From the land that has brought us tons of automotive joy through the widespread use of dashcams come the first official photos of the brand-new Seat Leon in five-door hatchback form ahead of its world premiere in Paris this fall.
This is the third generation of Seat’s compact model and the second vehicle from the Volkswagen Group to utilize the firm’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform architecture after the Audi A3 hatch.
The five-door model seen in these pictures in both regular and sportier FR trims features an edgier design than the softer and more rounded outgoing model. The styling of the new Leon was previewed through the sporty IBE Coupe Concept shown in Geneva and Frankfurt last year.
Seat has also swapped the current model’s hidden rear door grips for conventional handles mounted on the doors, which may have something to do with the fact that the Spanish brand is aiming to expand the Leon’s lineup with a sportier looking three-door model much in the likes of the IBE Concept and a stylish estate version.
The exterior differences between the base and the FR trim models as seen in these photos have to do with the styling of the bumpers and the alloy wheels.
Inside, the Leon Mk3 gets a modern-looking dashboard that borrows several bits and pieces from the Audi A3, the most prominent of which is the instrument panel (albeit with different trim) and the steering wheel.
There’s no information yet on the available powertrains, but we assume most if not all engines will be shared with the A3 and of course, the upcoming VW Golf Mk7.
Story References: Autowp
Thanks to Denis for the tip!
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