Seat launches 2020 Leon Mk4 29 | 01 | 2020

SEAT HAS LAUNCHED its all-new Leon, with the range including a plug-in hybrid. The fourth-generation of the Spanish carmaker’s family hatchback — which made its first appearance back in 2012 — will go head-to-head with established marker leaders, the VW Golf and Ford Focus. Available in five-door and estate forms, and open for pre-order now — before going on-sale in March — the new Leon is expected to start around £18,750. (Related: Roadtest — Seat Tarraco 2.0TDI) 

Always admired for its cutting-edge looks, the new Leon’s evolutionary design isn’t too different from its predecessor. Yet, while still retaining its recognisable side profile, the newcomer is even sharper, and larger.

Built on the ubiquitous MQB architecture that underpins most of the bread-and-butter models in the VW Group, the new Leon is almost 90mm longer than before; 50mm of that has been inserted into the wheelbase. The result is more space for passengers in the rear seats. (Related: Seat ditches optional extras across range)

Externally, both the nose and windscreen sit more upright; the combination gives the car a more powerful, taut stance, while also appearing to make the bonnet look longer. Ate the back, the 2020 Leon gets Seat’s familiar tail-light motif, but now incorporating a full-width LED set-up.

There’s also Seat’s new badge. Out has gone the old Leon scrip, replaced by a new ‘signature’ which will be rolled out across all the Spanish manufacturer’s range in the future.

Plug-in hybrid tech and new engines

Varying levels of electrification will be included in the Leon’s updated engine range. The entry-model will get the 109bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Next-up is the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, available in two states of tune, either 128bhp or 148bhp. There’s also a 187bhp petrol. Diesel lovers get the choice of two 2.0-litre powerplants delivering either 113bhp or 148bhp.

A six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted as standard, though an auto ‘box is available as an option on all the petrol models. The auto route also opens up the possibility of adding 48-volt mild-hybrid technology on the 1.0 and 148bhp 1.5 petrol variants.

More significantly, the new Leon range will also include a 1.4-litre petrol-based plug-in hybrid edition which can travel up to 38 miles on electricity alone. (Related: Roadtest — Seat Ibiza SE 1.0TSI)

Inside the cabin … and space

There’s no denying the designers have given the dashboard a significant makeover; it’s now far cleaner and simpler than before. Most noticeably, the  infotainment screen now sits on the front of the fascia instead of being accommodated within it. Look closely and you’ll see, in addition to the range-topping 10in system in our pix, the new Leon also gets the same sliding controllers for temperature and infotainment volume found in the latest Mk8 Golf. (Related: VW reveals all-new Golf Mk8)

Buyers will instantly notice there’s more space in the cabin, a result of around 5cm being added between the front and rear axles. That results in not only more leg and kneeroom than in the Mk3 Leon, but that should also make it easier to get in and out of the back seats.

As for bootspace; that remains pretty much unchanged, remaining at 380-litres. However, if you go for the estate model, that luggage space leaps to 617-litres.

Trim levels and equipment

Six trim levels will be available, with the entry being SE, and then extending to SE Dynamic, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence or Xcellence Lux. Seven colours are available on Leon: two solid (Candy White and Pure Red) and five metallic (Nevada White, Midnight Black, Desire Red, Mystery Blue and Magnetic Grey).

All vehicles in the range (SE) benefit from ‘Kessy Go’ keyless start, 2 x USB points in the front, LED headlight technology with automatic high beam, electric and heated side mirrors, electronic parking brake, an eight-inch infotainment system, cloth upholstery, leather steering wheel and gear stick, and Seat Connect technology as standard. The vehicle rides on Design 16-inch alloy wheels.

SE Dynamic upgrades the infotainment to the Seat Digital Cockpit with Navi, complete with 10in infotainment screen and 10.25in digital driver binnacle, Park Assist (front and rear sensors), tinted rear side windows, as well as larger Dynamic 17in alloys.

The sportier FR trim level adds a host of additional elements both inside and out, on top of the SE Dynamic trim.

Sporty front and rear bumpers, Dynamic 17in alloys, dual exhaust pipes and a unique suspension set-up (15mm lower ride height than other trims) ensure FR models stand out from the crowd visually and aurally.

Inside the cabin, FR includes upholstery stitching that matches the exterior colour, a leather multifunction steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, wireless charging tray in the front and two additional USB points in the rear.

The FR trim also brings full-LED technology to the rear of the vehicle including the coast-to-coast light and LED dynamic indicators (front and rear), and illuminated front and rear aluminium door plates.

FR Sport is adds further technology. Customers benefit from a Winter Pack, a selection of features ideal for cold mornings: heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated windscreen washers. A unique black interior roof lining, microsuede cloth upholstery, the wraparound ambient lighting technology and exclusive Performance 18in Machined alloys.

Xcellence level brings a different aesthetic, with the exterior adding unique bumpers, a hot-stamped Diamond grille, chrome-framed side windows and Dynamic 17in alloys. Inside, the key surfaces are finished in microsuede cloth and include the wraparound ambient lighting technology, while the driver benefits from Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control technology as well as the Winter Pack.

Xcellence Lux adds leather upholstery and Performance 18in Machined alloys to help it stand out from the crowd.

All three — FR Sport, Excellence and Excellence Lux, go on-sale in the second quarter of 2020,

All models come with a range of safety technologies as standard: six airbags, seatbelt reminders, Electronic Stability Control and Tyre Pressure Warning System.

Customers can option an electric panoramic sunroof and either a fixed or electric towing hook on all trims.

Related: Review — Seat Leon SC 1.2TSI

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Jim McGill