CAR choice has never been greater as a result of manufacturers continually inventing new design concepts. It is a situation that I am certain car buyers enjoy, because I have witnessed owners swapping from one car type to another. There is certainly a demand for all-wheel-drive vehicles, that can deal with unexpected, adverse weather conditions.

Conventional all-wheel-drive is thus popular, though an ability to drive mainly in two- wheel-drive at the front with all-wheel-drive cutting in when conditions dictate, is a direction that the burgeoning SEAT brand has started to exploit.

The new SEAT Leon X-perience is based on the established Sport Tourer and came on to UK roads this Spring.

Two versions are currently offered: the flagship Technology 2.0 TDI that delivers 182bhp and uses the impressive double clutch selectable automatic transmission; and the more conventional 2.0-litre turbo-diesel SE powered 148bhp, that comes with a nicely spaced, six-speed manual gearbox.

This latter version, indicated by SEAT as the top seller, provided some relaxed and comfortable long distance drives during its test period. It was also a relaxed and very positive handler when negotiating more intricate roads. This was when the automatic deployment of all-wheel-drive could just be felt and strongly appreciated. Shod with the Continental brand road tyres, handling is light yet positive and the ride firm yet never unsettled.

Under all conditions it is a stable car with good feel through the steering, impressively powerful all-disc braking, and an easy changing gearbox.

I did, however, experience slight looseness when crossing the selector between third and fourth and vice versa.

The modern age power unit complies with the latest Euro-6 rating for emissions. This saves considerably on VED, while fuel efficiency, assisted by a Stop +Start system and a Diesel Particulate Filter, should see close to 49mpg under normal driving conditions. Official combined consumption figure is a competitive 57.6mpg.

I find that the current crop of SEAT products actually target the discerning driver who wants an easy life. This car has the performance factor of the former with a claimed top speed (where legal) of 129mph and an acceleration time to 62mph (100kph) at a very competitive 8.7 seconds.

Those in the latter category will appreciate the flexible power that reduced the need to make many gear changes, especially around town. There is easy access to the driving seat and the overall interior space took four adults comfortably and five if necessary.

There is a near class-leading luggage capacity of 587 litres with all seats occupied and, of course, much more if the 60/40 split/fold rear seats are deployed.

Other practical aspects include plenty of oddments stowage, park assist system to augment the already good vision, hill hold system and cruise control.

On the test car there was a large glass panoramic roof complete with sun blind, alloy wheels with a space saver spare wheel, black roof rails, an Easy Connect System for all the gadgets, tinted windows including rear privacy glass and dual zone air conditioning.

After a long driving session I found that my experience with this SEAT X-perience was one of ease, exacerbated by the clear, no-nonsense instrumentation, the supportive and extensively variable adjustable sports seat, good pedal positioning and the fully adjustable steering column.

Visually it is hard to differentiate between this version and the standard two-wheel-drive car. However, closer examination will show a front under-nose shield that is the normal wear for cars capable of dealing with a bit of rough stuff, while from the rear there are twin exhaust pipes.

Add a rear rack and a bike or two and the “action” image is obvious.

Built to suit a range of purposes, impressively finished, highly practical, this SEAT X-perience is an obvious alternative to the masses of sports utility vehicles that might have the looks, but not always the same high levels of practical use.