Next Seat Leon will get hybrid and electric versions

The Leon has always been Seat’s most successful model and it seems the same thing may be said with the next generation. According to rumors circulating today, Seat will use the next Leon as the guinea pig to offer its first hybrid and electric cars. Not a surprising statement considering the ties Seat has with Volkswagen and its Golf model. The Seat Leon was based off the VW Golf and with the Golf entering the world of electric mobility, it would be an easy transition for the Leon to make.

Seat is currently testing the first plug-in hybrid version of the Leon, known as Twin Drive, and a production version will follow in 2012 when this next Leon will be revealed. The Spanish manufacturer is also preparing an electric version that is rumored to use the same drivetrain as the IBE concept. This concept operates in a lithium-ion battery which works in conjunction with the drive motor and power electronics.

As for the design for the next generation Leon, it will be inspired by the IBE concept’s short, low, and wide shape. It will be offered in three and five-door hatchback variants, with a station wagon version also being a possibility.