Infotainment

WE’VE already mentioned the Cupra’s awkward sliding controls, but even though they’re not part of the infotainment set-up itself, they still harm its usability That’s because their location, on a small shelf below the 12-inch screen, is exactly where you might steady your hand when using the touchscreen, so you have to hover your hand above it in order to not inadvertently change the audio volume or cabin temperature

The system itself has been steadily improved since its first release, and in many areas, it’s quite slick The loading times are quick, the graphics are bright and colourful, and the shortcut logos make it easy to work your way around However, the cabin climate functions are set within the system – we much prefer the physical switches that are found in both the BMW and the Mazda

Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?

BY almost any measure, the BMW’s infotainment tech is comfortably the best here In terms of usability, few systems are as intuitive, because you get a responsive touchscreen that is great to use while parked, while a clickwheel controller that’s flanked by a small group of physical buttons that allow you to make small adjustments to the car ’ s settings on the move without the need to take your eyes off the road

Even if those two don’t work for you, there’s always the voice control system, which is among the better versions of its type to use The loading times are the quickest here, the parking cameras look sharp on screen, and the useful menus are all within easy reach, not buried in sub-menus One of our few criticisms is aimed at the digital dials, which look a little fussy to our eyes

AS much as you’ll frequently read complaints about touchscreens (not just for the Leon tested here, either), they do have their uses in some situations Selecting menus or typing addresses when parked – the sort of thing we often do when plotting a route before starting a journey – can be a simple process with a touchscreen Unfortunately the Mazda does without one

Instead, you have a BMW-style clickwheel located next to the drive selector Entering a postcode is a drawn-out affair, which involves twiddling the wheel through a rotary keyboard until the desired letter is found It means a process that takes seconds in the BMW or Cupra takes much longer here Loading times are reasonable, though, and the route can adjust on the fly efficiently – even if the lack of traffic data means the system’s arrival times are hugely optimistic

On the road price/total as tested

Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000)

Depreciation

Annual tax liability std/higher rate

Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles)

Insurance group/quote/VED Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service

Length/wheelbase

Height/width Engine

Peak power/revs

Peak torque/revs Transmission

Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel

Boot capacity (seats up/down)

Kerbweight/payload/towing weight

Turning circle

Basic warranty (miles)/recovery

Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos

NCAP: Adult/child/ped /assist/stars

0-62mph/top speed

Auto Express economy/range WLTP combined WLTP combined

Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket

Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera

Auto box/lane-keep assist

Blind-spot assist/AEB

Climate control/cruise control

Leather/heated seats

Metallic paint/LED lights

Keyless entry & go/powered tailgate

Sat-nav/digital dashboard

DAB radio/connected services

Wireless charge/CarPlay/Android Auto