Seat has started testing the next-generation Leon with its full production body, with our spies spotting a test car during the night.
The production bodywork is covered in a rather clever camouflage wrap, hiding most of the front end but certain elements can still be distinguished through the disguise. With the shape of the front grille visible and combined with the curves of the front fenders, it’s easy to tell that the next Leon will adopt a similar styling with the recently revealed Tarraco.
The lighting signature of the rear end also reveals more than Seat would want to, showing the LED setup of the taillights which are going to be connected via a light bar. So far the shape of the next-gen Leon looks clean and rather safe but it’s rather early to jump on conclusions.
The new Seat Leon will ride on an updated version of the existing MQB platform, which will be lighter despite the wheelbase being slightly longer, thanks to the increased use of lightweight materials. The upcoming compact model will also adopt the same 48-volt electrical architecture with the next Golf, as part of the new mild-hybrid powertrain. A plug-in hybrid derivative with at least 31 miles (50km) of pure electric range is also reportedly coming. The rest of the range will be comprised from three- and four-cylinder TSI petrol units and four-cylinder TDI diesel options.
The new Spanish compact hatchback will benefit from the latest driver assistance systems too, with the VW Group wanting to bring the more advanced semi-autonomous system in this class of vehicles. The roomier cabin is set to get a new digital instrument cluster, along with a big touchscreen display for the updated infotainment system, which will feature over-the-air updates.
The fourth generation of the Seat Leon will be revealed during the summer of 2019, so expect to see more revealing spy shots of the Spanish hatch in the upcoming months.
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