CAR News

The new SEAT Leon is a powerful and emotional personality, and the most beautiful way to drive a functional car. The Leon has been completely redesigned from the ground up and is packed full of high-end technologies – in its driving assistance systems, in infotainment, in its chassis and drive. The engines combine powerful dynamics with outstanding efficiency.

The availability of full-LED headlamps on the new Leon is a pioneering move by SEAT; being the first to offer this innovation in the mid-size segment. This technology combines stunning design with exceptional illumination.

“The new Leon condenses all the strengths of the SEAT brand more than ever before. It is a car with sporting character and wide-ranging strengths. It brings quality and technologies from the full-size class into the compact segment. The Leon is a decisive step in SEAT’s brand and growth strategy. It will be launched towards the end of this year as a five-door and will subsequently grow with further variants into a fully-fledged family” says James Muir, President of SEAT S.A.

The new Leon is also compelling for its excellent utility. It combines a more compact exterior with a more spacious interior. The premium materials and the level of craftsmanship place the Leon squarely at the forefront of the competitive field.

Every power unit is among best-in-class for efficiency and emissions. The highlight here is the Leon 1.6 TDI with start/stop system. It has an average fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres and an estimated CO2 figure of just 99 grams.

“The new Leon is an all-new car and opens a new chapter for SEAT. It combines SEAT’s dynamic new design language with the latest technology. Fine details and precise design, especially in the interior, reflect the high standard of craftsmanship of the new Leon,” explains Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of Research and Development for SEAT S.A.

Dr. Rabe added: “Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB shared architecture which benefits from systematic lightweight design, the new Leon offers an impressive performance, with low C02 emissions and fuel consumption. In summary, the new Leon provides emotional driving fun, excellent efficiency, a stunning design and a high degree of utility.”
DESIGN – SIMPLY STUNNING
“Thanks to its dynamic and assured character, the new SEAT Leon inspires self-confident stance. It has a decisive look,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design. “It keeps a high degree of formal beauty and sportiness.”

He adds: “It has extremely well proportioned volumes, with a slight shift of the visual weight of the cabin over the rear wheels, while keeping a very fluid transition between the front fender and the cabin. The surfaces have been severely sculpted all around in order to increase its tridimensional appeal, thanks to the effects of light and shadow. Its character lines show pure assertiveness, like for instance the outer shape of the head lamps and tail lamps. All in all, I strongly believe that the new Leon is full of character.”

At 4.26 metres long, the new Leon is around five centimetres shorter than its predecessor, yet the wheelbase is up by almost six centimetres. This clever packaging enables short overhangs and enhances the strong visual presence of the wheels, while giving practical benefits such as improved interior space, particularly for rear seat passengers, as well as in the luggage compartment.

The angular line of the headlamps is a typical feature of the new SEAT design language, while also being perfectly integrated into the Leon’s sculptural form. Full-LED lights are available for the first time in the compact class. The new headlamps give an unmistakable look to the front end of the Leon. Additionally, the new Leon now has a distinctive signature appearance thanks to the fitment of LED daytimerunning lights.

From the side, the new SEAT Leon looks like a precisely executed sculpture on wheels. The characteristic, unbroken “Línea Dinámica” runs rearwards over the wheel arches. It is reminiscent of the tension of a well-trained muscle. The trapezoidal C-pillars are characteristic to the Leon, as are the short, upwards-pointing third windows.

The rear end of the new SEAT Leon has been intensively modelled; the large logo serves as an opener for the rear hatch. The slightly wedge-shaped rear light clusters underscore the breadth and are also available in LED technology.
THE INTERIOR – COMFORTABLE AND PREMIUM
The elegant exterior design of the new Leon continues into the interior, which has a clear, light and uncluttered look. The dashboard is unconventional and elegant, with a two-tone design that makes it appear to float in mid-air. Fine details underscore the Leon’s high standard of craftsmanship – details such as the large air vents, the controls for the air conditioning and the three-dimensional form of the trim elements. The luggage compartment has a volume of 380 litres, around 40 litres more than the preceding model.

Describing the interior, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design, said: “We set ourselves the objective of developing an interior which would give an expressive, elegant and welcoming ambience. The quality of the material, the fit and finish and the attention to details is at least as good as you can find in the segment above.”

“The design of the dashboard respects our new interior philosophy, with a strong driver orientation. This enhances the ergonomics while giving the design an attractive, sporty feeling. The whole has been designed so the new Leon and its driver feel as one.”
THE BODYSHELL – LIGHTWEIGHT AND SOLID
The new SEAT Leon uses a new vehicle architecture that enabled development engineers to position the front axle 40 millimetres farther forward. The results are a longer wheelbase and a balanced distribution of axle load – factors that significantly benefit comfort and sporty handling.

Thanks to advanced construction techniques and the use of lightweight materials in the body’s manufacture, the overall weight has been reduced by 90 kilograms compared with the previous version.
DRIVE – POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT
SEAT is sending the new Leon into battle with a series of powerful and fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres displacement. All engines feature direct injection and turbocharging; they have been engineered for low internal friction and fast warm-up. Compared with their respective predecessors, their fuel consumption is down by up to 22 percent.

The 1.6 TDI generates 77 kW (105 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. In the Ecomotive version with start/stop system and recuperation, it consumes just 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 km on the NEDC, equating to 99 grams of CO2 per km. The extensively reengineered 2.0 TDI consumes an average of just 4.0 litres of fuel per 100 km in the Ecomotive version. With 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm of torque, it is a powerful driving force for the Leon.

SEAT will rapidly expand the engine line-up. Early 2013 will see the arrival of the 1.2 TSI in two versions with 63 kW (86 hp) and 77 kW (105 hp), a 1.4 TSI with 90 kW (122 hp) and, at the top of the petrol range, a 1.8 TSI with 132 kW (180 hp) and a combination of direct and manifold injection. The diesel line-up will be augmented by the 1.6 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) and the new top TDI – the 2.0 TDI with 135 kW (184 hp). It delivers a maximum torque of 380 Newton metres.

Depending on the engine, transmission options range from five- and six-speed manual gearboxes or the renowned six- and seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearboxes.

THE CHASSIS – DYNAMICS WITH COMFORT
The chassis of the new SEAT Leon scores high for its sporty and agile character. Its front suspension features a MacPherson front axle with subframe, while the rear of the new SEAT Leon features torsion beam suspension for engines up to 110 kW (150 hp). The more powerful variants use a multi-link construction that handles longitudinal and transverse loads discretely.

The new SEAT Drive Profile for the Leon FR allows the driver to vary the characteristics of the power steering, throttle control and engine sound (FR versions only) via a sound actuator – in three modes, eco, comfort and sport. There is also an individual setting to tailor the settings according to the driver’s preference.The interior ambient lighting can also be adapted, by switching the LEDs between white and red.
INFOTAINMENT – MODERN AND FLEXIBLE
In the new Leon, SEAT offers a full range of up-to-date infotainment solutions. The basis is formed by the Easy Connect operating system, which controls the entertainment and communication functions, as well as a wide array of vehicle functions, via a touch-sensitive screen in the cockpit.

The entry level is the Media System Touch – the CD radio with a card slot and four speakers in the Reference line with a 5″ screen. Style and the FR come with the Media System Colour with more in-screen colours and higher quality, and featuring a CD drive and six speakers as standard (eight speakers in the FR); it connects external devices via Bluetooth, USB or aux-in. Its 5-inch, colour touchscreen also controls vehicle functions.

The Media System Plus systems has a 5.8-inch touchscreen with three-dimensional graphics in high definition, an optional DAB tuner,and voice recognition. The system comes with eight speakers. The top solution incorporates the navigation system, which also shows navigation information in the colour display between the speedometer and rev counter. The SEAT audio system has a clear, crisp sound reproduction thanks to its 10-speaker and sub-woofer set-up.
DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS – GROUNDBREAKING
The new Leon also sets benchmarks when it comes to the available driver assistance systems. The drowsiness detection feature recognizes when the driver is losing concentration and suggests taking a break. Additionally, an advanced camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror manages both the Full Beam Assistant, which switches automatically between full and dipped beam, and the lane-keeping assistant Heading Control which makes slight corrections to the electro-mechanical power steering to prevent the driver from crossing over lane markings.

“With the all-new Leon, we have designed and developed a car which perfectly captures the meaning of Enjoyneering. This compelling mix of design, technology, athletic performance and premium quality is certain to seduce existing customers, as well as bringing a new generation of car-buyers to the brand,” says James Muir, President of SEAT S.A.
NEW SEAT LOGO
Another all-new element of the Leon is the logo on its grille, rear and steering wheel. The Leon will be the first car to wear the company’s newly refreshed signifier.

Sporting a cleaner, purer design, the new SEAT logo represents the precision and elegance of the brand’s design language, while also reflecting the company’s engineering and quality leadership. The introduction of the new SEAT logo across all of the company’s visual material and locations will begin from Paris Motor Show in September.

Within just one month of putting the Mii city car on sale in the UK, SEAT introduces the sensational Vibora Negra edition.

Available now, the Vibora Negra – which means black viper in Spanish – is the ultimate iteration of Mii. It showcases a complete range of personalisation accessories available for the car, and marks the beginning of a host of planned customisation packs.
The Mii packs plenty of visual punch as it is, but this new range of visual accessories takes it to a new level; the Vibora Negra pack transforms the Mii into one of the most striking, visually aggressive and sportiest city cars currently on sale, endowing it with the spirit of SEAT’s most powerful FR and Cupra models.
The complete Vibora Negra pack is compatible with any Mii, from entry level S to range-topping Sport, and comprises:
Black Vibora Negra twin stripes (bonnet, roof and tailgate)
Black Vibora Negra side stripes
Black 14- or 15-inch alloy wheels
Black tailgate spoiler
Black side skirts
Black mirror caps
Black gloss gear knob
Black chequered dashboard decal

Each of the above items can be ordered individually*, although a 10% discount applies when the pack is ordered complete, saving around £160.

The total cost of the Vibora Negra pack, including VAT and fitting, is £1,628 with 14-inch wheels equipped, or £1,740 with 15-inch wheels. It can only be bought from franchised SEAT dealerships.

Malcolm Allison, Aftersales Product Manager for SEAT UK, said: “The Vibora Negra pack brings out all the sporty characteristics of the Mii, and showcases the exciting customisation possibilities for the car in future.

“We created it to give buyers in the UK a break from the norm, and the chance to give their Mii a personal touch; the great thing about the Vibora Negra range is that each of the parts can be bought separately, so there’s something for every budget.

“We started with the viper stripes because they’re such a classic way to personalise a car, and we stuck with a black theme to evoke the stunning Ibiza Bocanegra.

“We’ve aimed the pack at younger buyers looking for ways to make their Mii more striking without breaking the bank. This is just the beginning, though – there are plenty more Mii personalisation packages in the pipeline, so there’ll be huge scope for individualism, and something to suit everyone.”

With the Mii having just gone on sale in the UK (18th June 2012), the quick availability of the Vibora Negra pack is a clear indication of SEAT’s desire to make it the most desirable and distinctly sporty city car on the market.

The Vibora Negra pack, which is only available to UK buyers, comes hot on the heels of the dramatic Mii FR concept, shown at the 2012 Worthersee festival in Austria; the upgrades give buyers the tantalising opportunity to own a car with a marked visual similarity to that concept.

The SEAT Mii range begins at £7,845 RRP OTR for an entry-level S model, meaning a Vibora Negra can be bought for under £9,500.

JE DESIGN is breathing even more life into the little Spaniard with its new body kit. This is set to make the Seat Ibiza (6 J model) even sportier and the tuners from Leingarten in Baden-Württemberg will emphasize the vehicle’s Spanish genes with a wide range of accessories.

The aerokit stands out not only with its attractive design but also with the usual high quality. The components provided have been manufactured to perfection and are attached to original fixing points. Made from high-quality ABS, all statutory requirements have been satisfied and more, with the aerodynamic parts and all accessories from JE DESIGN gaining TÜV and Swiss certification. The aerokit consists of a front spoiler, headlamp covers, side skirts, a carbon-effect rear apron attachment and roof edge spoiler at a total price of 1,238 euros, while the kit for the Seat Ibiza ST station wagon (without the roof edge spoiler) is available at 1,099 euros. Available as an optional extra is a centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe priced at 399 euros.

In keeping with its sporty appearance, suspension-lowering springs developed especially for the Seat Ibiza by JE DESIGN lower this ‘hot Spaniard’ by 35 mm (149 euros). Another optional extra is a coil-over suspension lowered by 50-60 millimeters. This gives the Multispoke alloy wheels an even sportier appearance, and the complete wheel set is available in 7×17 inches in shadow silver or matt black with a polished lip for 1,809 euros and 1,920 euros, respectively. Alternatively, JE DESIGN’s range also includes a 7.5×18-inch wheel set with 215/35 R 18 tires, also in the Multispoke design, in shadow silver (2,380 euros) and in matt black with a polished lip (2,460 euros). A completely new addition to the range is the Scorpio wheel with 5 double spokes, also available in matt black with a silver polished lip. The price for the complete wheel set is 2,380 euros.

The performance kit from JE Design provides more power under the bonnet with performance increased from 77 kW to 103 kW for the 1.2 liter TSI, meaning acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour is optimized by 0.7 seconds. The torque has been improved from 175 newton meters to 230 newton meters. For the 1.6 liter TDI, performance is increased from 105 bhp to 125 bhp and the torque has been improved from 250 newton meters to 295 newton meters. Improved performance for the 143 bhp TDI and the 150 bhp TSI is currently in development. The performance kit, including fitting and all necessary certificates costs 1,399 euros for the TSI and 1,099 euros for the TDI. All prices include value added tax at 19 percent. The sports accessories for the new Seat Ibiza are available now from JE DESIGN or any Seat partner.

The new Toledo is coming. Dynamic and elegantly dressed in SEAT’s modern design, driven by highly efficient TSI and TDI engines, with outstanding practicality and excellent workmanship, the saloon is sticking to the recipe for success that proved so popular for its predecessors. SEAT produced more than 860,000 units of the first two Toledo ranges alone – success based on the combination of attractive design and practical characteristics. The new generation continues this formula: with generous space, a high degree of flexibility, outstanding efficiency and excellent value-for-money, the new Toledo appeals to customers seeking a practical, top-quality and affordable saloon car for the whole family – without missing out on elegant design and dynamic driving fun.

“The new Toledo will write a whole new success story with its clear SEAT identity, its high quality standard and its extraordinary value-for-money,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. “The Toledo combines great design with amazing practicality, dynamic driving fun with excellent efficiency. This is how we envisage the perfect saloon. Our customers will say: ‘That is a great car at a great price!’”

The all-new Toledo will be launched initially in Spain and Portugal in mid-November and then in the rest of Europe during 2013. Next to Spain, other key markets for Toledo are Germany, Mexico and Turkey.

ATTRACTIVE LOOK WITH AMAZING PRACTICALITY

With a length of 4.48 metres, the new Toledo is four centimetres longer than its predecessor from 2004. In contrast to the Toledo II, which was equipped with a conventional boot lid, the latest version of the model line comes with a large, wide-opening rear hatch. The comparatively long wheelbase of 2,602 millimetres (80 millimetres longer than the Toledo II) delivers a generous feeling of space and plenty of legroom for all passengers.

“The new Toledo is a true SEAT – perfect for the demands of everyday life, with the highest quality and reliability,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of Research and Development for SEAT S.A. “The latest drive and chassis technologies of Volkswagen Group deliver excellent driving fun, as well as outstanding efficiency and safety. And when it comes to consumption and emissions figures in particular, the Toledo is among the best-in-class.”

CLEAR DESIGN WITH EXTRA REFINEMENT

The design of the new Toledo is a consistent development of the new SEAT brand design presented in the IBE, IBX and IBL studies. And it proves that a five-door, compact, notchback saloon can be exceptionally emotional, sporty and elegant.

The new SEAT Toledo has a powerful and solid stance, with clear and precisely defined surfaces, lines and edges. The broad, angular headlamps are a feature of the brand’s current design DNA. Together with the trapezoidal, extremely slender grille, the lower air intake and the horizontal rear light clusters, they bring added visual breadth to the car.

The designers injected an extra portion of refinement into the roofline; it runs in an elegant arc to the broad C-pillar, which rises smoothly from the rear side portion. The low lying rear windscreen gives the new SEAT a certain coupé look, without impacting in any way its versatility and functionality.

“The new Toledo is a timeless personality. It combines classically modern lines with understated sporting character and a high level of everyday practicality. It is the SEAT among saloon cars, with excellent design quality in every detail,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design.

THE LATEST ENGINES, OUTSTANDING EFFICIENCY

As a completely new model, the Toledo makes use of the very latest Volkswagen Group engines. At the pinnacle are highly efficient TSI spark-ignition engines in 1.2 and 1.4 displacements, and a 1.6 common-rail TDI unit. A 7-speed dual-shift gearbox DSG is offered in combination with the most powerful petrol variants. The petrol engines generate between 55 kW (75 hp) and 90 kW (122 hp); the Ecomotive version boasts CO2 emissions of just 116 g/km. The Ecomotive version of the TDI diesel engine – which produces 77 kW (105 hp) from a displacement of 1.6 litres – also offers a best-in-class figure of 104 g/km. During 2013, SEAT will expand the Toledo diesel line-up with a 66 kW (90 hp) TDI variant.

GREAT EQUIPMENT AS STANDARD

The standard safety package for all SEAT Toledos includes driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags and head/thorax airbags. The base model also comes with central locking, a two piece folding rear backrest and power windows in the front. The more extensively equipped Reference and Style versions offer additional extras in comfort and design.