2009 SEAT Leon and Altea to Be Showcased at Geneva

Spanish automaker SEAT today announced it will display the facelifted Leon and Altea in March at the Geneva Motor Show. Obviously, the upgraded models share various parts with their predecessor and follow almost the same design line but, just like SEAT said in a press statement, they also sport a number of features that make the difference between the new and the old models. Similar to the new Exeo and to the fourth generation Ibiza, the two aforementioned models are based on the same Arrow Design concept which “defines the exterior looks of the new cars,” as SEAT explained.

The two models incorporate several new features, as it follows: new grille with smaller SEAT logo, larger headlights, restyles wheel rims, reshaped door mirrors and larger rear mirror for improved visibility. The interiors have been upgraded with refreshed instrument panel, enhanced central console and door panel trims, “resulting in a modern, ergonomic passenger compartment”.

In terms of technical features, both 2009 SEAT Leon and Altea feature the XDS system, an electronic system connected to the ESP that works as a self-blocking differential, “improving the car's performance in situations where traction is lost by braking the wheel the loses surface grip”.

Speaking of engines, the whole Leon, Altea and Altea XL ranges include 10 engine configurations, five petrol and five diesel. The 2.0 TSI for instance, delivers 211 horsepower and produces a very low fuel consumption when connected to a DSG automatic transmission.

There are several types of equipment to choose from, including dual xenon headlights, daytime driving lights, cornering foglights, front and rear parking sensors, black leather upholstery plus an important range of safety features such as ABS, TCS, ESP and EBA.