Monday 16th July 2012

All-new SEAT Leon revealed

More body styles, new look, higher spec and an all-new platform for third-gen Leon

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SEAT has unveiled its new Leon hatchback, the first ground-up design from SEAT for what seems like ages (in fact we reckon you'd have to go all the way back to the Ibiza and 2008 for the last genuinely 'bespoke' SEAT design).

The new Leon is to be officially launched to the public at the Paris motor show in September. It will also be underpinned by VW's new 'MQB' platform family (that's Modularer Querbaukasten or 'modular transverse matrix') that's already serving in the new Audio A3 and will form the basis of the next Golf and Skoda Octavia. As a result of the new platform, the Leon is expected to shed around 85kg in weight from the kerb weight of the current model.

Unlike previous Leons, the new car will also get a variety of body styles, as a lifestyle estate version and a three-door hatch (something that has allegedly been 'forbidden' up until now by parent company VW) will join the initial five-door model soon after launch. As with the current car, Ecomotive, FR and Cupra versions are expected to be available

SEAT is also broadening its model line-up with five petrol engines ranging from 86hp up to 180hp in 1.8-litre FR guise, while four diesel motors will be offered, producing from 90hp for the base 1.6 and up to 184hp and 280lb ft from the 2.0 TDI range-topper. Transmissions will be either five- or six-speed manuals or six-and seven-speed DSGs.

The cabin, meanwhile, has been treated to a more upmarket treatment (says SEAT), as the Spanish manufacturer has targeted improved fit and finish levels and a higher standard of spec, including much in the way of leather and Alcantara on more expensive models.

UK prices and spec are to be announced next year.

[thewheelman]

This does seem a little bland for SEAT, they're usually more original when it comes to styling. But credit where it's due, the Leon does look rather nice, which is impressive for a 5 door hatch.

[esuuv]

I hate the PH spelling police - but whats an "Audio A3?"

[Wigeon Incognito]

Smart, but not exciting.

[frosted]

thewheelman said:

This does seem a little bland for SEAT, they're usually more original when it comes to styling. But credit where it's due, the Leon does look rather nice, which is impressive for a 5 door hatch.

Seat's have always been ugly IMO and this just looks like an A3 which is not really a bad thing. A family friend went and bought herself a 1.6 petrol altea and it's been continuously at the dealers with various problems , oh yes and it's worth exactly fk all after 4 years

[Agoogy]

Sad to see the rear door handle become visible again

Quite smart other than that...

[Codswallop]

The interior design looks rather Saab like to my eyes now.

Not keen on the black rear bumper insert, but a resonable design overall. Certainly better than the current car.

[The Nur]

I wouldn't say it is ugly, just boring. Which is a greater sin in my book.

[thewheelman]

esuuv said:

I hate the PH spelling police - but whats an "Audio A3?"

It's similar to a Volikswigon Gulif, just more expensive.........

[StottyZr]

It looks good, but reserved. I'd expect the sporty models should sort out the asthetics, Seat have a thing for in your face styling on the performance variants.

[Frimley111R]

Brought to you by the designers of the last 1000 Porsche 911s!

[V88Dicky]

I like this new shape Megane, much better than that bubble-arsed one.







Eh? Whadya mean it's not a Megane?



Sorry, my mistake.

It's the new Astra, right?





Alfa Giuletta?

anyone?

Bueller?

[Cupramax]

Thats looks quite nice, definite improvement over the dogs dinner that was the mk2. Still not quite as sharp as the mk1 but a Cupra will now doubt sort that.

[0a]

Seat, the pointless VAG brand.

[FWDRacer]

Agoogy said:

Sad to see the rear door handle become visible again

Quite smart other than that...

That was the only redeeming feature of the the Leon MkII. I'd welcome the Leon MkI's styling (new one is better than MkII) and the first Leon's solidity and construction back...

0a said:

Seat, the pointless VAG brand.

Why? Becuse VW does exciting and sporty

Makes the rest of VAG look very poor value for money unless you consider 5K for a badge excellent value...

Edited by FWDRacer on Monday 16th July 12:32

[Agoogy]

Agoogy said:

Sad to see the rear door handle become visible again

Quite smart other than that...

It seems due to the 3 door, they don't need the 5 door to look so 'coupe' ish or something...also it's the 1st car in it's class to have 100% LED headlamps...so there...

[loudlashadjuster]

esuuv said:

I hate the PH spelling police - but whats an "Audio A3?"

What, you mean all us proof readers who have never received a bean from Haymarket?

[LuS1fer]

Not a bad effort but plainly nicking some Audi A1 styling elements which is not necessarily a good thing. It's a bit sharply angled for my liking but nice to see a modern bonnet that isn't big and fat like many.

[MikeyLCR]

Quite like it, used to have an '05 Cupra R (hence the user name, a bit like getting a tattoo of your missus' name and then splitting up though) and I do still like the look of them, really hated the look of the second generation model but this with some R styling and performance could be nice.

[DanDC5]

I think this will look a lot better in real life than in pictures

[Riley Blue]

I really don't like the headlamp but otherwise it looks innocuous. Would I put it on my 'cars to consider' list? Probably.