Speed Camera N4 Lucan, armed and functional.

Just thought you’d like to know…

What is the Seat Leon? It’s basically a VW Golf MkIV with a smarter suit of clothes, better equipment and a much lower price.

As you might imagine, this makes it a fantastic used buy. OK, it may not have the same image as the Golf and was only ever sold as a five-door hatchback, but it backs up its smart looks wit a spacious, ergonomic interior and tidy handling.

Build quality is high, with excellent panel fit and a beautifully screwed-together interior. Therefore, accept nothing less than perfect bodywork and a neat cabin.

As with any purchase, a service record is highly desirable and essential if the engine is a diesel (it’s the best engine in the range, although 20v T Cupra and Cupra R hot hatch owners might well disagree with that).

Make sure all the warning lights illuminate when you switch on, and then go out as they should. Sporty Cupra models may well have worn clutches, severe tyre wear and warped brake discs (brake hard and feel for juddering).

Also make sure that all the electrical items are working properly, such as window winders, sunroofs and electric mirrors. Finally, remember to check that the air-conditioning system is fully functioning.

FORD Mondeo 155MPH 3.0 Litre V6

FOR
With its bulging wheel arches, meshed grilles, ground-hugging body skirts and enormous 18in alloys, no one could mistake the ST for any other Mondeo; even the blue oval badge has come in for a dose of steroids.

AGAINST
Fierce emissions-based taxation and lacklustre image limit its appeal, and at this price, there’s plenty of stiff competition from models with more prestigious badges on their bonnet.

ON THE ROAD OWNERSHIP IN THE CABIN

Performance: 3.0 V6 sounds great

Buying & owning: V6 has high running costs

Behind the wheel: Less is more in the minimalist Mondeo

Ride & handling:The Mondeo excels on all fronts Quality & reliability

Ford’s best efforts are unlikely to let you down Space & practicality

Space good, but six-footers should go up front

Refinement: Engine’s sporting note spoilt by wind noise

Safety and security provisions: exemplary Equipment

Plenty of kit in ST form