Even though one of the main reasons for the Leon’s success is without a doubt down to its quality design, some subtle changes have been made. Let’s say everything has been changed with almost nothing changing. 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, 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 Leon family has been characterised by a great design and this has been reflected in the results it has achieved. One of the main reasons is that Leon can adapt itself to different drivers. An example of this success is the family vehicle ST model, that has reached almost 35% of Leon sales.
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 a more coherent look with this update. It is noticeable especially in the new bumper design. Another intention has been to increase the perceived size of the car, stretching the grille an extra 40mm in a richer chrome than would be found in a superior category. Likewise, the character has been reinforced in terms of quality as much inside as out.
It is worth noting too that the new Leon is also even quieter than before. Inside the car, the ambient lighting LEDs’ intensity can be regulated as the driver wishes from the newly designed 8-inch screen that eliminates the need for many of the buttons and dials that exist on the console of the current model. The multimedia system works similar to an iPod and includes new functions such as wireless charging for mobile phones, the new electric parking brake (except in the most basic model) and a new GPS signal amplifier for areas with low satellite coverage. Improvements have been carried out in each detail, including a better, more precise traffic sign recognition system.
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. This technology reduces energy consumption as well as having a much quicker response, even quick the xenon plus lights.
With all these qualities and features, the new SEAT Leon manages to combine an emotional and rational design that is both functional and exiting, at the same time as transmitting the feeling of a car that is both dynamic, comfortable, technologically advanced, safe, reliable, with the highest level of connectivity, with exceptional quality, within the reach of any driver.
The new SEAT Leon will be available in 4 models. Each customer will be able to individually select the best combination which suits the driver’s likes and needs; the 5-door sedan, 3-door SC coupe, ST estate and finally, the most adventurous, ST X-Perience.
Xcellence; the new trim by SEAT
The new SEAT Leon is offered initially in four equipment lines. The entry-level Reference, the Style 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-color ambient lighting. On the outside the New SEAT Leon gleams with the chrome design front grill, new front and rear bumpers, new chromed window frame, and comes also with FULL-LED rear lamps including 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 the near future.
It has to be said that this SEAT series is full to the brim with accessories. Although each market will adapted for its needs, the ‘Style’ version now includes ASR, ABS, ESP, XDS, cruise control, 16-inch rims, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth, daytime LED lights, Radio Media System Colour with 5-inch touch screen that includes an SD card slot, USB port on the central console, Aux in, and 6 speakers, as well electric parking brake, 7 airbags (2 in the front, 2 on the sides, 2 curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver), tiredness Recognition), auto-hold start assist, steering wheel and gearstick in leather, folding and reclinable rear seats 1/3 and 2/3, heated electric wing mirrors…
If this never-ending accessory list of the series seems short, we can even go a step further. Always taking into account that there will be slight variations in each country, the FR and XCELLENCE trims will include dark tinted windows, 17-inch alloy rims, full LED headlights including fog lights and cornering function, aluminium door sils, the Kessy System access with push-button start, exclusive upholstery, 2 USB ports (with Apple chip), aux-in/ iPod connection to the front console, 8 speakers, voice recognition, rear camera, electric wing mirrors, as rain sensor, front and rear reading lights with footwell lights and multicolour ambient lights, sports suspension (FR), SEAT Drive Profile with driving experience button for steering, acceleration and gearshift mode (only with DSG).
