Seat does not pretend that the X-perience variation on the Leon ST estate car theme is a major business car player, although it ticks over at 7% of the wagon’s fleet sales, which in turn account for just over half of all the Leon’s corporate volume.

This ratio should rise as we head into potentially wintry weather, when the car’s off-road capabilities extend its appeal for drivers whose roles involve needing all-wheel drive.

A foray onto local forest tracks – minus the extreme mud-plugging and boulder climbing – demonstrated the lightweight 4×4 system’s effectiveness as it automatically transferred power to the wheels with the most grip.

Though the six-speed DSG semi-auto transmission on our 184hp model reduces the towing weight from 2000kg to 1600kg compared with its 150hp manual counterpart, not having to think about gear changes when negotiating relatively rough terrain is a bonus.

The compact 4×4 technology does not sacrifice boot space either, and the model has a 55-litre fuel tank capacity – five litres more than other Leons

Mileage                                                          6151 miles
Official consumption                                           57.6mpg
Our average consumption                      40.0mpg
Forecast/actual CPM            64.9p/68.6p
P11D price                  £30,030
Model price range (X-perience) £24,385 – £28,870
Residual value                     29.1%
Depreciation                   £20,440
Fuel cost                       £5519
SMR cost                       £2543
VED                                                                      £220
CO2 tax (tax)                                         129g/km (23%)
BIK 20/40% per month                £115/£310