The 2012 Mondial de l’Automobile will be a landmark show for SEAT, as the company unveils the most important new model in its recent history – the all-new Leon. The show runs from 29 September to 14 October for the public, and from 27 September for the press.
The introduction of the new Leon makes the 2012 Paris Motor Show an epoch-defining event for SEAT, during which the first of a new model family is introduced – a family that will extend the Leon’s reach further than ever before.
And with the official introduction of the new, production-ready Toledo, SEAT really does have the compact family car segment covered.
Alongside the two new production cars, SEAT will also display the exciting Mii FR Line Concept. First shown at the 2012 GTI Treffen event in Worthersee, Austria, the Mii FR Line Concept alludes to how the city car could look were it to become available in FR trim.
Finally, the Paris Motor Show represents the official market introduction of SEAT’s new corporate identity, which brings a more modern, streamlined look to the existing ‘S’ logo found on the grille and tailgate of every SEAT model. It will be used first on the new Leon, before being rolled out to the entire range from 2013.
But that’s not all SEAT has to make a song and dance about in Paris, because at 4pm on press day its Paris show stand becomes the SEAT Lounge.
The SEAT Lounge will be hosted by French electronica duo Thomas Roussel and Yannick Grandjean, aka SomethingALaMode. The classically trained musicians (violinist and cellist respectively) fuse classical loops with electro beats to create a sound that’s as captivating as it is original.
Speaking about SEAT’s presence at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, UK Director Peter Wyhinny said: “We’re hugely excited about what we have in store for this year’s Paris show. The all-new Leon is a remarkable car, oozing Spanish flair but bursting with technology and offering genuine versatility. We can’t wait to show it in the metal so that its beauty and presence can really be appreciated, and beyond that we’re eagerly anticipating getting people behind the wheel so they can feel just how dynamic this car really is.
“In addition, the introduction of the new, fourth-generation Toledo is a big step for us, because it gives our customers the chance to own a car with unique visual appeal but that packs a practicality punch way above its compact size and price. Its five-door hatchback layout brings the model back to the spirit of the ground-breaking original, which was a huge success. We’re convinced that buyers will take this new Toledo to their hearts.
“And with the stunning Mii FR Line Concept sitting on our Paris show stand too, alluding to a sportier future for the sensational city car, there are good times ahead for SEAT. Adding the new Leon and Toledo to models like the Mii, the Exeo and the multi-award winning Alhambra, the SEAT line-up is bigger, better and more exciting than ever before… and there’s much more to come.”
New generation Leon
The unveiling of the five-door version of Leon in Paris will spearhead a new family of models that will eventually comprise five-door hatchback, three-door SC and ST estate. Both FR and SE specifications will be on display at the show.*
The third generation model represents a shift in direction for the Leon, which will give buyers more choice than ever before and ensure that there’s a version to suit every taste and requirement.
The five-door Leon is the embodiment of style-meets-practicality, unifying an aesthetic reminiscent of a coupé with rear space enough for adults; with a 380-litre boot, the new car’s luggage capacity is approximately 40-litres more than its predecessor’s, and its wheelbase is six centimetres longer, for increased legroom.
The new Leon, for which the UK order book opens in February for March deliveries, will come to market with a version boasting a CO2 rating of just 99 g/km. That means 74.3 mpg and zero annual vehicle excise duty.
That’s the headline Ecomotive model, but even the 1.8 TSI petrol engine with 180 PS will emit less than 140 g/km*, while the 150 PS diesel Leon will dip below the 110 g/km mark, and achieve more than 70 mpg.*
Thanks to advanced construction techniques and material use, the new Leon is approximately 90 kilograms lighter than its predecessor model-for-model.
And by using a high proportion of soft touch plastics for the interior, as well as cutting edge driver assistance and infotainment systems, the new Leon will sit at the very pinnacle of the family hatchback class when it goes on sale.
Not only is the new Leon the first car in its class to offer full LED headlamps – a recent development in the luxury car sector – it also comes with a ground-breaking driver drowsiness detection function and an automatic lane-keeping assistant.
Sportier FR models will come equipped with SEAT Drive Profile, a system that allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the power steering, throttle and, where a DSG automatic transmission is equipped, the gearing. In Sport mode, the dials turn from white to red, and where the engine has 180 PS or more, its sound is remapped for a more aggressive tone.
Every UK Leon will have a colour touchscreen incorporating the radio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and other vehicle functions.
*Exact specifications, fuel economy and CO2 ratings for the UK to be confirmed
New Toledo
The new Toledo focusses primarily on offering buyers outstanding practicality, space and value.
Its 550-litre boot, accessed by a huge hatchback opening, gives it class-leading luggage space – more, even, than the vast majority of D-segment family cars but at a price more akin to a supermini.
Paris will see the new Toledo shown in production form for the first time at a major motor show, before the first cars hit UK roads in November.
Available with a range of extremely efficient TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, the most economical new Toledo, the 1.6 TDI 105 PS Ecomotive S, returns 72.4 mpg and 104 g/km of CO2.
The new Toledo is generously equipped, with S versions featuring air conditioning, voice-controlled Bluetooth, front electric windows, and electronic stability control. SE specification adds 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights with automatic cornering function, cruise control, rear electric windows, and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. SEAT’s touchscreen Media System 2.2 is available as an option with SE cars.
The range comprises E, S, SE, Ecomotive S and Ecomotive SE. The exact entry level price is yet to be finalised, but is expected to be around £12,500.
Mii FR Line
Having made its debut at the GTI Treffen event in Worthersee, Austria, the Mii FR Line Concept gets its major motor show introduction in Paris.
The Mii FR Line Concept is resplendent in Tornado Red with black highlights above the sideskirts, as well as on the lower bumper and tailgate. The 16-inch grey aluminium wheels have a red outer pinstripe and sit inside wheelarches detailed in black.
There’s a distinct red theme in the cabin. The entire dash panel is red, and is embossed with the ‘FR Line’ logo in large lettering. Red accents are also found on the steering wheel, the gear stick, the door linings, the sport seats, and even the floor mats.