The 10 keys to the new SEAT León

The fourth generation of the SEAT León will arrive in Spain next April. We analyse the 10 keys that position it as one of the leaders of the compact segment.

A few months ago we brought you the first previews of what the new generation of this Spanish model would look like. After months of waiting, the presentation of this fourth generation of the SEAT León is now official. With the dynamic presentation cancelled due to COVID-19, where we would have loved to drive the car, we had to reinvent ourselves and give a fresh feel to its new features. We will have the chance to test it thoroughly later on, but for now, we settle for these 10 keys to the SEAT León which, we’re sure, will surprise you.

1 – The name carries weight

Being called SEAT and having the surname León comes with a very big handicap: expectations. Over three generations, the compact has accumulated 2.2 million units sold worldwide. 2.2 million… And in Spain, it has been the best-selling car for the last three years. That is why more than 1.1 billion euros have been invested in the fourth generation of the SEAT León.

The offensive with this car is total. The Spanish brand wants to keep selling its León in every corner of the world, and to that end it has launched this new generation. A car with a completely redesigned look, technology never before seen at SEAT, and a range of trim levels and engines that make it almost unique in its segment.

2 – The exterior design

The new León makes a much greater impression than its previous generation. It is 86 mm longer, 16 mm narrower and 3 mm lower. Its final dimensions are: 4.37 m long, 1.80 m wide and 1.46 m high. I say more imposing because, despite only being longer, its design gives it a sporty, muscular and daring character.

The front features a more solid grille that connects directly with the headlights. The headlights use Full LED technology, and give a sense of depth thanks to their more rearward position than before. Its bonnet is longer and has much more tension, partly caused by the more rearward position of the A-pillar.

Its rear is the most evolved. New LED lights run across the full width of the bodywork and never separate. A pronounced rear spoiler and this new design of the rear lamps give it a sportier and more dynamic touch. But undoubtedly one of the most striking exterior details sits beneath the SEAT logo. The “León” lettering stays in the same place as the previous generation, but this time the word is in lowercase. We find it both strange and curious in equal measure. We will see how it fits in with its loyal devotees.

3 – A connected interior for the first time

This new SEAT León is the first model from the Spanish brand that is fully connected. As soon as we get in, we find the Digital Cockpit with a high-resolution 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The Navi System, with a 10-inch screen, offers navigation with internet connection and voice control.

The new León’s voice recognition allows natural language understanding without having to say pre-set phrases. This system joins others such as Full Link, which offers wired connections with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The optional Connectivity Box features wireless inductive charging for the mobile phone.

Thanks also to the SEAT CONNECT app, the driver can remotely access vehicle functions when away from it. Functions include vehicle status, where it was parked, data from the last journey and, in the PHEV version, battery data to see how much range is left, or the battery charge status.

4 – Estate body

We have included this section to highlight that the León has always remained faithful to customers who need more space. In the midst of the SUV trend, SEAT offers in its compact a traditional family alternative, the classic estate. The Sportstourer version of the new León measures 4,642 mm in length (93+ more than the previous one), and exactly the same width and height as the 5-door version.

However, the wheelbase is 50 mm longer than the third generation, so the interior habitability and comfort will be, if anything, better. While the 5-door offers a 380-litre boot (unchanged from the previous one), the Sportstourer or ST model offers now 30 litres more than its predecessor, that is, 620 litres. A wheelbase greater than many SUVs’, with a far better boot and habitability levels equal to or better than the successful crossovers. Based on these figures, SEAT is not letting up in its commitment to the León ST.

5 – Tailored trim levels

The new León comes with 4 trim levels: Reference, Style, Xcellence and FR. The entry-level Reference trim comes standard with 15-inch wheels, electric mirrors and door handles in the body colour. It also gets keyless entry, an 8.25-inch dashboard screen compatible with SEAT CONNECT. The Style trim adds rain and light sensors, a multifunction leather steering wheel, cruise control and heated mirrors. The standard wheels on this trim are 16 inches.

The Xcellence level adds three-zone climate control, Full LED headlights and the Digital Cockpit. It includes the LED interior lighting pack, 17-inch wheels and rear parking sensors. The front grille will be specific to this trim. And the sporty FR trim can be fitted with 18-inch wheels and comes standard with everything above, adding a 10-inch infotainment screen, tinted rear windows and aluminium sill plates.

6 – Safety

In terms of driver assistance systems, the new SEAT León will feature predictive adaptive cruise control, sign recognition, active lane change assist, or acoustic warnings to the driver if no hand is on the steering wheel. This system activates if the driver lets go of the wheel for 15 seconds and does not respond to the audible and visual warnings; the vehicle will then brake automatically.

One of the main additions to the León’s safety package is the Exit Assist. When we are stopped and open the door, the vehicle will sound a warning if traffic is approaching, to prevent collisions with vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians when we get out of the car.

7 – Combustion engines

SEAT updates its mechanical range while keeping traditional fuels alive. The petrol offering is split into 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 engines. The 1.0 TSI three-cylinder unit, used for the first time in the León, offers outputs of 90 and 110 PS. The 1.5-litre units offer outputs of 130 and 150 PS and include the novelty of the Active Cylinder Management system to maximise efficiency. And the most performance-oriented petrol version will be the 2.0 TSI with 190 PS, always paired with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

As for the diesel alternatives, the offering comes in three options, all 2.0-litre TDIs. Both the 5-door body and the ST offer a manual gearbox for the 115 PS TDI engines, and manual or DSG for the 150 PS TDI unit. The estate is also available with the 4Drive all-wheel-drive system in the 150 PS version with automatic gearbox.

8 – CNG

As could hardly be otherwise, the Compressed Natural Gas offering remains. The new León has the 1.5 TGI engine with 130 PS. The car integrates three CNG tanks with a total capacity of 17.3 kg, which give it 440 km of range in gas mode. Alongside these three tanks there is also a petrol tank, which will be more than enough to reach the next petrol station.

9 – MHEV

For the more absent-minded, these initials refer to mild-hybrid technology. In the León’s case, it is available with the 1.0 TSI petrol engine of 110 PS and the 1.5 TSI of 150 PS, combined with 48 V technology. This system allows it to earn the ECO label from the DGT thanks to its lower consumption and emissions.

10 – PHEV

And undoubtedly the crown jewel. The most important novelty of the new SEAT León is its plug-in hybrid version. It combines a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor powered by a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery to deliver a combined output of 204 PS. This model is always paired with the 6-speed DSG transmission.

Best of all, in 100% electric mode, the range promised by this León “0” is 60 km. Although SEAT has not yet disclosed charging times. This version will be available in both the 5-door body and the Sportstourer.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €