Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
The third-generation Seat Leon will come in three distinct body styles for the first time.
In addition to the five-door, the Volkswagen Group’s Spanish offshoot will have three-door and estate versions and is promising an end to the ‘one car for all purposes’.
The five-door will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, the three-door and estate body styles following next year. It is also the first of the Seat models to be seen with the brand’s new badge and logo, which has been streamlined and updated.
The new Leon will be powered by a series of powerful and fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, ranging from 1.2- to 2.0 litres. All engines feature direct injection and turbocharging, and have been engineered for low internal friction and fast warm-up. Compared with their respective predecessors, their fuel consumption is down by up to 22 percent.
The 1.6 TDI generates 105 PS (104 bhp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) of torque. In the Ecomotive version with start/stop system and brake energy recuperation, it returns an astonishing 74.3 mpg on average, equating to just 99 g/km CO2*. The extensively re-engineered 2.0 TDI returns a hugely impressive 70.6 mpg* in the Ecomotive version, yet develops 150 PS (148 bhp) and 320 Nm (236 lb.ft) of torque. It is a powerful driving force for the Leon.
SEAT will rapidly expand the engine line-up. Early 2013 will see the arrival of the 1.2 TSI in two versions with 86 PS (85 bhp) and 105 PS (104bhp); a 1.4 TSI with 122 PS (120 bhp); and at the top of the petrol range, a 1.8 TSI with 180 PS (178 bhp) and a combination of direct and manifold injection. The diesel line-up will be augmented by the 1.6 TDI with 90 PS (89 bhp) and a powerful, range-topping 2.0 TDI with 184 PS (181 bhp). It delivers a maximum torque swell of 380 Nm (280 lb.ft).
Depending on the engine, transmission options range from five- and six-speed manual gearboxes or the renowned six- and seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearboxes.
The Leon has been a firm favourite with fleets and our business car leasing advice is top notch and our company car tax allowance is a handy reference guide.