Seat has revealed the all new third-generation Leon which will go on sale in February 2013 in three different bodystyles.
For the first time the Leon will not only be sold as a five-door hatchback, but will also be available as a three-door hatchback and in a five-door estate bodystyle. All of this comes in a bid to match the success of the more popular Seat Ibiza range.
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Like the Ibiza, the estate version of the Leon will most likely be called the ST model.
The new Seat Leon range will share the same platform and much of the same technology as the 2012 Audi A3.
A wider varying engine range is also expected for the 2013 Leon when compared to the previous model, with up to five petrol units and four turbodiesels on offer.
The petrol options are set to include a 1.2-litre TSI with 85bhp or 104bhp, plus two 1.4 TSI units with 121bhp and 138bhp respectively. The 1.4 TSI will also feature active cylinder management, which shuts down two cylinders whilst the car is at cruising speed to save fuel.
Finally the petrol range will be topped by a 178bhp 1.8-litre TSI engine.
The new Leon's turbodiesel range will include two 1.6-litre TDI units with 89bhp or 104bhp. There will also be two 2.0-litre TDI engines on offer, delivering 148bhp or 181bhp.
Seat has yet to confirm performance or emission figures for these engines, but customers who prioritise economic driving will still have access to an Ecomotive trim Leon with various fuel-saving technologies.
Inside the 2013 Seat Leon is expected to have a more luxurious-feeling cabin compared to the previous model. Higher-end trim models are expected to feature Alcantara and leather trim, as well as new multimedia systems plus internet and Bluetooth connectivity.
The full specification range for the 2013 Seat Leon will be revealed at a later date, but a sporty FR model and a high-performance Cupra hot hatch are both anticipated to arrive at some point next year.
The five-door hatchback version of the new Seat Leon is due to make its public debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September.
Reports estimate that pricing for the 2013 Seat Leon range will start in the region of £15,000. It will therefore remain close to the latest Leon hatchback, which is currently priced from £14,890.