rpm.

The FR has a slightly firmer set-up than models lower down the range but still manages to strike the right balance between ride and handling. It’s extremely comfortable on longer hauls while the sports suspension does a commendable job of distancing passengers from broken surfaces.

You won’t be disappointed on a punt through the countryside either. The Leon feels nimble through bends with more than enough grip to keep all but the most enthusiastic drivers happy. There could be a tad more feel but the steering is precise and linear nonetheless.

The six-speed manual gearbox is as about as slick as they come. Shifting through the gears is an absolute joy thanks to a positive, accurate action and a well-weighted clutch.

The cabin lacks some of the design flair apparent on the outside but, while it can appear a little sombre on first inspection, it quickly becomes a very satisfying place to enjoy the Leon’s driving abilities.

The quality of the materials and the build is first class, as you’d rightly expect from the VW group stable, while the ergonomics are spot on. There’s a minimalism to the cabin that is a welcome antidote to the proliferation of buttons that have plagued some cars over recent times.

The seats are firm, but comfortable, with the FR’s side bolsters adding some welcome lateral support. The driving position is excellent thanks to ample adjustment in the seat and wheel positions.

Head and legroom, even for those in the back, is more than adequate although, as ever, a third passenger might feel the pinch in the middle of the rear bench.

Equipment levels are impressive, right across the range, with even the base model getting media system with 5-inch colour touchscreen, USB, aux-in and SD card, Bluetooth and air con.

The FR adds front sports seats, leather steering wheel with red stitching and logo, dual zone climate control, 17in alloys and aluminium front doors sills with the FR logo.

The Leon FR enjoys the same free-spirited nature as its little brother, the Ibiza. It’s good looking, refined and, when required, fun. I was smitten when I drove the Ibiza but, the Leon’s greater practicality and marginally more engaging styling has turned my head.

SEAT Leon FR 1.4 EcoTSI 150 PS 6-speed manual

Price: £20,525

As tested: £21,835

Engine: 1.4-litre EcoTSI

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Max power: 148bhp

Max torque: 184lbft @ 1,500rpm

Max speed: 134mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 8 sec

Urban: 48.7mpg

Extra urban: 67.3mpg

Combined: 60.1mpg

Emissions (CO2): 129g/km

For more information visit www.seat.co.uk