SEAT is continuing its biggest product offensive with the new SEAT Leon, one of the three pillars of the brand. The new model has all the necessary ingredients; comfort, technology and quality, it also has the emotional ones; design, dynamism, pleasure, excitement and ease of use. And all of these make up the formula for success for a car that forms part of SEAT’s history; a formula based on design and functionality; the “Leon Formula”. These updates that the SEAT Leon is receiving are focused on technology and design. The
New SEAT Leon has arrived at SEAT’s strong 23 dealerships and available to order now.
Even though without a doubt one of the main reasons for the Leon’s success is down to its quality design, some subtle changes have been made. According to SEAT Design director Alejandro Mesonero Romanos, “the Leon is a very attractive model and it isn’t necessary to change its image, only reinforce it, and refresh it. The objective is to harmonise all parts of the model, in particular the front and the rear with the sides of the car”.
The Front and rear have sharper, more assertive lines than the current model, with incisive lateral lines that are less distinct at the front and rear. The intention has been to emphasise this sharp image, achieving with this update a more coherent look. It is noticeable especially in the new bumper design. Another goal was to increase the perceived size of the car, stretching the grille an extra 40mm in a richer chrome than would normally be found in a superior vehicle category. The character has also been reinforced as much inside as outside in terms of quality. It is worth noting too that the new Leon is also even quieter than before. Inside the car, the ambient lighting LED’s intensity can be regulated as the driver wishes from the newly designed 8-inch screen that eliminates any need for many of the buttons and dials that exist on the console of the current model.
The new, massively improved exterior lights are particularly worth mentioning thanks to the new rear lights and headlights complete with Full-LED technology that perform even in the worst weather conditions. LED technology has also been used in the indicators and fog lights. The new SEAT Leon will be available in three existing body types; the 5-door, the 3-door Sports Coupe and the family ST (Sports Tourer). Following the launch of the Ateca with such an incredible range of driver assistance systems, it’s now the Leon’s turn to take on board the latest technological developments. Another added Feature is the radar-controlled Adaptive Cruise Control system that can automatically brake in case of emergencies within specific speed intervals. The Pedestrian Protection System recognises vehicles as well as pedestrians that make sure safety is always paramount both in the city and on the motorway. The New SEAT Leon also includes a new central console with Electric Parking Brake, Traffic Sign Recognition and the most advanced parking assist technology with both bay and parallel parking and high beam assist. The camera and navy system have been improved, to now recognize a higher number of traffic signs.
The New SEAT Leon offers the very highest Ievel of connectivity with the latest generation of Easy Connect infotainment systems, SEAT Full Link and the exclusive SEAT Drive App that comes with voice recognition and gesture control technology, which allows functions to be activated with only a small gesture with the finger on the touchscreen. The Media System plus, with its eight-inch screen, is the highlight of the new-generation infotainment systems. The New SEAT Leon has for the very first time a Connectivity Box in the central console that enables wireless smartphone charging. The new SEAT Leon is offered initially in four equipment lines. The entry-level S, the SE and the FR. The new highlight is the XCELLENCE trim, this variant has a particularly distinctive and comfortable look-and-feel upholstery (Alcantara and leather as an optional), extensive trim elements and the multi-colour ambient lighting. On the outside the New SEAT Leon gleams with the chrome design front grille, new front and rear bumpers, new chromed window frame, and comes also with the rear LED’s indicators. On the inside the New SEAT Leon has an aluminium XCELLENCE door step, LED interior illumination pack and the Keyless Entry System.
The FR and the XCELLENCE trims, will be at the same price in order to offer the best possible options to different kinds of drivers. The FR is for those looking for a sportier, more driving experience, whereas the XCELLENCE is focused on comfort, elegance and the latest technology. The CUPRA will be the fifth version, and will be launched in May.
The new SEAT Leon’s range of engines satisfies a wide range of needs, and includes diesel, and petrol variants. The diesel range includes a new 1.6 TDI engine with 85kW I 115 PS. The TDI engine range begins with the 1.6 litre 90 horsepower TDI up to the 2.0 litre 184 horsepower TDI. ln terms of petrol engines, the SEAT Leon’s power ranges from 110 to 125 horsepower. ln summary, all versions of the Leon come with highly efficient and with the latest in technology. The New SEAT Leon is the second step in SEAT’s biggest ever product offensive. Following the SEAT Ateca and the New SEAT Leon, SEAT will launch two new models in the upcoming months the fifth generation all-new Ibiza and the new SUV Crossover, the SEAT Arona.
Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland, Neil Dalton said: “The new-look Leon combines some of the best elements of SEAT models – innovative design, cutting edge technology and great functionality. SEAT Ireland has got off to an incredible start already in 2017 and we are looking forward to seeing the Irish reaction to this incredible Leon model along with our all new SEAT Ibiza arriving in June and the all new SEAT Arona cross-over launching in November.”
