SEAT Leon 2005-2009 Photos, engines & full specs

SEAT introduced the second generation of its compact hatchback Leon in 2005, thus adjusting its production line with the Euro 4 standards.

After a successful first generation, the second model came based on the same recipe of using Volkswagen's Golf platform. That led to lower production costs for both vehicles, since they shared the development expenses. The result was a Latin design with German engineering. That shouldn't go wrong.

The 2005 Leon was a mix of arched lines and sharp angles. Its organic-inspired headlights with sharp inner and outer margins were penned using curved lines. That led to a different styling for the grille, which was smaller than the Leon's previous generation. But that wasn't a problem since the lower grille, placed in the bumper, providing more cooling area. Also, depending on the options, the car featured fog lamps in the apron's side scoops. From its profile, the carmaker added a sculptured line that ran from the front fenders and arched down towards the rear doors. The rear door's handles were hidden in the C-pillar in the window's area to create a coupe-like image.

If the car's exterior was considered a youthful, attractive feature, the interior was nicely penned but built with budget materials. Thus, the hard plastic areas covered the center stack and the center console. The design, on the other hand, was adequate, with the center stack tilted toward the driver. Depending on the trim level and options, SEAT provided the Leon with bucket seats at the front, while in the back, all versions received a 60/40 split-folding bench.

Under the hood, the 2010 Leon received a range of gasoline and diesel engines provided by Volkswagen. Depending on the options, SEAT offered its hatchback with an automatic transmission but not with an all-wheel system, like Leon's first generation.