Publicado em 5 de março de 2015
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SEAT revealed the all new Leon at Paris 2012. The new hatchback is SEAT's younger, cooler, more design-led alternative to the evergreen Volkswagen Golf, which is also launching at Paris.
SEAT's newest model further cements the design language hinted at by the IBX, IBE and IBL concepts of years gone by and developed on the new Ibiza and Toledo.
The Leon is also the first new SEAT to wear the firm's all-new badge. The simplified logo shows that the company is gearing up for a more modern, younger audience. Or at least that what we think a simpler, easier-to-draw-in-crayon badge means.
Engine wise the Leon gets a standard mix of VW Group staples. There's the standard eco diesel, in this case a 1.6 TDI which emits 99g/km and can (when driven like a saint) manage 73.4mpg. The petrol line-up is pretty special, too -- a 1.8TSI will offer a brisk 178bhp, while a 1.4TSI comes with cylinder shut off tech, enabling the car to use only two of the engine's four cylinders when it's not under load. The Audi A1 has a similar set up and it works rather well.
MQB, a TLA you'll be hearing rather often throughout the show, refers to the platform the new SEAT Leon is based on. It's shared throughout the VW group and will underpin a number of cars. Currently the new Audi A3 sits on it, as does the Mk VII Volkswagen Golf.
SEAT hasn't left the Leon wanting for tech -- LED mood lighting, DAB radio, touchscreens, 3D graphics and adjustable driver profiles (oh no, there's not just one setting for Leon, you can choose your own adventure) and oodles of other exciting and, no doubt, expensive kit is en route.
Thankfully, the Leon's interior is much improved over the last generation -- gone are the swathes of dull, unimpressive grey and in is lots of bright, mood-enhancing colour. This was arguably the weak point of the old car, so good on SEAT for realising its mistake
Interestingly, like the VW Golf the Leon has two possible suspension set ups. Which ever car you buy you'll end up with a MacPhereson strut front spring arrangement, but buy a small-engined car and you get a torsion beam at the rear. Leons with over 148bhp receive a handling-enhancing multi-link doodad. Want a fun driving experience? Go for power.
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