Seat was caught testing the next generation Leon on
public roads, with less camouflage in broad daylight. The fourth generation of Seat’s
Ford Focus rival will adopt a curvier design language than its predecessor, a
trend that started with the Tarraco SUV. In fact, the front end appears to get
the same styling with Seat’s seven-seat SUV.
This translates into a more sculpted front end,
prominent shoulder lines and a clean rear end that will feature Seat’s
distinctive LED signature lighting. The highlight of the next Seat
Leon is expected to be found inside, as the Spanish car maker will be the first
one to use VW’s latest infotainment technologies. The new system will come with
over-the-air updates and feature a better user interface than before.
Passengers will be able to control it through advanced voice control. The
climate controls will also migrate in the new infotainment system, as the
dashboard will feature fewer buttons and knobs than before.
The new Seat Leon will use an updated version of the
MQB platform, which will be lighter thanks to the increased use of lightweight
materials. The engine range will include VW’s upcoming mild-hybrid petrol
powertrain that pairs the 1.5-liter TSI with a 48-volt electrical architecture.
The new Leon will also become the first Seat with a plug-in hybrid powertrain,
offering at least 50 km of electric range. Diesel engine options will
also be available.
Seat plans to offer the new Leon in five-door
hatchback and wagon bodystyles, with the latter to also spawn a
crossover-styled model with increased suspension travel and more rugged
styling. The new Leon is expect to debut in near-production form at the Geneva
Motor Show next year.
