Next Gen Seat Leon To Use Golf Platform And Hybrid Powertrains

The next-generation Seat Leon has been scooped during winter testing in Sweden.

Seat has been testing the new car for quite some time, but (unfortunately for us) the car’s entire exterior remains wrapped in black and white camouflage. Thankfully, these images of the car taken in the evening do provide us with an excellent view of the car’s taillight graphics.

When the car is braking, we can see that the outer edge of the taillights is triggered as is a third brake light just below the rear window wiper. The outer section of the taillight also doubles as the turn signal.

Beyond the new taillights, these spy shots preview the vehicle’s triangular-shaped headlights and prominent shoulder lines.

The new Leon will reportedly be underpinned by the latest version of VW’s MQB platform. This platform isn’t just lighter than its predecessor; it’s also been designed to support a mild-hybrid powertrain that mates VW’s 1.5-liter TSI with a 48-volt electrical architecture. In addition to this powertrain, customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid as well as regular petrol and diesel models.

Inside, the new Leon should be improved drastically over the current model. The redesigned cabin will support VW’s latest infotainment technologies and include over-the-air updates as well as a new-and-improved interface that supports voice control. Seat will also shift the climate controls into the infotainment system.

The new Leon will, like the current model, be available in five-door hatchback and wagon guises. A crossover-inspired model based on the wagon will also hit the market later.

As Seat continues to develop its compact hatch, it is also gearing up to unveil a sister car to VW’s I.D electric hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show. This, however, will be based on the VW Group’s MEB platform for EVs and will be totally different to the Leon.