SEAT is in good shape and recommended. Just recently, we reported that 2019 was a year of records for the Spanish brand and one of the main culprits was SEAT Leon. Added responsibilities for the new SEAT Leon 2020 , the fourth generation of the successful model.
Despite the SUV era we live in — and which also helped SEAT grow so much — if there were any doubts about the importance of the new SEAT Leon for the future of the brand, its (very recent) CEO, Carsten Isensee, removed them:
“SEAT Leon will continue to be a fundamental pillar for the brand.”
Designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, the new SEAT Leon took roughly four years to develop, at a cost of 1.1 billion euros. Expectations are high for the performance of the fourth generation of the model. Let's get to know him in more detail.
design
The new SEAT Leon is based on an evolution of MQB, called MQB… Evo. Compared to the previous one, the new Leon is 86 mm longer (4368 mm), 16 mm narrower (1800 mm) and 3 mm shorter (1456 mm). The wheelbase has grown by 50 mm and is now 2683 mm.
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The van, or Sportstourer in SEAT language, is 93 mm longer (4642 mm) compared to its predecessor and with 1448 mm in height it is also 3 mm shorter.
The car retains the luggage capacity of its predecessor — around 380 l — but Sportstourer sees its capacity grow to a benchmark 617 l, 30 l more than its predecessor.
The proportions are somewhat different from the predecessor, with a longer bonnet and more vertical front, and stylistically it adopts the new identity of the Spanish brand, introduced by the SEAT Tarraco, visible in the grille-headlights set. At the back, the highlight goes through the union of the rear optics and also the new cursive lettering that identifies the model (debuted at the Tarraco PHEV).
The interior also bets more on evolution, but with more minimalist trends, with more functions being concentrated in the info-entertainment system — consisting of a touchscreen of up to 10″ — at the expense of physical buttons.
As on the outside — LED both front and rear — lighting is a prominent theme inside, with the new Leon featuring ambient light that “cuts through” the entire dashboard, extending through the doors.
The first fully connected SEAT
Increasing digitization is a strong feature in the fourth generation of the model. The instrument panel is 100% digital (10.25″), and the standard infotainment system is 8.25″, which can grow up to 10″ with the Navi system with connected 3D navigation, Retina display, and remote controls. voice and gestures.
The Full Link system is present — which allows you to connect your smartphone to the car — such as the Apple CarPlay (SEAT is the brand with the highest rate of use of this feature, according to itself) and Android Auto . There is also as an option a Connectivity Box that adds induction charging.
It also integrates an eSim allowing permanent connectivity, opening up new possibilities, such as downloading applications, access to new digital products and services, and access to information in real time.
There was no lack of an application, the SEAT Connect app, to install on the smartphone that allows for more possibilities, from information on driving and vehicle status, such as anti-theft alerts, and with specific functionalities for plug-in hybrid versions.
Engines: diversity of choice
There is no lack of choice when it comes to powertrains for the new SEAT Leon — a bit like what we saw in the presentation of its “cousin” Volkswagen Golf.
Electrification assumes greater prominence with the introduction of mild-hybrid engines that will be identified with the acronym eTSI and plug-in hybrids, or eHybrid in SEAT language. Gasoline (TSI), Diesel (TDI) and Compressed Natural Gas (TGI) engines are also part of the portfolio. The list of all engines:
- 1.0 TSI (Miller cycle and variable geometry turbo) — 90 hp;
- 1.0 TSI (Miller cycle and variable geometry turbo) — 110 hp;
- 1.5 TSI (Miller cycle and variable geometry turbo) — 130 hp;
- 1.5 TSI — 150 hp;
- 2.0 TSI — 190 hp, with DSG only;
- 2.0 TDI — 110 hp, with manual transmission only;
- 2.0 TDI — 150 hp, manual transmission and DSG (in the van it can also be associated with all-wheel drive);
- 1.5 TGI — 130 hp, 440 km range with CNG;
- 1.0 eTSI (mild-hybrid 48 V) — 110 hp, with DSG only;
- 1.5 eTSI (mild-hybrid 48 V) — 150 hp, with DSG only;
- eHybrid, 1.4 TSI + electric motor — 204 hp combined power, 13 kWh battery, 60 km electric range (WLTP), DSG 6 speeds.
More driving assistants
One would not expect anything other than the reinforcement of safety, especially active, with the adoption of more driving assistants to allow semi-autonomous driving.
To achieve this, the new SEAT Leon can be equipped with adaptive and predictive cruise control (ACC), Emergency Assist 2.0, Travel Assist (coming soon), Side and Exit Assist and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).
After we stop at the curb and open the door to get out of the car, the new SEAT Leon can even alert us if a vehicle is approaching with the Exit Warning system. If the passenger exits the side of the curb, the same system can alert cyclists or pedestrians who are quickly approaching the vehicle, in order to avoid a potential collision.
When arrives?
We won't have to wait long for the new generation of the familiar Spanish compact. Its public presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March, with its commercialization starting in the second quarter of 2020. At the moment no prices have been announced for the new SEAT Leon.
