Seat’s Leon hatchback has been awarded 'best used car' at What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards.

Seat’s family hatchback attracted plaudits for its "unbeatable combination of driving dynamics, quality, safety and kerb appeal".

In the family car category, the Leon beat the Kia Cee’d and Ford Focus.

Audi also proved successful, with the Audi Q7, Audi TT and Audi R8 taking the best used luxury SUV, best used coupe and best used sports car titles respectively.

However, the Leon managed to beat its Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia siblings as the only one of the quartet to feature in the shortlist.

The 15 What Car? Used Car of the Year Winners were categorised into age groups to reflect the choice available on the used car market.

The final decision on winners was taken by a panel of experts, based on the main criteria of quality, reliability, value and the availability of desirable versions with the Leon coming out on top.

Alex Robbins, used cars editor at What Car? said: “Our overall winner, the 2013-on Seat Leon not only offers outstanding value for money, but also manages to cram in a dash of flair that makes it a delight to live with, with sharp handling and great looks.

“Given how much it offers, it isn't hard to see why the Leon won its age group, and indeed, the Best Used Family Car category.

“Against other category winners, though, it had a tougher fight: the 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta runs it close for value, for example; the 2012-2017 Mazda CX-5 goes just as far above and beyond its remit; while the 2010-2017 BMW 5 Series is the most accomplished used luxury car out there.

“But in the end, the Leon's blend of quality, practicality, character and keen pricing gave it the edge. It's a worthy winner of our 2018 Used Car of the Year Award.”