The next-generation Seat Leon has been scooped
during winter testing in Sweden. Seat has been testing the new car for quite some time, but the car’s entire exterior remains wrapped in black and
white camouflage. Thankfully, these images of the car taken in the evening do
provide us with an excellent view of the car’s taillight graphics.
When the car is braking, we can see that the outer
edge of the taillights is triggered as is a third brake light just below the rear
window wiper. The outer section of the taillight also doubles as the turn
signal. Beyond the new taillights, these spy shots preview the vehicle’s
triangular-shaped headlights and prominent shoulder lines.
The new Leon will reportedly be underpinned by the
latest version of VW’s MQB platform. This platform isn’t just lighter than its
predecessor; it’s also been designed to support a mild-hybrid powertrain that
mates VW’s 1.5-liter TSI with a 48-volt electrical architecture. In addition to
this powertrain, customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid as well as
regular petrol and diesel models.
Inside, the new Leon should be improved drastically
over the current model. The redesigned cabin will support VW’s latest
infotainment technologies and include over-the-air updates as well as a
new-and-improved interface that supports voice control. Seat will also shift
the climate controls into the infotainment system.
The new Leon will, like the current model, be
available in five-door hatchback and wagon guises. A crossover-inspired model
based on the wagon will also hit the market later. As Seat continues to develop its
compact hatch, it is also gearing up to unveil a sister car to VW’s I.D
electric hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show. This, however, will be based on
the VW Group’s MEB platform for EVs and will be totally different to the Leon.
