Multiple future variants of the new León range, plus details of base and premium suspension system modules for MQB platform cars have been revealed by SEAT UK at the car’s media launch.
As the largest export destination for the León and one of SEAT’s main markets, the UK remains vital for the firm’s ambitious expansion plans. The company sold a record 38,798 vehicles in 2012, enough to give it a 1.9% market share, its highest yet. Further, since 2008, the brand has enjoyed unbroken year-on-year sales increases in Britain and an overall expansion of 33% during that five year period.
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The Ibiza might be its best seller in the UK, but the new León will be a key driver of further success in 2013, according to SEAT. As well as the momentum to be gained from the launch of the new-shape car, the addition of two extra body styles will also play a role. First comes the SC (three-door), which is due to reach dealers in July. It had its global debut at the Geneva motor show earlier this month. The SC (estate) will be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show in September, and should be in UK showrooms a few weeks before Christmas.
The following an all-turbo engine line-up applies for the UK market León five-door:
• 105PS 1.2 TSI
• 140PS 1.4 TSI
• 180PS 1.8 TSI
• 105PS 1.6 TDI (from late 2013, sub-99g/km)
• 150PS 2.0 TDI
• 184PS 2.0 TDI (from late 2013)
In 2014, a high performance variant will be launched, the replacement for the turbocharged Cupra R. Another additional version inked in to next year’s launch calendar will be powered by the Volkswagen Group’s new 1.4 TSI with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology).
One of the more interesting aspects of the new León’s MQB platform construction is the availability of a multi-link rear suspension system. This features only for cars powered by the 180PS 1.8 TSI and 184PS 2.0 TDI engines. All other variants instead come with a less sophisticated and therefore less expensive beam axle arrangement. Škoda acknowledges a similar arrangement for low- and high-power versions of its new Octavia, which also uses MQB modules for its construction.
Author: Glenn Brooks
