Photo: CarPix
SEAT isn't just working on a brand new SUV; it's also developing the mid-life facelift for the Leon family. Our favorite sporty compact will be updated in early 2016, and we have the first set of photos to prove it.
The camouflage used is thicker than what we usually see, making it impossible to determine if this is indeed the Leon 5-door. But the taillights appear to be the same, and some of the details hint at the FR body kit.
The current, 3rd generation model, codenamed 5F, was launched in 2012 and is arguably the most sporty and youthful model built on the MQB platform. What will the facelift bring? We can only speculate, but we're not going to take wild stabs in the dark.
First of all, the engine range might see the introduction of the first-ever 3-cylinder turbos for the Leon. When Volkswagen unveiled the 1.0 TSI a few years back, they said it was designed for the Golf, but so far that hasn't happened. Also, the new 1.4 TSI units with 90 PS are proving very popular and more economical than the 1.6 TDI.
We've also learned that the A3 facelift, scheduled to launch at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, will introduce the first 1.8 TSI with Cylinder on Demand technology and 190 PS. The A3 and Leon share their platform and engines, so SEAT might get it too.
This prototype has twin exhaust pipes and sporty lines, so it could have the 1.8-liter we're talking about under its bonnet. The only thing missing from the 2.0 TDI diesel range are all-wheel drive models.
Inside, we could see an infotainment system that's been equipped with simple gesture control recognition. Volkswagen is planning to introduce this feature on the Golf, either in 2016 or when the Mk8 arrives around 2018 (contradicting reports).
The current, 3rd generation model, codenamed 5F, was launched in 2012 and is arguably the most sporty and youthful model built on the MQB platform. What will the facelift bring? We can only speculate, but we're not going to take wild stabs in the dark.
First of all, the engine range might see the introduction of the first-ever 3-cylinder turbos for the Leon. When Volkswagen unveiled the 1.0 TSI a few years back, they said it was designed for the Golf, but so far that hasn't happened. Also, the new 1.4 TSI units with 90 PS are proving very popular and more economical than the 1.6 TDI.
We've also learned that the A3 facelift, scheduled to launch at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, will introduce the first 1.8 TSI with Cylinder on Demand technology and 190 PS. The A3 and Leon share their platform and engines, so SEAT might get it too.
This prototype has twin exhaust pipes and sporty lines, so it could have the 1.8-liter we're talking about under its bonnet. The only thing missing from the 2.0 TDI diesel range are all-wheel drive models.
Where are the fog lights?
We've noticed that this prototype doesn't have its fog lights at the bottom of the bumper. This could mean they've been integrated at the bottom of the headlights or joined with the daytime running lights. Thick camouflage stops us from seeing any more design details, though we suspect changes will be minimal.Inside, we could see an infotainment system that's been equipped with simple gesture control recognition. Volkswagen is planning to introduce this feature on the Golf, either in 2016 or when the Mk8 arrives around 2018 (contradicting reports).
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