Motor Authority - blog Tag: Leon

  • Seat adds new Ibiza FR and facelifted Leon Cupra to lineup

    Seat adds new Ibiza FR and facelifted Leon Cupra to lineup Following the debut of the updated Leon hatchback at last month’s Geneva Motor Show come the first images and details for updated versions of the sportier Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra models, both of which will be making their debut next month at the Barcelona Motor Show.

    The new FR version of the Ibiza introduces several new features compared with the previous model, which all combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First of all, the new car is equipped with an efficient 150hp (112kW) twin charger 1.4L TSI engine but it also picks up a revised seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles.

    Furthermore, the... Following the debut of the updated Leon hatchback at last month’s Geneva Motor Show come the first images and details for updated versions of the sportier Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra models, both of which will be making their debut next month at the Barcelona Motor Show. The new FR version of the Ibiza introduces several new features compared with the previous model, which all combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First of all, the new car is equipped with an efficient 150hp (112kW) twin charger 1.4L TSI engine but it also picks up a revised seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. Furthermore, the addition of the XDS electronic stability system provides greater driving comfort and safety. XDS works together with ESP and improves performance when traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses grip. Changes to the updated Cupra include enhancement to its styling and interior package. Power comes from the familiar 240hp (179kW) 2.0L TSI engine, which is enough to accelerate the FWD hatch from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 247km/h. Distinguishing the performance pair from the rest of the fleet are newly designed head and tail-lamps, new bumpers that lend a more aggressive appearance, silver door handles and unique alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 18in. While Seat is yet to confirm the news, there are reports claiming the Spanish carmaker is also planning a new high-performance Ibiza hatch based on last year’s Bocanegra concept car to be presented next month. Check out our previous story for more details.2009 Seat Ibiza FR2009 Seat Leon Cupra Read More
  • Facelifted Seat Leon hatch set for Geneva Motor Show

    Facelifted Seat Leon hatch set for Geneva Motor Show The current Seat Leon hatch has been in production for a little over four years and in that time we have seen the launch of a number of special edition models and even a TwinDrive hybrid concept. The Spanish carmaker has now revealed details about a facelifted version of the Leon, which will be making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

    The updated car has been given a raft of changes including more standard equipment, new engines, and redesigned bumpers. Set to go on sale in the middle of the year, the new Leon will come standard with electronic stability control and a special XDS function that works like an electric... The current Seat Leon hatch has been in production for a little over four years and in that time we have seen the launch of a number of special edition models and even a TwinDrive hybrid concept. The Spanish carmaker has now revealed details about a facelifted version of the Leon, which will be making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The updated car has been given a raft of changes including more standard equipment, new engines, and redesigned bumpers. Set to go on sale in the middle of the year, the new Leon will come standard with electronic stability control and a special XDS function that works like an electric limited-slip differential. Changes to the body include revised headlights, new grille, new side mirrors, redesigned bumpers and different pattern alloy wheels. Five different petrol engines and five different diesels will be offered, ranging between 85 and 210hp. One new introduction is a 2.0L TSI mill reserved for the sporty Leon FR. Inside, Seat has changed the steering wheel, instrument panel and the center console. New options available on the 2009 model include hill-start assist, bi-xenon headlights, and a reverse camera.2009 Seat Leon facelift Read More
  • Seat trials Leon 'Twin Drive' plug-in hybrid

    Seat trials Leon 'Twin Drive' plug-in hybrid Seat has unveiled an electrically-driven prototype based on its Leon hatchback, which the company plans to trial in an urban environment together with the Spanish government. The technology behind the new prototype is Volkswagen Group’s Twin Drive plug-in hybrid powertrain, which was first displayed in a Mark V Golf hatch and then again in the new Mark VI model.

    The prototype receives its name from its twin powerplant design, which features an electric motor designed for city driving and an internal combustion engine for longer trips. Likewise, certain elements such as the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems, and a... Seat has unveiled an electrically-driven prototype based on its Leon hatchback, which the company plans to trial in an urban environment together with the Spanish government. The technology behind the new prototype is Volkswagen Group’s Twin Drive plug-in hybrid powertrain, which was first displayed in a Mark V Golf hatch and then again in the new Mark VI model. The prototype receives its name from its twin powerplant design, which features an electric motor designed for city driving and an internal combustion engine for longer trips. Likewise, certain elements such as the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems, and a substantial part of the electronics have also been modified. The electric motor is powered by a group of lithium-ion batteries located at the rear of the vehicle, providing sustainable power of 35kW and a restricted top speed of 100km/h. On electric power alone the vehicle can travel a total distance of 50km. After that its internal combustion engine, a highly efficient turbodiesel unit, kicks in. The idea is that the electric motor will be used exclusively for short urban trips and the internal combustion engine for longer journeys and highway travel. VW is also conducting its own trial of the Twin Drive system together with the German government. The company will trial a fleet of 20 Twin Drive Golfs later this year under a new scheme investigating the future of personal mobility. To ensure the cars are true zero-emissions vehicles, the electrical energy required to charge the batteries under the trial will be generated from renewable resources such as wind and hydro power. Both companies expect to have the first production models ready for public sale around 2014.2008 Volkswagen Twin Drive ConceptVolkswagen Golf Mark VI TwinDriveSeat Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive plug-in hybrid Read More
  • Seat launches Leon Linea R hot hatch

    Seat launches Leon Linea R hot hatch The Seat Leon hatch is in the midst of its second generation, with a facelift expected early next year. The all-new Linea R version of the car has come early, however, featuring a range of engines and a fresher design.

    Two four-cylinder petrol engines - a 1.8L rated at 160hp (119kW) and a 2.0L 200hp (149kW) - complement a single 2.0L TDI diesel engine rated at 170hp (126kW). Fitted only with a manual gearbox, the TDI version is the fuel miser of the group, managing 39.2mpg (6L/100km). The two petrol engines are more performance-minded. Even the smaller 1.8L engine manages 0-62pmh (100km/H) acceleration in 8.0 seconds, but the larger 2.0 TSI... The Seat Leon hatch is in the midst of its second generation, with a facelift expected early next year. The all-new Linea R version of the car has come early, however, featuring a range of engines and a fresher design. Two four-cylinder petrol engines - a 1.8L rated at 160hp (119kW) and a 2.0L 200hp (149kW) - complement a single 2.0L TDI diesel engine rated at 170hp (126kW). Fitted only with a manual gearbox, the TDI version is the fuel miser of the group, managing 39.2mpg (6L/100km). The two petrol engines are more performance-minded. Even the smaller 1.8L engine manages 0-62pmh (100km/H) acceleration in 8.0 seconds, but the larger 2.0 TSI engine achieves the same speed in a 10% quicker 7.2 seconds when equipped with the dual-clutch DSG gearbox. The primary visual updates include a new set of 18" 'Supercopa' wheels with five sets of double spokes. Chromed door mirrors and logo-bearing door sills and B pillars complete the Linea R package from the side-view. At the rear, the lift-gate spoiler and rear bumper give the car a unique look. The honeycomb grille up front bears the Leon look. A stainless steel exhaust modeled after the sound of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) racers built on the Leon platform gives the car sound to match its looks. Inside, aluminum sport pedals, a leather steering wheel and Seat sport gear knob carry the sporting feeling from the outside. Well-bolstered and snug front seats provide the support needed for enthusiastic driving. A full range of safety features, including ABS and ESP are fitted as standard, plus airbags and traction control. The Leon Linea R is available now for the Spanish market, joining the FR version at the sporty end of the Leon lineup, though neither approach the hardcore levels of the limited edition Leon 'Copa'.Seat Leon Linea R hatchback Read More
  • Seat updating Leon hatch with mild facelift

    Seat updating Leon hatch with mild facelift Seat has released details for its facelifted Leon, which you can read about by clicking here.

    The second-generation Seat Leon hatch has only been in production for a little over three years but a heavily disguised prototype spied testing in Germany recently confirms that an updated model is in the works.

    The Spanish carmaker is currently undergoing a model renaissance with several new models in the works, including the recently revealed Ibiza family, Exeo sport sedan and upcoming Tribu SUV. Common to all three models is Seat’s new family face, which the carmaker will also apply to its Leon hatch next year.

    Expected to be unveiled... Seat has released details for its facelifted Leon, which you can read about by clicking here. The second-generation Seat Leon hatch has only been in production for a little over three years but a heavily disguised prototype spied testing in Germany recently confirms that an updated model is in the works. The Spanish carmaker is currently undergoing a model renaissance with several new models in the works, including the recently revealed Ibiza family, Exeo sport sedan and upcoming Tribu SUV. Common to all three models is Seat’s new family face, which the carmaker will also apply to its Leon hatch next year. Expected to be unveiled at next year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the facelifted Leon will likely pick up a new set of bumpers, revised head and taillights, and a slightly updated interior. The technology underneath the new sheet-metal should remain largely untouched, although several updated Volkswagen Group engines may be offered with the new model. Expect to see the current lineup carry over, however, with the same four-cylinder petrol engines delivering between 85 and 240hp, plus the same 90, 105, 140 and 170hp diesel offerings.2010 Seat Leon facelift Read More