Preview: 2009 Seat sport sedan

The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. Models in the pipeline include a new minicar and soft-roader as well as an estate crossover, but the first new Seat will be a mid-sized sports sedan that’s due to enter production at its Martorell plant in 2009.

These new renderings, based on official sketches released back in May, show that designers are playing it safe and are going for a very conservative look for the new sedan. The rear of the car takes obvious styling influences from sister brand Audi, while the front end features a trademark Seat identity with an almost identical grille and bumper design as the Leon hatch.

Power will come from a range of VW Group engines including the latest turbodiesel units as well as several petrol FSI motors. Performance models will get the Leon Cupra’s 2.0L TFSI engine complete with 240hp and 280Nm.

Full renderings and more information after the jump.

Targeted at other affordable mid-sized sedans such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407, the new sedan is expected to attract new customers to the Seat brand who normally wouldn’t consider buyer a car from the Spanish label.