The outgoing Leon’s entry-level 1.0-litre engine makes way for an upgraded 1.5-litre unit
Spanish family hatch gets reworked powertrain line-up as Seat reinvigorated with fresh investment
The Seat Leon has been updated with a range of more efficient petrol and plug-in hybrid engines, as well as upgraded interior technologies.
The entry-level turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine has been replaced with an updated version of the larger 1.5-litre turbo unit. It sends 114bhp and 162lb ft – 6bhp and 14lb ft more than previously – through a six-speed manual gearbox. In addition to the extra power, it also yields an extra 1.9mpg compared with the axed 1.0-litre unit, officially giving 53.3mpg.
The 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid has also been dropped from the line-up. It is replaced with a new set-up that pairs the aforementioned 1.5-litre engine with a single electric motor and a 19.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a combined 201bhp, 258lb ft and an electric range of more than 62 miles.
Inside, the Leon’s on-board technologies also receive a notable upgrade, gaining the same 10.4in infotainment touchscreen as the revised Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. A larger 12.9in display is offered as an optional extra.
The temperature control slider is now illuminated, addressing a key criticism of the car’s interior.
An upgraded wireless phone-charging pad is also available, putting out up to 15W. It is also refrigerated to keep a phone’s battery cool, to improve charging performance.
As well as the interior and powertrain changes, the Leon also gains the option of matrix LED headlights for the first time.
Production of the new Leon will begin imminently, Seat said. Given the improvements to the car’s technological offering, prices are expected to increase slightly compared with the outgoing version. For reference, the Leon hatchback currently starts from £23,905, whereas the estate is £25,340.
News of the Leon update comes as Seat refreshes several key models, including the Arona and Ibiza, amid an investment programme aimed at reinvigorating the brand after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Seat CEO Wayne Griffiths recently confirmed to Autocar that it plans to launch a €20,000 (£17,000) electric car positioned below the line-up sibling brand Cupra. However, it is not an immediate priority for the firm, as it would not be profitable if launched today.
