SEAT unveiled an all-new version –  third generation – of the Leon, and changes are staggering in it. The car that had a cool name now has cool looks also to match it. The new Leon introduces new styling cues to the brand, and also a new logo. The interior is also significantly improved in terms of quality, fit and finish, and technology. But the same cannot be said about the interior design.

The new model is offered with full-LED headlamps that not only provide great illumination, they also look pretty awesome, although a bit too like certain Audi models. ‘Línea Dinámica’ are the car’s highlight from the sides. The lines that run rearwards over the wheel arches and complement the trapezoidal C-pillars. The Leon is a good blend of elegance and sportiness for the compact class.

SEAT has worked hard to make the new Leon more practical and easier to live with than the outgoing model. The luggage compartment has a volume of 380 litres, around 40 litres more than the preceding model. There is also a new infotainment system with Easy Connect operating system and 5.8 inch touchscreen which controls the SEAT Sound System entertainment and communication functions, as well as a wide array of vehicle functions.

Even the base models get a media system with CD radio and an SD card slot, four speakers and a five-inch touch screen. The equipments list also include some very impressive items you don’t’ normally see in this class; stuff like drowsiness detection, advanced camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, and  ‘Heading Control’ lane-keeping assistant.

The new SEAT Leon will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, and goes on sale a few months after than with an engine lineup including a 1.6 TDI with 105 PS (104 bhp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.ft) of torque, a 50 PS (148 bhp) and 320 Nm (236 lb.ft) of torque, 1.6 TDI with 90 PS (89 bhp) and a powerful, range-topping 2.0 TDI with 184 PS (181 bhp).

The petrol range comprises a 1.2 TSI in two versions with 86 PS (85 bhp) and 105 PS (104bhp); a 1.4 TSI with 122 PS (120 bhp); and at the top of the petrol range, a 1.8 TSI with 180 PS (178 bhp. Depending on the engine, transmission options range from five- and six-speed manual gearboxes or the renowned six- and seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearboxes.