SEAT's Brave New Leon

Ever since the new corporate look was unveiled on the Salsa concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000, designers have indicated that the teardrop headlamps and grille would become a feature across the entire range.

This means SEAT owners will have to get used to people not recognising which model they are driving. However, those in the know will realise the Leon's sportier character is subtly emphasised by its Alfa Romeo-style rear door handles - hidden in the C-pillars to give a coup΃©-like look - while its glass area is also smaller than that of the taller Altea.

A spokeswoman for SEAT said: "At the moment, the Leon is positioned as a sportier hatchback than the Altea, and if anything the next-generation model will go even further along that route."

This is good news for keen drivers, who can expect fine handling and an engine line-up designed to appeal to younger, cash-conscious buyers. Official details about the specification and pricing of the new Leon line-up are some way from being announced, but as the SEAT is based on the same platform as the latest-generation Volkswagen Golf, the range is expected to benefit from the 2.0-litre FSI petrol and TDI diesel powerplants already available to other VW Group brands. Meanwhile, a flagship Cupra model could be fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit intended for the Golf GTI. An FR version is also likely to appear - this would come with a less powerful engine, providing a more affordable sporting alternative.

SEAT's launch schedule for the Leon will probably follow a similar pattern to that set by the Altea and Toledo. This means we can expect a concept version to be unveiled at one of the year's remaining motor shows, followed by the production model soon after. The new hatchback should be on sale in the UK before the end of next year.