The new Leon will be the first car in SEAT's model-range to sport the Spanish firm's new refreshed badge and, while the new car is more compact externally than its predecessor, SEAT claims that it boasts more interior space.
The look of the new Leon is heavily influenced by SEAT's new design language and features the firm's 'Linea Dinamica', a crease which runs down the Leon's flanks which SEAT describes as having the appearance of a 'well trained muscle'. Err... okay. The Leon is also the first car in its class to feature full LED headlights.
SEAT has brought the Leon's interior bang up-to-date too and a two-tone finish on the dashboard gives the appearance of it floating in mid-air.
Engines-wise, the Leon will be offered with both petrol and diesel units ranging from 1.2- to 2.0-litres. One of the big sellers is likely to be the 1.6-litre TDI which develops 104bhp and 184lb-ft of torque, returns an impressive 74.3mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 99g/km of CO2. 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrols will join the line-up next year as will a less powerful version of the 1.6 TDI and a 2.0-litre TDI.
The Leon gets SEAT's new Drive Profile which allows the driver to switch between three modes: eco, comfort and sport. This allows the driver to vary the characteristics of the power steering, throttle control and (on FR versions) the engine noise. The interior LEDs also change colour depending on which mode is selected: white in eco and comfort modes and red in sport mode.
The Leon's infotainment systems are controlled via SEAT's Easy Connect operating system which comes with a 5-inch touchscreen on the more basic models and a 5.8-inch screen on the more expensive cars. Top models also get iPod connectivity, DAB radio and voice recognition.
Also available will be a drowsiness detection feature which warns you if you nod off at the wheel, a lane-keeping assistant which helps you keep in lane on motorways and, our favourite, Full Beam Assistant which dips your headlights automatically when a camera under the rear view mirror senses another car approaching.
The Leon will be launched later this year. There is no word yet on pricing but we'll keep you posted as more details are revealed.
Click on the image below to see a video of the new Leon.
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