SEAT announces worldwide increases to better 2012 by 10.6%

• Following stunning result for SEAT UK, SEAT S.A. announces 10.6% global sales increase for 2013
• 355,000 vehicles delivered is SEAT’s highest for five years
• SEAT is one of the fastest growing brands in Europe
• Double digit increases for Leon (44%) and Mii (43%)

SEAT sales jumped up by 10.6% in 2013, as the Spanish brand delivered 355,000 vehicles worldwide – its highest number for five years, and 34,000 more than 2012’s figure.

In its main area of Western Europe, SEAT’s 9.4% increase puts it among the fastest growing brands in Europe, despite operating in a sector that’s contracted overall. SEAT sold 273,200 vehicles in Western Europe in 2013, 23,500 more than in 2012.

SEAT Chairman Jürgen Stackmann underscores that “the company is having sales momentum, particularly in Europe, where SEAT is growing faster than the competition in a contracting market.”

European success

In its biggest market, Germany, SEAT delivered 76,600 vehicles, a 20.3% increase over the previous year. SEAT was the fastest-growing brand in Germany, and has placed itself amongst the top ten selling brands. In Spain, SEAT returned to positive performance figures and increased sales by 6.0% (58,900 cars), above the market average. In the United Kingdom, its third-largest market, the Spanish brand enjoyed its fifth successive year of growth (16.8%), with more than 45,300 sales the highest that SEAT UK has ever achieved in a year.

SEAT also closed 2013 with record sales in other markets like Switzerland (8,300 units; up 5.2%) and Denmark (6,300; up 37.6%), alongside other European markets.

The key to SEAT’s positive performance in Europe is the Leon, of which more than 102,000 units have been sold worldwide, a 44.4% increase. The new five-door Leon is the best-selling SEAT model in many countries (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Turkey, among others). SEAT Sales and Marketing Vice President Dr. Andreas Offermann asserts that “full availability of the Leon family should sustain growth in 2014.”

Growth in North Africa, Middle East and Mexico

SEAT also seized opportunities outside Europe; thanks to 13.0% growth, almost one of every five vehicles SEAT built in 2013 was sold outside of Europe (64,600 units). So, for the first time, SEAT has three non-European countries amongst its top ten: Mexico (5th), Algeria (6th) and Turkey (8th).

In Algeria, where SEAT already quadrupled its sales in 2012, it continued to grow last year, by 26.9%, and concluded 2013 with 20,500 units sold. The big novelty for 2013 was Turkey, where sales almost doubled (90.4%) with the brand marketing 11,100 units. SEAT ended 2013 with the highest sales figures in its history for both these countries. In Mexico SEAT grew for the fourth successive year (0.4%), sales totalling 21,200 units.

“In 2014, in spite of the still-persisting difficulties in the economic environment, we intend to continue working hard to make constant progress. We have a fantastic product range which will continue to grow around the Leon family, the heart of the SEAT brand,”declares Chairman Jürgen Stackmann.

Deliveries to customers in 2013 (by models, in units and percentage annual growth)

SEAT Mii (28,900; +43.2%)
SEAT Ibiza (154,100; -7.7%)
SEAT Toledo (19,000; launched in November 2012)
SEAT Leon (102,800; +44.4%)
SEAT Altea (23,700; -19.7%)
SEAT Alhambra (20,000; +4.0%)
SEAT Exeo (6,500; production discontinued in July 2013)

New Leon Flagship speeds onto SEAT range, the Cupra an Cupra 280.

• Two versions of the new Leon flagship: Cupra and Cupra 280
• New Leon Cupra 280 is SEAT’s most powerful series production car ever
• New 2.0-litre engine combines razor-sharp responsiveness with surprising efficiency, in 265 PS and 280 PS guises
• Cupra 280 DSG completes 0-62 mph sprint in just 5.7 seconds, yet returns 42.2 mpg; every Cupra hits 62 mph in less than six seconds
• Order books open today (8 January) with prices from just £25,690
• First deliveries expected early March 2014

SEAT today unveils the quickest and most powerful series production car it has ever made: the SEAT Leon Cupra 280.

The Cupra 280 sits at the top of a five-strong family of brand new Cupra models that begins with the 265 PS Leon SC Cupra and ends with the five-door Cupra 280 DSG. Here’s the range at a glance:  

Every Leon Cupra completes the benchmark 0-62 mph sprint in less than six seconds, while all manual versions return exceptional 44.1 mpg average fuel consumption.

But the Leon Cupra is a car whose development was led by the pursuit of dynamic excellence. To that end, every Leon Cupra comes as standard with a mechanical front axle differential lock, a progressive steering system that sharpens the turn-in for improved agility, DCC dynamic chassis control to alter the suspension settings between sportier or more comfort-oriented, and two-stage deactivation of the electronic stability control (ESC) – including the ability to turn it off entirely.

These are on top of fundamental changes compared to the previous Leon Cupra: the new Leon is built on an all-new chassis, with a wider front track and fully independent suspension front and rear.

“The new Leon Cupra is pure SEAT: emotion and performance, design and dynamics combine to deliver driving fun mile after mile. State-of-the-art technology is evident in its enormous precision, but also in its compelling efficiency,” stresses Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President of SEAT S.A. for Research and Development. “The new Cupra is a sports car for every day; it feels just as much at home on the race track as it does on the long haul.”

The Leon Cupra models embody the SEAT brand values in the best possible way. They combine exhilarating dynamics, state-of-the-art technology, stunning design, premium quality, outstanding efficiency and excellent everyday usability.

“With the new Leon Cupra, the SEAT brand is once more taking a major leap forward. The Cupra is a refined, high-performance car that combines its expressive dynamics with relaxed long-distance comfort and a compelling, high-quality feel,” says Jürgen Stackmann, CEO of SEAT S.A. “Driving fun and great design comes with every Leon, but the new Cupra displays SEAT expertise in a whole new dimension. We are proud of this new brand icon and certain of its success.”

The drive: stunning performance as standard

Cupra stands for power, performance and dynamics – and the new Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 have all those qualities in abundance. The Cupra 280, with optional DSG transmission, catapults from zero to 62 mph in just 5.7 seconds, or 5.8 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox equipped; every Cupra model has a 155 mph limited top speed.

The 350 Nm maximum torque of both versions spreads from just 1,750 rpm all the way up to 5,300 rpm, guaranteeing impressive pulling power and overtaking flexibility.

Against this, the new Leon Cupra is astonishingly efficient. The average fuel consumption for both power variants is just 44.1 mpg with a manual gearbox equipped, and 42.2 mpg with DSG. This equates to CO2 figures of just 149 g/km and 155 g/km; by comparison the second generation Leon Cupra R with 265 PS emitted 190 g/km CO2.

The engine: cutting edge technology

As a true sports engine, the 2.0 TSI turbo petrol unit of the Leon Cupra and Cupra 280 reacts spontaneously to every movement of the accelerator pedal and is wonderfully high revving. This is paired with a rich and refined sound that is aided and modulated by a standard sound actuator.

The all-new power unit, with its exceptionally responsive turbocharger, is packed with hi-tech and ground-breaking features. The dual-injection system, for example, combines direct injection with manifold injection under partial load, which optimises fuel economy and reduces particulate emissions. Cylinder fill is always in the optimum range: the camshafts are adjustable, with the valve lift system regulating opening on the exhaust side. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head and is part of the intelligent thermal management system. In addition, a new kind of coating on the aluminium pistons and the bearings keeps friction to a minimum.

And like every other Leon in the range, the Cupra efficiency package also includes Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems.

The chassis: dynamic precision

The key fundamentals of the dynamics are low weight and a stiff structure. The systematic lightweight design of the new Leon family is evident in the Cupra: despite considerably improved equipment, the new generation weighs 55 kg less than its comparable predecessor.

The Cupra name has always been synonymous with outstanding dynamics, precise agility and amazing sporting character. In every way, the new Leon Cupra manages to set the bar a good deal higher than any of its predecessors. With DCC dynamic chassis control, a front-axle differential lock and progressive steering all fitted as standard, the new Leon Cupra achieves considerably faster laps on the track than its already impressive predecessor.

At the same time, it is significantly more comfortable, with surprising refinement on long motorway journeys. Safe, strong and consistent stopping power comes courtesy of the Cupra-specific, high-performance brake system, recognisable by its red callipers.

DCC dynamic chassis control

The new generation of the DCC dynamic chassis control developed specifically for the Cupra is even more sensitive than that available with the Leon FR, adapting the chassis characteristics to the prevailing conditions in a matter of milliseconds.

Front-axle differential lock

The new front-axle differential lock significantly improves the traction and handling of this front-wheel drive car. The system uses a multi-plate package that is hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled. The maximum locking force is 1,600 Nm and, in extreme cases, 100% of the drive can be sent to one wheel. The differential lock is integrated into all the handling systems, like ESC and EDS. It improves not only the traction, but also eliminates torque steer. Furthermore, its sensitive control has no negative impact on steering feel.

Progressive steering

Also included as standard equipment, the progressive steering system improves the agile handling of the new Leon Cupra. The driver experiences a precise and relaxed steering feel because less steering movement is required, which reduces the number of grip changes, especially in cornering or parking manoeuvres. The system works using a progressive ratio through variable toothing on the rack.

The ESC handling system has been further developed specifically for the Cupra and enables a very sporty driving style with full retention of safety functionality. For extremely dynamic use, such as on a race track, it can also be deactivated in two stages – the first stage deactivates the traction control and puts the ESC into sport mode, permitting greater yaw angles. The second stage deactivates the ESC completely.

Cupra Drive Profile

The Cupra Drive Profile enables the characteristics of the new Leon Cupra to be adapted across a very wide range to meet the individual preferences of the driver. Alongside the Comfort and Sport modes, the Cupra mode was a focal point for the engineers in Martorell. Throttle response is particularly sensitive in this setting, while the DSG operates in its sportiest shifting mode and the sound actuator accentuates the full tone of the turbocharged engine. DCC dynamic chassis control, progressive steering and the front-axle differential lock also operate at their sportiest settings.

The design: emotional and powerful

Emotional design is a great strength of the Leon family. For the new Cupra, this has been developed one step further. The new front end, with its large air intakes and full-LED headlamps, ensures a powerful look, as does the rear skirt with its diffuser effect and the two oval end pipes. The alloy wheels are exclusive to the Cupra, while the red brake callipers and tinted side and rear windows underscore its individuality.

The focus of the interior is on the Cupra sports steering wheel in its own unique design, complete with shifting paddles for the optional DSG transmission. The sports seats, in dark grey Alcantara finished with white stitching, are another interior highlight. Black full-leather upholstery, likewise with white stitching, is also available. The pedals and entry sills are made from aluminium.

The Cupra 280 is visually differentiated by its unique 19-inch wheels with a titanium paint finish, plus the Aerodynamic Pack, which comprises a spoiler on the rear roof edge, Cupra lettering on the brake callipers and black exterior mirror housings. The trim elements in the cockpit of this top sporty variant are a deep glossy black.

Key equipment

In the UK, additional standard equipment for the Leon Cupra over and above the FR model (and the aforementioned styling details) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlights, DAB digital radio, SEAT Media System Plus, aluminium front door sill trims with Cupra logo, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

The Cupra 280 is distinguishable by its standard 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, black exterior mouldings and frames, black rear roof spoiler, red brake callipers with Cupra logo, and black interior inserts. Satellite navigation comes as standard with the Cupra 280, too.

SEAT breaks sales record with over a month to go.

• SEAT UK last week surpassed its record-breaking 2012 yearly sales total
• 38,871 registrations by last Monday (11 November) beats 2012’s 38,798 total
• 2013 is already the company’s best ever year, with six weeks remaining
• SEAT achieves its fifth consecutive annual sales rise

SEAT UK can announce that it has already broken its annual sales record, with more than six weeks to spare.

By the morning of Monday 11 November, SEAT had reached 38,871 registrations, surpassing the 38,798 tally posted for 2012, itself a record-breaking year. It means that SEAT can already announce its best year ever, and its fifth consecutive annual sales improvement.

During what has been a fantastic 2013, SEAT has broken its monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and now annual sales records; September 2013 was SEAT’s best ever month (8,498 registrations), which topped off its best ever quarter (July – September 2013), which had followed its best ever half year (Jan – June 2013).

And October 2013 too has been a landmark month for SEAT, with 2,903 registrations making it the company’s best October ever. Retail sales alone were up by 34% compared to October 2012’s.

SEAT UK Director Neil Williamson says: “In a competitive marketplace it’s a testament to both the quality of our cars and the effort of our dealerships that we’ve broken our annual sales record already. A brilliant team effort.

“What’s most pleasing is that we’ve achieved much of this success in the showrooms: our year-to-date retail sales have gone up by almost a third. We’ve put a lot of focus on getting happy customers into great cars via an outstanding dealership experience.”

The SEAT Leon, which currently holds the Auto Express Car of the Year crown, is now available as a five-door hatchback, a three-door SC and an ST estate. SEAT showrooms now offer the most complete model line-up that the company has ever produced, from the Mii city car, through the ever-popular Ibiza supermini, the new Leon family, the highly practical new Toledo, the Altea and Altea XL MPVs, and the multi-award winning  Alhambra people carrier.

Happy Birthday SEAT, 60 years and counting

• Today marks 60 years since the first SEAT car, a 1400, was produced
• SEAT 1400 saloon became an instant hit, with 10,000 orders after its debut
• 98,000 1400 models were produced over a decade
• SEAT has gone on to produce 16,000,000 vehicles and counting

Yesterday was a very special day for SEAT: exactly 60 years ago to the day, the company’s first car rolled off the production line at its Zona Franca factory in Barcelona. That car was the SEAT 1400, an elegant and luxurious saloon designed in the spirit of the most popular American sedans of the '50s.

SEAT had been established only three years earlier, and had developed the 1400 with a focus on the transport needs of government officials. Initially available as a saloon, SEAT would also create estate, seven-seat and commercial versions of the 1400; Spanish cabbies loved the 1400, and it remained a popular taxi well into the following decade.

With a price tag of 121,875 pesetas (€41,735 or £35,200 today), SEAT initially produced five cars per day, built by a workforce of 925 employees. The rear-wheel drive 1400 was powered by a front-mounted, water cooled 44 PS engine and came equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox.

It wasn’t until June of 1954 that SEAT gave the model its official debut, at the Barcelona Trade Fair. And with petrol rationing in Spain having come to an end in 1953, the company received a staggering 10,000 orders. That allowed SEAT to both increase production and drop the price, reducing it to 117,000 pesetas.

By the end of 1954, SEAT had delivered 945 1400 models, but by the end of the following year, annual production was closer to 3,000, with almost all of the 1400’s components manufactured in Spain. One year later and production had more than doubled, to 7,000 units, and by the end of the following year SEAT was producing 10,000 1400 models annually, with 42 leaving the factory every working day. By that stage the workforce had increased to 5,000.  

Production of the 1400 ended in 1964, with 98,000 cars having been produced in Zona Franca and Spain going from strength-to-strength economically. SEAT was at the forefront of that growth, and remains a key player in the Spanish economy today, designing, developing and manufacturing its cars in the ultra-modern Martorell facility on the outskirts of Barcelona; since 2010, SEAT has invested €35m in the ‘SEAT al Sol’ project, which has reduced factory CO2 emissions by 7,000 tonnes per year using solar panel technology.

Since the launch of the 1400, SEAT has built more than 16,000,000 vehicles, including icons like the 600, the 127, the Ibiza and the Leon. Today the company exports over 80% of its production, and has over 1,800 points of sale worldwide.

2013: a year of significant anniversaries

The SEAT 1400 was replaced by the 1500, which began production 50 years ago in 1963. Ten years later in 1973, its successor, the SEAT 132, came to market. A truly luxurious car, the 132 was the first SEAT to feature an automatic transmission, and later in its lifecycle it became the first available with air conditioning.

Forward another ten years to 1983 and the SEAT Ronda came to market, and ten years after that, SEAT introduced the second-generation Ibiza - the first car ever produced in SEAT's Martorell factory and a model that, now in its fourth generation, remains SEAT’s most popular car.

Latest Leon from SEAT to be the most eco friendly ever

• SEAT Leon Ecomotive is the company’s most extreme environmental performer ever
• Order books now open in the UK for the 87 g/km, 85.6 mpg diesel-sipper
• Priced from £19,360 RRP OTR, with first UK deliveries during January 2014
• Big specification includes alloy wheels, air conditioning and a unique Ecomotive aero pack
• Eligible for SEAT’s Q4 free Technology Pack offer and 4.9% APR PCP finance 

SEAT this month opened the order books on the most extreme production Leon ever – extreme in the environmental efficiency sense. The SEAT Leon Ecomotive is, with a CO2 rating of just 87 g/km, the most CO2-averse conventionally-powered car that SEAT has ever produced.

Launched officially at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the new Leon ST estate, the Leon Ecomotive is available in all three body styles (SC, five-door and ST) and is priced from just £19,360 RRP OTR.

That outlay buys a three-door Leon SC Ecomotive, but all three versions return the same incredible 85.6 mpg combined fuel consumption. The 87 g/km CO2 figure puts the car into VED Band A, so the tax disc costs exactly nothing per year.

The car’s CO2 emissions figure is a full 12 g/km lower than that of the outgoing, second-generation Leon Ecomotive, despite being more powerful. This is accomplished most notably via a 90 kg weight reduction and a 10% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox whose ratios are spaced for optimum efficiency; the transmission is a fundamental difference between the Leon Ecomotive and the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, which itself emits a very modest 99 g/km, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Other changes over the standard Leon 1.6 TDI include a higher engine output, up from 105 PS to 110 PS, and the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres. To improve aerodynamic performance there’s a body package comprising rear and side spoilers, and the suspension is lowered by 15 mm, while the radiator grille is unique to the Ecomotive. These changes help the Leon Ecomotive travel 11.3 miles further per gallon of fuel than the standard Leon 1.6 TDI, according to their respective combined consumption ratings.

As with every other model in the Leon range, the Leon Ecomotive comes with an Energy Recovery System and a Start/Stop System, the former to capture and store brake energy otherwise lost as heat, which can be used to power electrical systems, and the latter to shut down the engine when the car is at a standstill, preserving fuel.

The Leon Ecomotive doesn’t scrimp on equipment like it does on fuel, thankfully, coming as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, air conditioning, electric windows all around (aside from SC versions), Bluetooth hands-free phone system, SEAT Easy Connect multimedia system, and a front armrest/storage box; the Leon Ecomotive is based on SE specification.

And until at least the end of 2013, the Leon Ecomotive is eligible for SEAT’s free Technology Pack offer, which endows the car with cutting edge full-LED headlights (including their distinctive strip-LED daytime running lights), satellite navigation and a DAB radio – so every medium-wave radio talk show rant can be enjoyed in crystal clear digital quality.

Steve Mirfin, SEAT UK’s Leon Product Manager, says: “This Leon Ecomotive really moves the game forward for us. Not only is it a lot more efficient than the outgoing car, it’s one of the most efficient medium-sized cars on the market and offers outstanding fuel economy.

“We benchmarked the car against the most popular models in the segment to make sure we’re right at the cutting edge on real-world fuel economy, but also on value, performance and quality. And with the Ecomotive available in all three Leon body styles, its appeal extends to a huge customer base – not least the fleet market, where practicality and running costs are paramount.”

First deliveries of the Leon Ecomotive begin January 2014, priced at £19,360 for the SC, £19,660 for the five-door and £20,485 for the ST.

SEAT upgrades range for even more value for money.

• Spacious Toledo now offers even more equipment for less money
• Range now starts at just £10,000 for the five-seat, big-booted hatchback
• Over £1,000 worth of extra kit now included with SE models
• SEAT revises the majority of its range for added freshness and value
• Leon FR TDI 184 PS now available with DSG automatic

The SEAT Toledo was already a car with unquestionable value for money on its side – but it’s just got even better. That’s because SEAT has added a load of extra equipment to the spacious five-door hatchback for no extra cost.

In fact it costs less, thanks to the decision to chop £2,500 off the price of every Toledo until at least the end of 2013. That means the starting point of the Toledo range is now just £10,000, for a Toledo E 1.2 12V, while a top-of-the-range Toledo SE 1.6 TDI Ecomotive costs just £15,340.

The specification upgrades apply to S and SE models, with the former gaining a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows, rear parking sensors and a centre-rear headrest. This is in addition to the already standard Bluetooth, a six-speaker stereo with USB port, air conditioning, and electric heated door mirrors.

SE cars gain SEAT Media System 2.2, formerly a £700 option, which is a colour touch-screen system including satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. And as well as the rear parking sensors and centre rear headrest offered with S, the SE also gains dark tinted rear windows. In addition, SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control and automatic climate control.

All told, the added equipment value for S cars is £430, and for SE £1,080.

The SEAT Toledo remains one of the most practical-per-pound cars on the market, with a huge 550-litre boot accessed via a large hatchback tailgate, and seating for five adults. Across the range it’s extremely economical too, with the Ecomotive S version returning 104 g/km CO2 and 72.4 mpg combined, while even the 1.2 TSI 105 PS petrol model is rated at 56.5 mpg.

SEAT model year 2014 improvements

As part of the process of constantly refining the product and increasing value for the customer, SEAT has implemented a number of improvements across its model line-up for the 2014 model year.

Mii

SEAT’s city car will, from the beginning of 2014, sport the new SEAT logo first worn on the new Leon, and will for the first time be available with DAB digital radio and a SEAT Sound premium audio system, which includes a boot-mounted subwoofer. Those options are for the Ecomotive trim level and above. A new colour, Night Blue, comes to the range, while there are various trim and wheel changes to refresh the line-up. Please ask the SEAT Press & PR office for details.

Ibiza

As per the Mii, the Ibiza range will also wear the new SEAT badge from the turn of 2014, and will be available with a DAB digital radio for the first time. The SEAT Portable System Live is improved across the range, with the standard unit now including ‘SEAT Call’, for faster communication with emergency services in the event of an accident. In addition, Cupra models will have a ‘Performance Display’ application added to the system, which shows attributes including turbo boost pressure and G-force.

Leon

A DSG transmission option has been added to the range-topping Leon FR TDI 184 PS, which brings the convenience of an automatic transmission but with no loss of performance. Equipped with DSG, the Leon FR TDI 184 PS retains the manual’s 7.5-second 0-62 mph time, while its CO2 rating is raised only slightly, to 119 g/km for SC and five-door versions and 122 g/km for the ST.

SEAT has introduced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Front Assist as a Leon option, available with SE and FR versions, and a new ‘Dynamic Multi’ alloy wheel design is available. Tow bar pre-installation is now available across the range.

SEAT sales success

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year

Scottish COTY - Best Diesel - SEAT Leon 2.0 TDi

• Coveted Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Diesel Car award for the most powerful diesel SEAT Leon ever produced
• SCOTY judges praise the car’s outstanding performance and economy  
• SEAT Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS on sale now, priced at £22,075
• Fourth award for the SEAT Leon during 2013
• SEAT announces availability of DSG gearbox for 184 PS 2.0 TDI engine
• SEAT is swapping chorizo and Rioja for haggis and whisky to celebrate taking the Diesel Car prize at the annual Scottish Car of the Year Awards (SCOTY).

The Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS won the coveted award during a glitzy bash at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel, beating off stiff competition from cars as distinguished as the Audi SQ5, Range Rover TDV6, and BMW 320d Touring.

Presenting the award at the evening ceremony, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) President Alisdair Suttie said that the car’s “smart styling sets it apart from all the alternatives and it’s an engaging car to drive – but costs less to run than some superminis.”

It does indeed. With a combined fuel consumption rating of 67.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of just109 g/km, the Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS is the definition of fast and frugal. It gets to 62 mph from zero in just 7.4 seconds and tops out at 142 mph, and with 380 Nm, it’s got more torque than two Caterham Roadsport 175s.

“Everyone who drove the SEAT was impressed by its sheer completeness. Not only does it have the looks, performance and driving dynamics to shame many hot hatches, but the low emissions and exceptional economy figures will strike a chord with Scottish buyers who are canny with their cash," says Stephen Park, ASMW Secretary.

The Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS certainly doesn’t have hot hatch running costs, and at £22,255, doesn’t have a hot hatch price tag either. And nor does it scrimp on kit, coming as standard with an FR-specific body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, drive-altering SEAT Drive Profile, sports-shaped front seats, SEAT Easy Entry system for comfortable back-end access, dual-zone climate control, dark tinted rear windows and sports suspension.

The car is also eligible for SEAT’s remarkable free Technology Pack offer, which has been extended until at least the end of 2013 for retail customers. It makes the £1,075 pack free-of-charge, meaning buyers can add full-LED headlights, satellite navigation and DAB digital radio to their Leon for the same price as a walk in the Highlands.

Announcing the SEAT Leon FR TDI 184 PS DSG

The SCOTY Diesel Car award presents the perfect opportunity to announce the arrival of a DSG automatic version of the Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS, which begins production at the end of this year, for first deliveries in January 2014.

The quick-shifting DSG retains the manual car’s 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, while the top speed dips very slightly to 140 mph. Fuel economy is startling, with a 62.8 mpg combined consumption rating and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km. The price premium over an equivalent manual is £1,250.

SEAT sales and awards success

The SCOTY Best Diesel Car award is the first for the SEAT Leon SC specifically, but the fourth for the Leon model, with the five-door having won awards from What Car? and Auto Express – including the overall Car of the Year prize from the latter.

SEAT UK recently celebrated its best ever month for sales, with the 8,498 new car registrations made in September 2013 the most that the company has enjoyed in a 23-year history; SEAT was established in the UK in September 1985. In fact, the September sales tally capped off SEAT’s best quarter ever, which follows its best half-year ever, between January and June 2013. All told, SEAT is on course for a record-breaking year.

SEAT has some great Q4 consumer offers and Motability terms.

• Mii Toca only £79 per month, while Ibiza SC Toca stays under £10,000
• New Leon from as little as £165 per month, with huge specification
• Free Leon Technology Pack offer extended for a further three months
• £2,500 off the price of every new Toledo, meaning the range starts at £10,000
• 46 SEAT models available with zero advance payment for Motability customers

With SEAT UK posting its best monthly sales ever in September, the company is looking to keep the momentum going with a round of fantastic Q4 offers that truly put the customer first.

Starting with the Mii, it remains possible to get into a brand new SEAT city car for less than the price of a fancy gym membership: just £79 per month for a Mii Toca on a PCP, which comes with satellite navigation and rear parking sensors. The small print is below, but there are no surprises.

Next up is the Ibiza SC, which is available in Toca specification for just £9,995. So for less than ten grand, a customer can drive away with a stunning supermini including satellite navigation, Bluetooth, 16-inch alloy wheels and dark tinted windows. That’s a £2,700 saving on the RRP. Across the rest of the range, all Ibiza FR models have £2,000 off, as does the very rapid, range-topping Ibiza Cupra – now just £16,765.

Moving up the SEAT range, all Toledo models have £2,500 off the retail price, meaning the Toledo begins at just £10,000. Meanwhile, the free Technology Pack offer for the Leon continues, meaning all SE and FR cars can have satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and full-LED headlights for nothing, as opposed to the pack’s £1,075 retail price.

SEAT is also offering a £1,000 deposit contribution across the Leon range when purchased on a PCP, and 4.9% APR – which means the monthly payment on a new Leon SC SE 1.2 TSI, including Technology Pack, is just £165.

For the Altea and Altea XL ranges there’s a £2,500 deposit contribution across the range, with a PCP, and every model is available with five years 0% on hire purchase, with a 35% deposit. And it’s exactly the same story with the multi-award winning Alhambra line-up.

Motability drivers will be able to enjoy a SEAT Leon with no advance payment on certain models, while there’s also no advance payment on certain Mii, Ibiza and Toledo variants; in total, SEAT is offering 46 vehicles with £0 advance payment, including the very highly equipped and fuel-efficient Leon 1.6 TDI SE.

SEAT is looking to achieve a record-breaking year in 2013, and started in the best possible way. Having put the all-new Leon on sale in March, the company posted its best ever half-year sales at the end of June, with 22,752 cars registered. Following that, the third quarter of the year was the company’s best ever, with 12,716 cars registered, and September was its best ever single month.

The (not so) small print…

The Mii Toca offer is a 36-month PCP with 4.9% APR, and requires a £2,719 deposit, while the £165 per month Leon offer requires a £4,771 customer deposit, £1,000 of which is paid by SEAT.

Outstanding five-star safety rating for recently unveiled SEAT Leon ST

• Outstanding five-star safety rating for recently unveiled SEAT Leon ST
• Score includes 94% rating for adult occupant protection and 92% for child occupant
• Euro NCAP Advanced commends SEAT for Leon ST’s multi-collision brake and lane-keeping assistant technology
• All-new estate car open for ordering from 1 October, starting from just £16,675

The SEAT Leon ST has been awarded a five-star safety rating by car safety assessment body Euro NCAP. The outstanding score puts the Leon ST among the very safest cars on the road.

The spacious, versatile and beautiful estate car, which goes on sale in the UK in October for January 2014 first deliveries, joins the Leon five-door hatchback as a five-star car.

The rating is the result of exceptional scores in all areas of the industry-standard Euro NCAP test, but particularly the adult occupant safety and child occupant safety sections, for which the Leon ST scored 94% and 92% respectively.

Features such as front passenger airbag deactivation, to facilitate installation of a rear-facing child seat, helped achieve the child occupant score, while extensive use of high strength and ultra-high strength steels in key areas of the chassis ensure that the Leon ST remains as stable as possible during a collision.

Alongside the five-star safety rating, the Leon ST has received two Euro NCAP Advanced awards, for its lane-keeping assistant and multi-collision brake systems; Euro NCAP Advanced was established in 2010 by Euro NCAP to reward ground-breaking emerging safety innovations.

“SEAT is committed to the highest levels of active and passive safety in all its models,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. “The thorough development work developed at our Technical Centre is now rewarded with the excellent classification achieved by both variants of the new Leon in the demanding Euro NCAP tests.

“We are also pleased with the two Euro NCAP Advanced rewards for the SEAT multi-collision brake system and the SEAT lane-keeping assistant in the new Leon. It is the new Leon family at the very top of the latest technology,” he adds.

Dr. Rabe accepted the two Euro NCAP Advanced certificates at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where the Leon ST made its world debut.

SEAT lane-keeping assistant (known as Lane Assist in the UK and available as part of the Leon’s optional Driver Assist Pack) uses a camera mounted behind the rear view mirror, which detects lane markings and helps the driver stay in lane. Working at speeds above 40 mph and linked to the power steering system, it applies a small amount of torque to the steering wheel intended to prompt the driver into taking corrective action should he or she begin to drift out of lane.

The multi-collision braking system (called Automatic Post-Collision Braking System in the UK, and standard fit) detects when the car has been involved in an accident – for example when the airbag has been fired – and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a subsequent impact. It triggers both the hazard warning lights and the brake lights.

With a starting price of just £16,675 for a 1.2 TSI 105 PS model in S specification, the Leon ST represents amazing value. Every version comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, steering wheel-mounted controls, a colour touch-screen infotainment interface, front electric windows, roof rails and a double boot floor.

Thanks to a 587-litre boot that stretches to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded flat, the Leon ST is one of the biggest estates in its class, while its £825 premium over an equivalent Leon five-door model is significantly lower than that of the majority of its direct competitors.

SEAT announces pricing for UK Specified Leon ST

• Leon ST only £825 more than Leon five-door, model-for-model
• Price premium represents amazing value – significantly lower than that of most rivals
• Prices for Leon ST start at just £16,675 RRP OTR
• Open for ordering 1 October 2013, with first deliveries expected January 2014
• 587-litre boot makes the Leon ST one of the most practical estates in its class, as well as being the best value

On the day that SEAT officially unveils the new Leon ST to the world, at the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show, the company can announce full UK pricing for the car.

Starting at just £16,675, the Leon ST is only £825 more than an equivalent five-door version, making it exceptional value. That’s especially the case because of the practicality it offers, with its 587-litre boot one of the biggest in its class – and bigger than plenty from the class above, too.

On sale 1 October, with first deliveries expected early January 2014, the Leon ST demonstrates that big is beautiful, matching head-turning looks with outstanding luggage-carrying capacity; its boot not only stretches to a whopping 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded, but also boasts a number of thoughtful practicality flourishes that make easy to live with day-to-day.

These include handles on the side walls of the boot that allow the rear seats to fold flat with a simple tug, and a lower lip that sits flush with the twin boot floor, easing the effort of getting heavy or bulky items in. (Standard on SE and FR cars.)

Every Leon ST comes with roof rails as standard, a double-floor setup in the boot, a rear reading light, and a 12V socket. In addition, a through hatch allows loading of long, thin items, while buyers can choose an optional fold-down passenger seat, for even greater load-lugging capacity.

The engine and trim range of the Leon ST is as per the five-door and SC variants, meaning an S-SE-FR hierarchy, with petrol engines ranging from the 1.2 TSI 105 PS, through the 1.4 TSI 140 PS and on to the most powerful 1.8 TSI 180 PS. On the diesel front, there are now two versions of the 1.6 TDI – a standard 105 PS variant, and the just-announced 110 PS Ecomotive. Following those are the 2.0 TDI units, with either 150 PS or 184 PS. A range of transmissions are available, from a five- or six-speed manual to a six- or seven-speed DSG automatic.

In line with a July inflationary price increase across the entire SEAT model line-up, the company is raising Leon five-door and SC prices by £180 (1%), effective from 1 October 2013. The £825 price premium of the Leon ST takes these changes into account.

FRANKFURT - SEAT Leon ST

• Official debut of the SEAT Leon ST at the Volkswagen Group event in Frankfurt  
• All-new estate becomes third member of the SEAT Leon family, following five-door hatchback and three-door SC
• Vast boot extends from 587 litres to 1,470 litres
• Introduces the new Leon Ecomotive to the range, powered by a 110 PS 1.6 TDI diesel engine 
• Adaptive Chassis Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Progressive steering come to the Leon range

SEAT has unveiled the all-new Leon ST estate at the Volkswagen Group event in Frankfurt, on the eve of the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show. The new SEAT Leon ST demonstrates that thrilling sporting character and exceptional everyday usability do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The third member of the Leon family combines the young, dynamic design and the precise handling qualities of its siblings with an amazing amount of practicality. Like every Leon, the ST displays an impressive level of craftsmanship and uses premium materials throughout.

The luggage space of the compact estate car, which measures 4,535 mm long (264 mm longer than the five-door Leon), offers excellent versatility and is full of useful touches that make it a joy to use day-to-day. It has a load capacity of 587 litres, rising to 1,470 litres with the rear seat backrests folded, and its twin-level boot floor makes loading bulky items much easier; the rear seats can be folded flat using easy-to-reach handles on the sidewalls of the boot.  

“Nobody has to choose between sporty and practical anymore – the new Leon ST offers both,” says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. “With its sporty look, its surprisingly high utility and its state-of-the-art technology, the Leon ST defines a new standard in the compact estate car class – at a very fair price. Like the already highly successful Leon and Leon SC, the new ST is the perfect representative of SEAT’s brand values,” he adds.

Introducing the new Leon Ecomotive

The unveiling of the third member of the Leon family also serves as the introduction of the Leon Ecomotive – the lowest emitting Leon ever made, with an astonishing CO2 rating of just 87 g/km.

Fuel consumption for all versions of the Ecomotive is rated at 85.6 mpg combined, meaning its theoretical tank range is a shade over 940 miles. Power comes from a 110 PS version of the 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine already established in the Leon range, which in the non-Ecomotive car develops 105 PS.

Changes over the standard Leon for the Ecomotive (across all variants) include a specially adapted six-speed manual transmission, the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres and optimised aerodynamics, comprising lowered suspension, closed-off cooling apertures at the front, additional under-body panels, a roof spoiler, and rear screen side spoilers.

Brand new technology

The extensive range of hi-tech options already available with the Leon, such as the full-LED headlights and SEAT Easy Connect multimedia system, is expanded with the addition of ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with proximity radar, and DCC Adaptive Chassis Control with variable damper adjustment. In addition, optional progressive steering enables a high degree of control under sporty driving conditions.

All three of these systems will be available across the entire Leon range, but are introduced with the debut of the Leon ST in Frankfurt.

The design: a truly sporty estate car

The much applauded design language of the Leon range has been further accentuated for the ST. Here, too, sculpted lines along the sides deliver a thrilling interplay of light and shade. The estate also features the same sharp lines and precise edges as the rest of the Leon range, which communicate energy and vitality. The new ST adds a whole new dimension to the Leon family – the dynamic silhouette looks taut and elegant, yet the car offers comprehensive utility for work and leisure, family and sport.

“In the development of the new Leon ST, we have fully retained the dynamic essence of SEAT design,”says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design.“The roofline follows almost exactly the same line as the five-door, just stretched a little further back. While the wheelbase remains the same, an extra 27 centimetres on the body shell allows the car to offer the luggage volume of a fully-fledged estate car.”

The side view of the new SEAT Leon ST is exciting yet very well resolved. It includes a balanced relationship between the metal and glass surface areas; the vertical ratio of the glasshouse to the body shell is one to three. This clear division accentuates solidity and underscores the refined stance of the compact estate car. The slight taper of the side window surfaces towards the rear emphasises the feeling of spaciousness, which can be further enhanced by the optional panoramic glass roof. Every Leon ST gets roof rails as standard.

The extra 27 centimetres added to the rear overhang provides some indication of the generous luggage space available within, while the low rear windscreen and muscular shoulders emphasise the car’s dynamic character. And in FR trim, with its even more expressive front and rear designs, the Leon ST brings whole new meaning to the term ‘sporty estate’.

The interior: premium, functional and intelligently designed

The Leon ST is a car whose stunning and well-balanced looks are continued in the cabin. The space for the driver and front seat passenger has a clear and intuitive layout: all the switches, buttons and levers are where they would be expected to be. The broad centre console is a notable feature, with its clear orientation towards the driver. The instrument panel is extremely elegant and, due to its two-tone design, seems to float slightly in mid-air.

During the design of the SEAT Leon ST, a high priority was placed on functionality and flexibility; there are no fewer than a dozen storage spaces and five closed cubbies in the doors and centre console, as well as below and between the front seats. The front stowage bin in the centre console is extremely spacious. Keys, mobile phones or other everyday items can be stored here quickly and safely.

A special equipment package for families includes retractable sunshades for the rear side windows, as well as practical folding tables on the rear side of the front backrests. For a good view of the sky and an even greater feeling of spaciousness, SEAT offers a panoramic glass sliding roof as an option for the Leon ST.

Aside from outright space, intelligently designed functionality touches make the Leon ST brilliantly practical. The rear seat backrests, for instance, can be folded very easily from the boot using integrated release handles. The double level boot floor means it can be lifted to sit flush with the boot lip, making it easier to load or unload heavy or bulky items. An optional chromed loading edge provides even more convenience for transporting all manner of items, and luggage nets are optional.

In addition, space for stowing the roll-out parcel shelf beneath the boot floor means it need never be left outside of the car, while some versions offer the facility to fold forward the backrest of the front passenger seat for stowing particularly long loads.

Panoramic sunroof

The optional panoramic sunroof delivers a very bright and airy sense of space, especially for the back-seat passengers – and, with its large, black surface, provides an additional design element, particularly in combination with light-coloured paintwork. The front section of the glass roof can be retracted over the fixed rear section, and can also be opened and closed using the remote-control key.

The body shell: systematic lightweight design

The Leon ST’s extremely good fuel consumption figures are not only a consequence of sophisticated engine technology, but of systematic lightweight design. The base Leon ST* has a kerb weight of just 1,233 kg, making it the lightest estate car in its class, yet it offers optimum safety and the best possible comfort thanks to a solid body shell; an intelligent chassis structure guarantees that the vehicle remains light and efficient.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels are used extensively in the chassis. These hot-formed hi-tech steels alone reduce the weight by of the chassis by 18 kg, while providing even greater stiffness to the occupant cell.

The body-in-white of the five-door variant of the Leon is lighter than the preceding model by no less than 25 kg. And for the new Leon ST, too, systematic lightweight design was implemented across all elements of the vehicle. Thus, a great many parts in the engines, chassis and interior also make a contribution to weight reduction.

The drive: dynamic and efficient

The technology package for the new SEAT Leon ST is the same as that for the Leon and Leon SC models. The fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, with displacements ranging from 1.2- to 2.0 litres, all work with direct injection and turbocharging and are engineered for rapid warm-up and low internal friction.

Every engine in the Leon ST range, and indeed the five-door and SC versions, comes with Start/Stop and Energy Recovery as standard, regardless of transmission.

TSI engines

The choice of petrol engines is extremely broad, starting with the 1.2 TSI 105 PS, which develops 105 PS and in the Leon ST returns 57.6 mpg on average, meaning a 114 g/km CO2 figure. Following that, the state-of-the-art 1.4 TSI packs a significant punch, getting the ST to 62mph from rest in just 8.2 seconds, yet returning 53.3 mpg combined.

At the top of the petrol engine tree, for the time being, is the 1.8 TSI engine, which gets the Leon ST to 62mph in just 7.8 seconds, but achieves 47.9 mpg on average, and 137 g/km. All three petrol engines are available with a DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox.

TDI engines

The diesel line-up offered in the new SEAT Leon ST covers a broad performance spectrum, ranging from 105 PS to 184 PS. The entry-level engine, the 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS, produces a substantial 250 Nm of torque so it feels strong, yet it consumes fuel at a rate of 74.3 mpg, returning 99 g/km.

The efficiency highlight is the Leon ST Ecomotive. With a CO2 figure of just 87 g/m, it sips fuel at an outstandingly low rate, registering 85.6 mpg combined. And this while being quicker to the 62 mph benchmark than the standard 1.6 TDI; the Leon ST Ecomotive, with 110 PS, hits 62 mph from zero in 10.4 seconds, while the 105 PS 1.6 TDI version does it in 11.1 seconds.

The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS and 320 Nm of torque provides the new SEAT Leon ST with urgent acceleration, yet it returns close to 70 mpg: 68.9, to be precise, while hitting 62 mph in 8.6 seconds. The range-topping 184 PS version of the engine – the most powerful Leon ST at launch – returns 65.7 mpg and gets to the acceleration benchmark in 7.8 seconds. Its CO2 rating is 112 g/km, and at launch it is the only engine not available with a DSG gearbox.

Start/Stop and Energy Recovery System

In the new SEAT Leon ST, the Start/Stop system deactivates the engine when the car is at a standstill with the gearstick in neutral and the clutch disengaged. On re-engaging gear, a powerful starter motor restarts the engine quietly, smoothly and quickly.

The Start/Stop system, which can be deactivated by the driver at any time, also works perfectly with the DSG automatic transmission. Thanks to a very powerful battery, the system remains active even under extremely cold winter conditions. The Start/Stop system offers fuel savings of up to 4%.

A further efficiency measure in the new SEAT Leon ST is the Energy Recovery . It uses intelligent voltage regulation in the alternator to recover energy under braking and trailing throttle conditions. This is temporarily stored in the battery, flowing back into the vehicle electric system when the car subsequently accelerates. This takes the load off the alternator by enabling it to run from time-to-time on a lower voltage or to be switched off entirely. It draws less power from the engine, resulting in lower fuel consumption.

Transmissions

When it comes to transferring power to the wheels, the transmissions on offer vary in accordance with the engine, from a five- or six-speed manual to the compact and lightweight DSG dual-clutch gearbox. It changes its six- or seven gears in a matter of milliseconds and is incredibly efficient. Certain variants come with a coasting function, which reduces fuel consumption even further.

The chassis: dynamic and comfortable

The well balanced chassis gives the new SEAT Leon ST an extremely dynamic character. The suspension makes all manner of uneven surfaces feel smoother, while the steering has an excellent level of feedback, yet is light and comfortable for day-to-day use.

The compact estate car uses an all-new vehicle architecture that has been developed from scratch – the MQB platform – and its engines are all angled at 12 degrees to the rear. This layout enables SEAT’s engineers to move the front axle forward by 40 millimetres compared to the outgoing Leon. The result is a comparatively long wheelbase and a well-balanced distribution of axle load – factors that have a major impact on comfort and sporty handling.

“We have achieved a perfect suspension setup which combines comfort and agility,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development. “Starting with the Leon ST, DCC together with further advanced driver assistance systems are available now for the whole family.”

At the front are MacPherson struts on a sub-frame. The ST responds quickly and precisely to steering input, mastering all manner of bends and corners with relaxed stability. The new speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering makes a significant contribution to the efficiency of the new Leon ST because it consumes no energy during straight-line driving. The turning circle measures just 10.2 metres.

On engine versions up to and including 150 PS the rear end is equipped with torsion bar suspension. The more powerful variants use a multi-link set-up that handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently from one another. Shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately to deliver a particularly refined response.

An electronic transverse differential lock applies tiny braking impulses to the lighter inside front wheel to make handling at the cornering limits safer and even more fluid. The ESP electronic stability program has been perfectly adapted, while the braking system provides outstanding stopping power.

SEAT Drive Profile with DCC adaptive chassis control

The character of the FR version of the new SEAT Leon ST can be personalised to suit both mood and situation: SEAT Drive Profile enables the driver to vary the characteristics of the power steering, throttle control and DSG transmission in three modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport, plus an additional individual setting.

For the FR, SEAT also offers the latest generation of the DCC adaptive chassis control with three different modes that can be selected via the SEAT Drive Profile. In the Sport mode, the Leon ST is even more agile, while the set-up in Comfort mode is considerably more relaxed. As well as DCC, the optional Dynamic Pack for the Leon ST FR includes the progressive steering system. It reduces steering effort when manoeuvring at low speeds, while at the same time raising the dynamics on winding roads with a more direct steering response.

The SEAT Drive Profile in the Leon ST FR with the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI 184 PS engines also influences the engine sound, which is modulated via a sound actuator, as well as the interior ambient lighting; depending on driving style, the interior lights switch between white (Comfort, Eco and individual) and red (Sport).

State-of-the-art infotainment and assistance systems

A new feature of the driver assistance systems for the SEAT Leon is the ACC adaptive cruise control. The radar-based system maintains the pre-set speed and a minimum selected distance to the vehicle in front, braking or accelerating automatically in flowing traffic. The speed can be set within a range of 19-99 mph. ACC works with both manual and DSG gearboxes. In vehicles with DSG, the system can brake all the way to a standstill behind a slowing vehicle, and with the approval of the driver, the car then automatically drives off again.

Further state-of-the-art driver assistance systems are also available for the new SEAT Leon ST. Alongside the standard Multi-Collision Brake are assistants such as Drowsiness Detection and the two camera-based systems Full Beam Assist and Heading Control, a lane-keeping assistant.

When it comes to infotainment solutions, too, the new SEAT Leon ST is fully up to date. The foundation for the very best on-board entertainment is the SEAT Easy Connect operating system, which enables the control of entertainment and communication functions, in addition to numerous vehicle functions, via a cockpit touch-screen.

Measuring up to 5.8 inches, the touch-screen and its associated buttons and rotary controls are located centrally in a convenient position between the central air vents. It is easy to read and to reach for both driver and front seat passenger.

For the first time, SEAT is using a touch-sensitive screen with proximity sensor. As soon as the driver’s or passenger’s finger approaches the touch-screen, the system automatically switches from display to operating mode. In operating mode, the elements that can be activated via the touchscreen are brought to the fore, making intuitive use (smartphone-style swipe and zoom gestures) even easier. The display mode, on the other hand, is distinguished by its extremely clear and uncluttered presentation. The graphics of both modes are a perfect match for the sporty aesthetic of the SEAT design.

The optional SEAT Sound System, with 135-watt output and ten speakers, offers clear and powerful sound at all five seats. A large proportion of this impressive listening experience is attributable to the centre speaker integrated into the dashboard and the large subwoofer in the luggage compartment.

Full-LED headlights

As with the Leon five-door and SC, innovative full-LED headlights in combination with LED rear lights are available as an option for the new Leon ST. Alongside their expressive design, LED headlights have many further benefits. They illuminate the road with a colour temperature of 5,300 Kelvin (K), for instance. Because this is very similar to the 5,500 K of daylight, they put very little strain on the eyes. In terms of efficiency, the LEDs consume very little energy; full-LED headlights on dipped beam draw only 20 watts per unit.

The dipped beam is made up of six LED modules per headlamp. When the main beam is switched on, three bright spot modules are activated in each unit and the dipped beam is raised accordingly.

Two white LEDs per unit light up the Leon’s distinctive LED daytime running light strips. Nine yellow LEDs on each side provide the light for the indicators, which are likewise integrated into the headlamp unit.

Intelligent sensors prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled. Furthermore, the new full-LED headlights are completely maintenance-free and designed to last the lifetime of the car.

The functions of the full-LED headlight include a motorway light. The angle of the beam is raised slightly as soon as the Leon ST travels at a speed of above 68 mph for more than 30 seconds. This improves illumination of the motorway without irritating other road users.