SEAT León 2013, third generation of the Spanish compact

SEAT, the Spanish brand with the greatest presence in the world, has just officially unveiled the third generation of one of the most famous compacts, the León. It is a completely new model, but one that largely recalls its smaller sibling, the Ibiza. It will reach the market during the first months of 2013.

Generally, brands tend to make their cars bigger and bigger, but SEAT has done just the opposite. Its length measures 4.26 metres, that is, about five centimetres less than the previous model, while its wheelbase grows by six centimetres to offer more space to occupants, especially in the rear and cargo areas.

As we were announcing days ago, this new León comes with major innovations. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials in the construction techniques, the weight of the body has been reduced by 90 kilos, with all the advantages that this entails. In addition, the engineers have positioned the front axle 4 cm further forward, improving weight distribution. The boot offers 380 litres, 40 more than the previous one.

Under the bonnet, this compact incorporates many of the innovations already used by its German cousins. As the entry-level engine in the diesel range is the famous 1.6 TDI CR with its 105 CV and 3.8 litres/100 km average consumption thanks to the Start&Stop system. On the other hand, the 2.0 TDI CR engine increases its power to 150 CV with consumption of just 4.0 litres/100 km in the Ecomotive version. Later on, the diesel line-up will be joined by the 1.6 TDI CR of 90 CV and the new top-of-the-range 2.0 TDI CR of 184 CV.

So much for the diesels; now come the real engines, the petrol ones. At launch, the range starts with a small 1.2 TSI which, depending on the version, produces from 86 CV up to 105 CV. There is also the new 1.4 TSI of 122 CV and later the brand will offer a 1.8 TSI of 180 CV, the engine that preceded the Cupra.

Depending on the engine, the gearboxes range from five- or six-speed manuals to the well-known six- or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch units.

The chassis, depending on the version chosen, improves comfort without neglecting the dynamism that has always characterised this vehicle. The front suspension is McPherson type with a subframe, while the rear axle uses a torsion beam. From 150 CV onwards there is a multi-link suspension that manages longitudinal and lateral loads.

It will come with three trim levels: Reference, Style and FR. All will feature a touchscreen on the dashboard from which all the vehicle’s multimedia systems can be controlled. As an option there is a 5.8-inch colour touchscreen.

The FR package includes the new device called SEAT Drive Profile, which allows, through different options, the engine sound, its response or the firmness of the steering to be adjusted.

Source | SEAT

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €