Leon Sinks Its Teeth Into Hatchback Rivals

Feast your eyes on the next SEAT Leon. The Spanish car maker used all the razzmatazz of the Geneva Motor Show to unveil its new small family hatchback, and freely admitted that this 'prototipo' is virtually the real deal.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

08th March 2005

It's the closest model yet in appearance to the Salsa concept, which wowed crowds at the same event five years ago. Insiders have told us the final version of the new Leon will be unveiled at September's Frankfurt show.

Based on VW's Golf chassis, the newcomer has been developed to have a sportier character. That means it gets a low roofline and a swooping nose, while its wide arches, hidden rear door handles and small glass areas give it a coup΃© look.

With the Toledo and Altea providing practicality in the SEAT line-up, the firm was keen to exhibit a different interior with its show car. So, instead of being a conventional five-seater, the Leon has a luxurious 2+2 layout. Initial production cars won't feature this, but if the cabin is well received at the show it's likely a four-seat format could be offered later.

Among the show Leon's features are four cameras mounted around the car which transmit images from the driver's blindspots to screens in the cabin. A DVD player hidden under the passenger seat means the displays can also be used for in-car entertainment.

Engines from VW's FSI petrol and TDI diesel range will be available when the Leon arrives. The Geneva show car was fitted with the 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo from the Golf GTI, coupled to a six-speed DSG sequential manual box. This combination is tipped to appear in the next Leon Cupra, while an even hotter 220bhp Cupra R could arrive in 2007.