The new SEAT León is already testing at the Nürburgring to finalise its development

One of the most anticipated new models is the SEAT León, a car that, alongside its close cousin the Volkswagen Golf, will receive significant changes in its next generation. Thanks to a more modern design and a much more technology-focused cabin, the Spanish compact will move up the ranks to reach the top of the segment. However, the local brand has decided to head to the Nürburgring circuit to fine-tune those last details and make sure the new León meets expectations. Although everything points to this being a conventional version, SEAT’s presence on the “green hell” makes us suspect that this time a CUPRA León will also be in the works.

For now, the Spanish brand has maintained a deafening silence regarding this new instalment of its favourite son. Not surprisingly, and despite the camouflage that tries to keep prying eyes away, we can make out a number of very revealing details that make the new León’s kinship with other models from the brand clear, such as the Tarraco.

SEAT has decided to continue using the same design language employed during the development of its latest SUV for the León. Although this is a test mule and the camouflage works hard to stop us from distinguishing any detail of the new León’s physique, we can glimpse a much more contemporary styling.

The front end is dominated by a much sharper and narrower grille, which aims to bring a large dose of sportiness and aggressiveness to the whole. The headlights carry out the same task diligently, showing a design very similar to those on the Tarraco. The cabin is a mystery to us for now, but we can imagine it will be headed by the Virtual Cockpit and an 8-inch screen.

But the new León is not all about looks, as the Spanish brand will also offer a generous range of engines. The diesel and petrol engines will be complemented by mild-hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid, which could serve as the basis for the future CUPRA León. At the same time, it would not be unreasonable to expect a 100% electric version of the Spanish compact.

https://youtu.be/FB59OZBfwFI

It is too early to predict a presentation date, but we can guess that it will be at the next Frankfurt Motor Show when the new León is officially unveiled. This is how SEAT intends to take the compact segment further, one that is about to offer technology more typical of higher and more exclusive segments.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Leon68 versions · from 27,822 €