Seat delivers a new X-PERIENCE, the latestes Leon comes with 4WD and exceptional figures.

• Permanent four-wheel drive and all-road equipment
• 2.0 TDI engine with 150 and 184 PS
• Robust, elegant design with premium interior
• State-of-the-art ACC with Front Assist and SEAT Drive Profile

The new SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE, with permanent four-wheel drive and all-road equipment, offers driving fun wherever you may choose to go. The newest member of the successful Leon line-up combines emotional design with state-of-the-art technology, together with optimum usability and surprising versatility. With an exceptionally high level of performance and safety, the latest-generation all-wheel drive and a full array of state-of-the-art assistance systems, the Leon X-PERIENCE is offered with 2.0 TDI 150PS and 184PS outputs.

The new Leon X-PERIENCE completes SEAT’s highly successful Leon range. Alongside the dynamic two-door Leon SC, the elegant five-door Leon, the versatile Leon ST estate and the high-performance Leon Cupra, the Leon X-PERIENCE is the perfect companion for a varied and active lifestyle.

“The new Leon X-PERIENCE interprets our emotional design language in a whole new way. This functional aesthetic, this elegant robustness and safety shows an openness to new ideas. We maintain the youthful spirit with a distinctive feel for the practical things in life” says Jürgen Stackmann, President of SEAT S.A. “The Leon X-PERIENCE is the perfect fit for SEAT. As the next step in our brand strategy, it will expand and consolidate the great success achieved by the Leon.”

Alongside the latest-generation TDI engines and permanent all-wheel drive with intelligent, electronic control, the Leon ST X-PERIENCE boasts all-road suspension with extra ground clearance. A distinctive off-road look and individual interior offer an added dimension of driving fun, together witha wide array of ultra-modern technologies. These include a four-wheel EDS dynamic control system (electronic differential locks on both axles), an extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), an electronic stability programme and a multi-collision brake system delivering maximum safety.

Further optional hi-tech features include full-LED headlights, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with City Emergency Brake function, drowsiness detection and lane-keeping assistant.

“On tarmac or gravel, in sun, rain or snow – with its all-wheel drive, the Leon X-PERIENCE takes it all in its stride, demonstrating its superb dynamics on all types of road with absolutely no negative impact on either comfort or usability. Emotional driving fun and exceptional usability – this is where the customer finds both,”says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. “The Leon X-PERIENCE also offers outstanding safety in all situations, thanks to its superb traction, excellent brakes and integrated assistance systems that extend all the way to ACC adaptive cruise control with Front Assist and emergency braking function.”

The highly acclaimed design language of the Leon family has been further accentuated for the X-PERIENCE. Sharp lines provide the all-road estate with a stunning appearance of energy and vitality. The dynamic silhouette is long and graceful, yet the Leon X-PERIENCE offers the full spectrum of usability for work and leisure, family and sport. The luggage compartment offers a carrying capacity of 587 litres, which extends to as much as 1,470 litres with the rear-seats folded down.

The Leon X-PERIENCE derives its own distinct character from the robust protection moulding on the door sills and wheel arches. The powerful front end is adorned with substantial air intakes and integrated fog lamps with cornering light function, plus the front spoiler with its aluminium-look. The rear end, too, is distinguished by its new bumper with an aluminium-look insert and by the chrome tailpipes, which are standard on the 2.0 TDI 184 PS. The large wheel arches can accommodate 17-inch or optional 18-inch wheels in a dedicated five-twin-spoke design. The roof rails are finished in black.

Premium interior

The Leon X-PERIENCE emphasises its premium position within the Leon family with its unique trim. In the interior, new materials, attention to detail and a combination of strong colours give this car more personality. It offers the black and grey sporty elegance of high-quality fabric upholstery, as well as the option of brown Alcantara or all-black leather seats.

The X-PERIENCE logo adorns the door sills and steering wheel, while orange stitching accentuates the adventurous spirit and youthfulness of this car, which can be both serious and fun.

“The Leon X-PERIENCE expands the possibilities of everyday life. We also wanted it to have a look that combined premium elegance with sporty dynamism” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design.

Power with Efficiency – the engines

The dynamic character of the Leon X-PERIENCE is perfectly matched with two TDI engines that are as gutsy as they are efficient, plus a six-speed manual transmission. The common-rail four-cylinder units produce 150 PS and 184 PS. The standard fit Start/Stop System and Energy Recover System are key elements of the efficiency package.

The top engine is the 2.0 TDI with 184 PS. With its maximum torque of 380 Nm and DSG transmission as standard, it delivers enormous dynamism that is only partially conveyed by its acceleration time of 7.1 seconds from 0 to 62mph and its top speed of 139mph. The engine declares its efficiency with a combined fuel consumption figure of 55.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of 133 grams per kilometre.

The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS, 320 Nm of torque and six-speed manual transmission also provides effective propulsion for the Leon X-PERIENCE, boasting a fuel consumption figure of 57.6mpg (CO₂: 126 g/km).

Latest-generation drive system

The permanent all-wheel drive in the new Leon ST X-PERIENCE is among the most modern and efficient systems of its kind in the world. SEAT uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control – a fifth-generation Haldex clutch. It reacts extremely quickly to all conceivable drive input, thus delivering a considerable benefit in active safety and dynamics.

In the interests of axle-load distribution, the clutch is positioned at the end of the prop shaft in front of the rear-axle differential. Inside is a multi-plate package running in an oil bath. The metal friction rings are ordered in pairs one behind the other – one ring of each pair is permanently meshed with the clutch cage, which rotates with the prop shaft. The other ring rotates with the drive shaft to the rear-axle differential.

In normal operation, the clutch transmits most of the engine power to the front wheels. Should their traction decrease, the torque is diverted smoothly and in a matter of a few milliseconds to the rear. A piston presses the multi-plate pack together to reach the necessary oil pressure. The new generation of the clutch no longer requires a pressure accumulator, making it considerably more compact and 1.4 kg lighter than the same part in preceding generations.

Dynamism and Safety

The carefully balanced running gear reinforces the dynamic character of the new Leon ST. The springs smoothly master all surface irregularities, while the steering delivers calm and refined directionality, as well as excellent feedback.

Compared with the Leon ST, the X-PERIENCE stands around 15 millimetres higher, giving it that much more ground clearance. Up front is a MacPherson-strut suspension layout with subframe. The Leon X-PERIENCE responds spontaneously and precisely to steering input, mastering all manner of corners with calm stability. At the rear is a four-link suspension that handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently from one another. Shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately – a solution that delivers exceptionally fine response characteristics. The brake system on the new SEAT Leon X-PERIENCE is likewise a match for tough tasks.

SEAT Drive Profile enables the driver to vary the characteristics of the power steering, throttle control and the DSG transmission in three modes – eco, comfort and sport. There is also an individual setting. In addition, SEAT Drive Profile incorporates a sound actuator close to the engine to provide an even more refined engine tone.

The Leon X-PERIENCE is available to order from September and will reach UK showrooms later in 2014.

(end)

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in more than 75 countries. In 2012 SEAT had a total turnover exceeding six billion euros, with overall deliveries amounting to 321,000 units.

SEAT Group employs 14,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona − Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. Additionally, the company produces the Alhambra in Palmela (Portugal), the Mii in Bratislava (Slovakia) and the Toledo in Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) at Volkswagen Group plants. 

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub’, bringing together close to 1,000 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of _CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-use of resources.

SEAT UK enjoyed a tremendous year in 2013, selling 45,312 cars and achieving a 2.0% market share – both company records.  

Golf Sportsvan Concept will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show as a precursor to the Golf Plus

• Golf Sportsvan Concept will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show
• Successor to the Golf Plus now uses MQB platform and new technologies
• New name is unlikely to be used in the UK when sales start in mid-2014
• Versatile rear seating system allows leg- or luggage-space to be optimised

Volkswagen has today revealed the first images of the Golf Sportsvan Concept, the successor to the Golf Plus, which will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) on Tuesday.

The new model is based, like the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback, on the MQB platform, and incorporates all the advanced technology of that car, but in a larger, even more practical body style.  Its exterior design clearly follows the look of both the Golf, and Volkswagen’s more generic ‘DNA’.

At 4,338 mm long, the new Sportsvan is 134 mm longer than the Golf Plus, and 83 mm longer than the Golf.  It is 224 mm shorter than the Golf Estate.  Its 2,685 mm wheelbase is 48 mm longer than that of the Golf, helping to generate more interior space, while the Sportsvan is also 80 mm wider, at 1,870 mm, and 126 mm higher, at 1,578 mm (excluding roof rails).  Inside, the rear seats (60:40 split bench) can slide forwards and backwards by up to 180 mm, to increase either passenger or luggage space as required.

As well as this versatility, the Golf Sportsvan also offers extra space.  Compared with that of its predecessor, boot capacity is increased by 74 litres to 498 litres (versus the Golf’s 380 litres), with the back seats at their rear-most position.  Moving the rear seats forwards increases the luggage capacity to 585 litres, while folding the rear seats liberates up to 1,512 litres of room.  The front passenger seat can optionally fold fully forward, creating a load space which is up to 2,484 mm long.

Like the Golf hatchback, the Sportsvan comes not only with a stronger, safer body structure but also a raft of standard and optional passive and active safety systems.  These include an automatic post-collision braking system which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to reduce kinetic energy significantly and thus minimise the chance of a second impact, and a PreCrash system which, on detecting the possibility of an accident, pre-tensions seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof, leaving just a small gap, to ensure the best possible protection from the airbags.

Other electronic aids include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking, all of which can reduce or eliminate the chance of accidents occurring.  Also available are a Driver Alert System, a camera-operated Lane Assist system and a Dynamic Light Assist system.

A first for the Golf Sportsvan is a Blind Spot Monitor, with an assistant for exiting parking spaces.  This monitors the area behind and to the sides of the vehicle, ensuring easier and safer egress when reversing from a parking bay.

Powering the Sportsvan will be a range of petrol and diesel engines, all of which conform to Euro 6 emissions standards and incorporate Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.  There are four turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines with 85, 110, 125 and 150 PS and three turbodiesels: a 2.0-litre 150 PS, a 1.6-litre 90 PS and a 1.6-litre 110 PS for the Sportsvan BlueMotion.  This is expected to return fuel economy of 76.3 mpg and emit 95 g/km of CO2.  All engines (but the 85 PS) can be ordered with a DSG gearbox.

The Golf Sportsvan is expected to go on sale in the UK in mid-2014.  It will not use the Sportsvan name in the UK; naming will be confirmed closer to launch.

New SEAT Sports Tourer (ST) expands the Leon range with style and versatility.

• First pictures of the all-new SEAT Leon ST estate
• Based on the new third-generation Leon, it is the first ever Leon estate car 
• Combines stunning looks with outstanding practicality
• 587-litre boot stretches to a huge 1,470 litres
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and Progressive Steering added to Leon technology

SEAT today unveils the all-new Leon ST. It becomes the third member of the new Leon family, which now comprises five-door hatchback, three-door SC and five-door ST estate.

Its luggage space offers an impressive level of versatility and superb functionality, down to the tiniest detail, and like the rest of the Leon range, the Leon ST features excellent workmanship and premium materials. In every way, the Leon ST follows the emotional SEAT design language of the five-door and SC versions, and its handling is just as precise and dynamic.

And with the debut of the Leon ST, SEAT is expanding the extensive line-up of hi-tech options already available with the model, introducing Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) damper adjustment, and Progressive Steering.

The optional Dynamic Pack, including DCC and Progressive Steering, enables a high degree of control under sporty driving conditions.

“Nobody has to choose anymore between sporty and practical. The new Leon ST offers both,” says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. “With its sporty look, its surprisingly high utility and its state-of-the-art technology, the Leon ST defines a new standard in the compact estate car class – at a very fair price. Like the already highly successful Leon and Leon SC, the new ST is the perfect representative of SEAT’s brand values.”

Dynamic and efficient engines

Alongside achieving a distinctly sporty look, exceptional efficiency was very high up the list of priorities in the development of the SEAT Leon ST. The fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres and output from 105 PS to 184 PS, all feature direct injection and turbocharging.

The engine range available for the Leon SC is the same as that for the five-door and SC versions. All have Start/Stop and Energy Recovery systems, from the 1.2 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel, right up to the most powerful 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI units.

The 1.2 TSI 105 PS engine returns an impressive 57.6 mpg, while the state-of-the-art 1.4 TSI 140 PS runs it very close, with a 53.3 mpg average figure. At the top of the petrol line-up is the 1.8 TSI engine, available in FR trim only, delivering 180 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

The entry level diesel model is the 1.6 TDI with 105 PS and a strong 250 Nm of torque. The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS and 320 Nm of torque provides powerful propulsion, yet with the Start/Stop and Energy Recovery, it manages to emit just 106 g/km CO2 and return 68.9 mpg.

A sporty highlight is the 2.0 TDI with 184 PS and 380 Nm of torque – another FR exclusive – which achieves an awesome 65.7 miles on average per gallon of fuel used.

Systematic lightweight design

The impressive fuel economy figures are not only the result of efficient engines, but of systematic lightweight design. In the base version, the Leon ST weighs in at just 1,233 kg, making it a mere 45 kg heavier than the five-door Leon and the lightest estate in its class. Nevertheless, the ST offers a host of functional equipment details that significantly benefit everyday usability. The rear seat backrests are extremely easy to fold down from the luggage compartment, while the double floor makes the boot very easy to load and unload. The passenger-seat backrest can be folded over to accommodate especially long items.

“We have achieved a perfect suspension setup which combines comfort and agility,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development. “Starting with the Leon ST, DCC together with further advanced driver assistance systems are available now for the whole family.”

Unique design language

The much applauded design language of the Leon range has been further accentuated for the ST. Here, too, sculpted lines along the sides deliver a thrilling interplay of light and shade. The estate also features the same sharp lines and precise edges that communicate energy and vitality. The rear end, extended by 27 cm, provides an indication of the generous load space, while the angled rear windscreen, gently rounded roofline and muscular shoulders all emphasise the dynamic driving pleasure. The Leon ST is 4.54 metres long.

The technical elegance of the Leon ST is further accentuated by the optional full-LED headlights in combination with LED rear lights.

“At SEAT Design, we believe that dynamic character does not have to suffer at the hands of functionality. The new Sport Tourer adds a whole new dimension to the Leon family – the dynamic silhouette looks taut and elegant, yet the Leon ST offers full utility for both work and leisure, for family and sport,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of SEAT Design. “The Leon ST is simply unique in its FR variant. With its expressively sporty design front and rear, it brings new meaning to the term sports estate.”

Adaptive Chassis Control and Adaptive Cruise Control

The well-balanced chassis makes the Leon ST brilliantly dynamic to drive. The finely tuned steering rack provides excellent feedback, while the suspension smoothly masters all manner of road surface irregularities.

For FR versions, SEAT is offering a new Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) system with three different driving modes that can be selected via the SEAT Drive Profile. DCC is an additional function to the SEAT Drive Profile system already standard with FR-specification Leon models, adjusting the damper settings depending on the mode that Drive Profile is switched to.

In “Sport” mode, the Leon ST is even more agile, while the estate is noticeably more comfortable in the “Comfort” setting of the DCC system, selectable within the Drive Profile’s “Eco” or “Individual” modes. The optional Dynamic Pack includes DCC and Progressive Steering, which reduces steering effort when parking, while at the same time improving handling with more direct steering characteristics on winding roads.

New to the driver assistance systems for the SEAT Leon is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The radar-based system maintains the specified speed and a pre-set distance, automatically accelerating and decelerating in flowing traffic. The speed can be set within a range from 19 mph to 99 mph. ACC works with manual transmissions and DSG alike.

State-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems

When it comes to driver assistance and infotainment solutions, the new SEAT Leon ST is fully up-to-the-minute. Safety technology includes Multi-Collision Brake, Tiredness Recognition and Lane Assist, while the SEAT Easy Connect infotainment operating system is an intuitive way of controlling entertainment and communication. Easy Connect includes a standard colour touch-screen and full Bluetooth phone and music connectivity.