The Seat Leon will open fire for the hybrid models by Seat

Seat could not be left behind, being one of the satellite brands of Volkswagen. The Germans have entrusted a hybrid drive unit to Seat, which they hurried to fit into a Seat Leon that is already being tested by the engineers in Martorell. This move coincides with the presentation of the Golf Blue-e-Motion, and the Leon would be the first hybrid of the Spanish brand.

The hybrid Leon has been circulating around Martorell for months now, with a launch date set for 2012. However, the future version will probably use the electric motor that the IBE Concept incorporated, in fact the only thing that will be taken from that electric concept presented in Geneva.

But although the future Leon will not be the same as the IBE Concept, the next hybrid generation will make use of some design touches typical of that concept. The hybrid Leon will also come in three- and five-door versions, as well as an Estate model. So many different variants will further boost the number of units built in Martorell, expanding the factory’s production capacity and bringing it close to full capacity. In addition, Seat will add to the Martorell plant the production of its own version of the Volkswagen Up!, probably the electric model.

Although everything looks good for Seat, some models will remain in the freezer, such as the Tribu, while other models will be put on hold for now. The Spanish brand could have the possibility of designing a sports car, according to Volkswagen’s directives, but the low demand in Spain itself for this type of model makes it unlikely.

Source | Autocar