An all-new, three-strong Seat Leon range, set to be unveiled before the end of this year, will cap off one of the busiest years in the company’s history.
Before the new three-door, five-door and estate Leons are shown, the VW Group firm will launch its Ibiza facelift and all-new Mii city car, plus a new compact Toledo saloon and special Chinese versions of the Ibiza and Leon.
See pics of the Seat Ibe concept, which shows the new Leon's look
Seat president James Muir has long spoken of his desire to expand the Leon range, and the three models should give Seat a significant volume boost in one of Europe’s largest segments.
Seat design chief Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos said the expanded Leon range would stop the need for one car to “fulfil the needs of three”. The models are expected to be heavily influenced by the Seat IBE concept car.
“The new Leons will target different clients,” he said. “The five-door will target families that want something dynamic and spacious; it will be more mature than before.
“The three-door will be sportier and will have a short wheelbase. The roof will be more sports coupé-like, without being a coupé. The estate will look sporty, but maintains functionality with a huge boot.”
The new Toledo, tipped for launch at next month’s Geneva motor show, is Seat’s version of the Skoda MissionL, a four-door saloon unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt show. The two firms have developed the MissionL and Toledo together.
At the Beijing show in April, Seat’s special Chinese versions of the Leon and Ibiza will be launched with subtly revised interiors to suit Chinese tastes.
