New SEAT Leon revealed
Posted 16th July, 2012 in SEAT, Videos | Leave a comment
SEAT has officially unveiled its third generation Leon model.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the five-door hatchback is 4.26 metres long, around five centimetres shorter than the outgoing model, yet its wheelbase is almost six centimetres longer. This allows extra room for the car’s occupants as well as a 380 litre luggage capacity, around 40 litres more than its predecessor. Impressively, thanks to the use of lightweight materials, a substantial 90 kilograms have been shaved off the Leon’s weight.
Visually, the Leon retains a sinewy ‘Línea Dinámica’ (Dynamic Line), which runs towards the rear wheel arches. The trapezoidal C-pillars are also a familiar characteristic each Leon, as are the upwards-pointing third windows. LED daytime running lights fall in line with other cars in the Volkswagen Group range, with full-LED headlights and wedge-shaped rear light units available as an option.
Entry-level Reference line models get the Media System Touch system, which includes a five-inch touch screen CD radio with an SD card slot and four speakers, while the higher Style and FR versions enjoy a higher quality screen, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and six speakers as standard (eight in the FR). The Leon FR also features SEAT’s Drive Profile, which allows the driver to choose from three modes which vary the characteristics of the throttle control, power steering and engine tone. Ambient LED interior lights change in accordance to the chosen setting – white in eco and comfort mode and red for sport. Oooh.
The 1.6 TDI model, developing 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm of torque, will be available at launch, consumes a mere 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in Ecomotive form, while the 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm produces a healthier 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm, and still manages to consume just 4.0 litres per 100 km. Early 2013 will see the introduction of a 63 kW (86 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp) 1.2 TSI, a 90 kW (122 hp) 1.4 TSI and a 132 kW (180 hp) 1.8 TSI. Diesel fans get a 66 kW (90 hp) 1.6 TDI and the top oil burner, a 2.0 TDI churning out 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm. Transmissions will include a five- and six-speed manual and six- and seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Expected to make its world début at the 2012 Paris Motor Show (September 29 to October 14) along with the new SEAT logo, the Leon will be in showrooms before the end of the year.
[Source: SEAT]
