Feast your eyes on the next SEAT Leon. The Spanish car maker used all the razzmatazz of the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its new small family hatchback, and freely admitted that this 'prototipo' is virtually the real deal.

Click to view attachment

It's the closest model yet in appearance to the Salsa concept, which wowed crowds at the same event five years ago. Insiders have told us the final version of the new Leon will be unveiled at September's Frankfurt show.

Based on VW's Golf chassis, the newcomer has been developed to have a sportier character. That means it gets a low roofline and a swooping nose, while its wide arches, hidden rear door handles and small glass areas give it a coupé look.

Click to view attachment

With the Toledo and Altea providing practicality in the SEAT line-up, the firm was keen to exhibit a different interior with its show car. So, instead of being a conventional five-seater, the Leon has a luxurious 2+2 layout. Initial production cars won't feature this, but if the cabin is well received at the show it's likely a four-seat format could be offered later.

Among the show Leon's features are four cameras mounted around the car which transmit images from the driver's blindspots to screens in the cabin. A DVD player hidden under the passenger seat means the displays can also be used for in-car entertainment.

Click to view attachment

Engines from VW's FSI petrol and TDI diesel range will be available when the Leon arrives. The Geneva show car was fitted with the 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo from the Golf GTI, coupled to a six-speed DSG sequential manual box. This combination is tipped to appear in the next Leon Cupra, while an even hotter 220bhp Cupra R could arrive in 2007.

Craig Cheetham
Article from: Auto Express

  You've got a seat havent you??

SEAT Leon 2.0 FSI 


Full size image

It's the Leon that roars! SEAT's stunning concept made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month, and now Auto Express has secured an exclusive first drive. With its sporty looks and powerful engine, the car gives a clear indication of how the production version will shape up as it takes on some tough competition in the crowded premium hatchback market.


Full size image

Its dramatic stance was a hit with the public at Geneva, and those stylish lines are no less impressive on the road. The design combines elements of the original Leon with SEAT family cues already seen in the Toledo and Altea.


Full size image

From the front, the car has great impact, thanks to the prominent grille and deep air intakes. The large headlights flow smoothly into the wings, giving the Leon a well defined waistline and solid feel. The flanks are heavily curved, and a feature line runs from beneath the headlights to the rear arches.

With a taut back end completing the look, the overall shape is very distinctive. It also manages to seem more compact than the original car. There are a number of clever exterior details as well - a high-level brake light is mounted in the roof spoiler, and contains a tiny camera to aid reversing. In addition, the rear door handles are hidden behind the C-pillar, which helps the coupé-like appearance.


Full size image

Inside, the cabin matches the outside for style. Individual leather seats front and rear, plus similar trim on the doors, give a luxury feel. Meanwhile, the dashboard has a satin red finish, with sporty instruments set into the binnacle. The view from the driver's chair is excellent thanks to the deep windscreen, while the simple but attractive interior layout is of a high quality. Even the boot boasts some innovative ideas: the jack doubles up as the securing arm for the spare wheel, and the seatbacks unclip to reveal a tool kit and first aid equipment.


Full size image

Powering the Leon prototype is the 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI engine first seen in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which drives through a sequential DSG transmission. With 200bhp, it provides excellent performance. There is good torque at low revs, with a powerful punch when the turbo is at full strength.


Full size image

The gearbox is a superb match for the engine - on automatic setting it shifts seamlessly, and in full manual mode the paddles behind the steering wheel allow fast and smooth changes up and down the ratios. The 0-62mph sprint takes only 6.9 seconds, while the top speed is 146mph. Massive 19-inch alloys and a wide track mean high levels of stability and superb grip - although the production version of the Leon is likely to wear narrower rubber.

Yet despite the extreme wheel and tyre combination, the ride is surprisingly relaxing, although the emphasis is on handling and grip rather than ultimate comfort. Traction is also impressive, with only full power in first gear threatening to spin the front wheels.

As a successor to the original car, the Leon prototype shows SEAT is heading in the right direction. It has the same blend of sportiness and practicality that made the first-generation machine so popular, but adds higher quality and more attractive styling to the mix. With the prospect of the production model being very similar to this show-stopper, it could be the king of the urban jungle.

Matt Joy
Article from: Auto Express