2009 Seat Leon

Press release

The new SEAT León range is one of the most complete to be found on the market. The total launch offer includes 19 different versions with nine different engines, five petrol and four Diesel, four different gearboxes (five and six-speed manual, and six and seven-speed DSG), and three trim levels – Reference, Style and Sport, in addition to a new entry version and the sportiest FR model. In future the powerful CUPRA version will join the long list which is currently available.

The SEAT León 2009 is available with a broad equipment list as standard. The entry-level version features the 85 hp 1.4 and 90 hp 1.9 TDI engines, with elements such as ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, head airbag, passenger airbag disconnection, 15 inch steel rims, 195/65 tyres, rear Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, heated door mirrors, tinted glass, double headlights and anti-theft roof aerial, among others.

The next step up on the León range is the Reference trim level, which builds on the entry version with trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux in, low tyre pressure warning, air conditioning, body colour door mirrors and handles; while the Style version features Reference equipment plus the following elements – cornering foglights, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, leather gearknob, rear power windows, cruise control, electric heated parking position door mirrors, Coming Home, chrome inside door handles, climate control, combined USB + Aux in connection, height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar control, 16” ‘Enea’ alloy rims, 205/55 tyres and visible twin tailpipe on versions with 140 hp or higher engines.

The sportiest versions of the new SEAT León 2009 feature the Sport and FR trim levels. Sport adds dark glass, sport seats with specific upholstery, sport suspension, 17” ‘Aroa’ alloy rims and 225/45 tyres to the already complete equipment line-up of the Style version, while the new León FR builds on Sport with XDS, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with the FR logo, leather gearknob with the FR logo, 2 additional speakers, volumetric alarm with back-up battery, 17” ‘Albea’ alloy rims, 225/45 tyres and silver colour door mirrors.

Long list of optional elements

Depending on each trim level, the complete standard equipment list for the new SEAT León 2009 can be increased thanks to a broad choice of optional elements.

The Lifestyle Plus package is available on the Reference trim level, which includes cornering foglights, 16 inch alloy rims, steering wheel controls, heated door mirrors, sports seats with specific upholstery and sports suspension.

Two further interesting packages are Technology and Technology Plus, which are available on the Style, Sport and FR versions. The Technology package includes light sensors, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and two extra speakers; while the Technology Plus package includes dual xenon headlights + AFS, daylight driving lights, SEAT Mediasystem navigation system, Bluetooth and front parking sensors with parking optics. This package is exclusively associated to the Technology package.

The Style trim level is available with the Sport and Sport Plus packages, which include alloy rims (17 inch with the Sport package and 18 inch with the Sport Plus package), specific upholstery, sports suspension, sport seats and dark glass. The Sport Plus package is also available on the Sport trim level, but with 18 inch rims as standard equipment.

Still on the topic of rims, optional 16 inch “Elio” alloy rims are available on the Reference trim level (as standard on the 125 hp 1.4 TSI engine); 17 inch “Agra” rims on Style and 18 inch “Draco” rims on Sport. Finally, 18 inch “Iberia” rims are available on the sporty FR version.

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Design

The new personality of the SEAT León 2009 makes it an even sportier, more economical car. The character traits of the previous model were already highly popular, but this is an even more attractive car, and comes in the wake of the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles won last year at the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

The new SEAT León’s tell-tale features are immediately visible at the front and rear of the car, and its side view is enhanced by the newly designed rims and new door mirrors. But there are also several changes on the inside and in the passenger compartment that make the new León a much more enticing model.

Its new design combines elegant flowing lines with straighter geometrical shapes which enhance the sporty image that is characteristic of the brand’s products. The front end sports a newly designed grille with a smaller SEAT brand logo and a more stylish chrome surround. The new front bumper is straighter, and houses the trapezoidal ventilation slats casing. The larger headlights are also new, making the front end of the León look much sharper and wider.

But perhaps a look at the rear provides a better view of the tell-tale identity traits of the new León. The broader rear window stretches entirely across the newly designed hatch and also provides much better visibility. The remaining elements are also new, and include the light clusters, the smaller brand logo and the bumper.

The choice of body colours has been revised, favouring the addition of new shades such as nimbus grey. Customers can also choose among the spectacular custom colours which include kiwi (reminiscent of the SEAT Ibiza Kit Car rally winner), lumina orange, speed blue and furia grey.

It is quite clear the new SEAT León is a cut above in terms of exterior design, and equally importantly, the quality of its manufacturing and the materials used. There are highly precise fitting body parts and, on the inside, the brand’s quality is guaranteed thanks to the continuous improvement of all processes.

A world of difference on the inside

The numerous new features on the SEAT León 2009 are readily seen on the outside, but the interior also features a world of difference. Modifications have been made to the steering wheel, the controls, instrument cluster, central console and seats, making the sportier-looking cockpit and passenger compartment much more modern and sophisticated, and increasing comfort for both driver and occupants.

The multi-function steering wheel and column have been completely redesigned. The four controls are now easier to use, as are the lights mechanism and the Climatic system, and are embellished in galena silver to match the steering wheel. The same silver colour is found on the ventilation bezels, except on the entry-level and Reference versions, which feature a combination of cometa grey and persia black.

Customers can also choose the light colours featuring a cornsilk shade. The spectacular new colour kibo grey (similar to anthracite) predominates on the FR version.

All the León versions feature new upholstery, and besides the optional black leather, customers can also choose a new combination of black and cognac colour leather, while the Sport and FR versions are optionally available with a stunning combination of fabric and red or silver-grey alcantara.

The central console houses the hazard warning light controls, and besides the ESP disconnection, with a new pictogram, there is a new row of buttons for the parking sensor disconnection.

The instrument cluster is also completely new. Now it is backlit with white LEDs and is self-regulating, meaning the brightness varies according to the light in the passenger compartment. And on the sporty new León FR, the car’s name badge lights up on the instrument panel when the lights are turned on.

There are two kinds of instrument dials depending on the equipment level. The models without Bluetooth have LCD, while the ones that do, have TFT. This last combination also includes arrow guidance when satellite navigation is specified, as well as instant information on driving speed in a digital format.

The ECOMOTIVE version, some of the models equipped with the common rail engine, and some of the petrol-powered models also include the recommended gear selection display, with an arrow that indicates when to change gear to achieve a more economical and ecological ride. Finally, the new radio, navigation and climate control systems all contribute to the new interior looks of the SEAT León 2009.

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Engines

The arrival of common rail Diesel technology, the addition of the 211 hp 2.0 TSI petrol engine and the introduction of the seven-speed DSG gearbox are the main mechanical upgrades found on the SEAT León range. But the model line-up is very broad, and customers can choose among five petrol and four Diesel engines, all of which have undergone considerable modifications to provide better performance and fuel consumption figures, and lower emission levels. As well, other improvements include a 15% decrease in engine noise.

The 16V 1.4 entry-level petrol engine has four cylinders and 1,390 cc that develop 85 hp (63 kW), and its maximum torque is 132 Nm at 3,800 rpm. It is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and it consumes 6.9 litres on average for every 100 km, with 154 g/km of CO2.

Next on the petrol engine list is the 102 hp (75 kW) 1.6, also mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Its multi-point injection delivers a maximum torque of 148 Nm at 3,800 rpm, with an average fuel consumption figure of 7.2 l/100 km and 169 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The 125 hp (92 kW) 1.4 TSI is the first turbo-charged engine, a four-cylinder, variable geometry turbo that delivers very low fuel consumption and emission levels despite its power surge. With a torque of 200 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm, it consumes 6.2 l/100 km, with 148 g/km of CO2 emissions.

But the big news in the petrol engine line-up is the 211 hp (155 kW) 2.0 TSI FR version. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s new family of engines, which have undergone a cost reduction and provide better fuel economy without affecting performance. Greater power comes from changes to the engine management and turbo pressure, and a new oil pump controlled by the engine unit, while losses and engine weight have been reduced. Maximum torque is 280 Nm between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm, average fuel consumption is 7.3 l/100 km (on the six-speed manual version) with 170 g/km of CO2 emissions (with the manual gearbox).

Equipped with the six-speed DSG gearbox, this engine delivers a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 l/100 km and 174 g/km of CO2 emissions, complying on both accounts with the strict EU5 emissions legislation.

All the improvements introduced on the 2.0 TSI are also included on the 160 hp (118 kW) 1.8 TSI, which now features the seven-speed DSG gearbox. Equipped with this engine, the León delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, consumes an average of 6.6 l/100 km (compared to 6.8 l with the manual gearbox), with 153 g/km of CO2 emissions, compared to 159 g/km of the manual version.

Modifications made to the 160 hp 1.8 TSI engine have lowered fuel consumption by 0.6 l/km and emissions by 17 g/km compared to the former León equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Common rail Diesel engine technology

As previously mentioned, the new SEAT León is now equipped with common rail Diesel technology. This change is based on the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre, four cylinder engine that delivers 170 hp (125 kW). It features piezo-electric injectors for more precise injection, and the common rail system gives greater flexibility. The result is greater fuel economy and fewer emissions, less vibration and reduced noise levels, all with the same performance figures. Maximum torque is 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, average fuel consumption is 5.3 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km on the manual gearbox version. Customers can choose between the six-speed manual and the six-speed DSG gearboxes.

The next engine is the pump injection 140 hp (103 kW) 2.0 TDI, with a maximum torque of 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. It consumes an average of 5.6 l/100 km with emissions of 147 g/km. It comes equipped with the six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

The other Diesel engines are the 90 hp (66 kW) 1.9 TDI with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 105 hp (77 kW) 1.9 TDI with 5-speed manual or 6-speed DSG, and the 105 hp (77kW) 1.9 TDI ECOMOTIVE, with a 5-speed manual gearbox whose emissions are only 119 g/km.

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Chassis

SEAT engineers were faced with a difficult challenge when developing the chassis for the new León 2009. The performance of the previous version was so effective, it would not be easy to improve, but the result is a more comfortable ride experience with no detriment to the model’s effectiveness and agility.

SEAT technicians focused on increasing driver and passenger comfort in two aspects – changing the suspension ratings and improving the hydraulic valves, and modifying the length of the dampers. Thanks to these modifications, the León provides a more comfortable ride and maintains the excellent dynamic qualities it has always been known for.

And the reason is that the Agile Chassis concept is still fully effective on the León 2009. Its exterior dimensions perfectly combine with a generous wheel base and a front McPherson suspension system with rear Multi-link set-up, making it one of the models with the best dynamic performance in its segment.

XDS for the first time

One of the fundamental aspects behind the new SEAT León’s performance is the XDS electronic self-blocking mechanism. This system is being used for the first time on this model, but it will gradually be installed on other models in the brand’s range.

On a car equipped with a conventional differential, the mechanism on the powered shaft makes the outside wheel turn faster than the inside one when dealing with a curve. The wheel turning at a higher speed receives less torque than the other, and if the curve radius is tight and grip is low, understeer occurs, resulting in a possible accident.

Instead of adding a further mechanical element, engineers have come up with an electronic system that works in conjunction with ESP and provides the same self-blocking functions. The system brakes the wheel that loses grip, but much more smoothly. It is as effective as a mechanical self-blocking mechanism, but much smoother and does not require an additional element.

All of the improvements introduced on the new SEAT León give it better traction and put it at the top of its segment.

Equipped with Hill Hold Control

Another electronic driving aid featured on the new SEAT León range is Hill Hold Control, first seen on the latest generation SEAT Ibiza. This system prevents the car from rolling forward or back on a slope when the brake pedal is released before engaging first gear, adding comfort to city driving and parking manoeuvres.

The new SEAT León is equipped with all the available driving aids, such as ESP, ABS + TCS + EBA + EBV, while the FR version features improvements made to the brake system. Now one of the sportiest models in the range has new brake pads for smoother, more effective braking power.

Wide choice of rims

The rims and the door mirrors are the two most significant elements on the side of the SEAT León 2009. Customers can choose from a wide range of rims, including 15, 16, 17 and 18 inch versions. They all have an aggressively modern design, which adapts perfectly to the brand’s mid range model’s looks.

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Equipment

Possibly one of the most outstanding aspects on the new SEAT León range is its equipment, which is certainly top-notch for a compact model. Elements that until now had been set aside for superior categories can be found on the Spanish brand’s mid range.

The XDS system has already been mentioned, an absolute first on the SEAT range, which functions as a self-blocking mechanism using an electronic device. This system works together with ESP, which is standard across the entire range, as is ABS+TCS. The Hill Hold Control system has also been mentioned, and is optional on all models.

Complete lighting system

Several interesting additions have been made to the lighting system, such as the optional bi-xenon headlights with AFS and daytime driving lights, which will be mandatory in 2011. Cornering fog lights have also been introduced, which light up the sides when turning the steering wheel.

The parking aid system had already been available, but now it features the Integral Parking Pilot, which includes front and rear sensors. Besides, on all cars equipped with a navigator, the Optical Park System is also included, which displays any obstacle surrounding the vehicle on a screen as a visual back-up to the warning beeps.

Fingertip navigation

The new navigation system is a combination radio and satellite navigation with touch-screen and SD memory card, which also interacts with the new climate control. The screen shows information related to navigation, audio, telephone and climate control. A Diversity aerial is integrated in the rear window on those models equipped with a navigation system, complementing the roof aerial for better radio reception.

A further novelty is the possibility of connecting external audio sources with the MDI Multi Device Interface, as standard from the Style version, which gives USB or Aux connectivity in a discretely located slot with two lids. Vehicles equipped with a navigaton system also have another aux connection for MP3 or iPod devices. There is also a new unit that controls the telephone, which now has more Bluetooth functions.

Information displayed on the instrument panel

The self-regulating white LED backlit instrument panel has new features, such as arrow guidance to back up the navigation system’s indications, digital instant speed indicator and recommended gear indicator (available on the ECOMOTIVE, the common rail Diesel and some petrol-powered models), which displays the current gear engaged and recommends when to change gear to achieve more fuel efficiency.

The new instrument panel has more functions such as a new menu selection concept, additional languages, multi-function indicator, vehicle condition, telephone agenda management and display and a new automatic gear change indicator.

The new multi-function controls built into the newly-designed steering wheels can be used to set many of these functions. There are two groups of buttons on either side of the steering wheel; the ones on the left control the audio/telephone functions, and the ones on the right control the menu functions.

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Range

The new SEAT León range is one of the most complete to be found on the market. The total launch offer includes 19 different versions with nine different engines, five petrol and four Diesel, four different gearboxes (five and six-speed manual, and six and seven-speed DSG), and three trim levels – Reference, Style and Sport, in addition to a new entry version and the sportiest FR model. In future the powerful CUPRA version will join the long list which is currently available.

The SEAT León 2009 is available with a broad equipment list as standard. The entry-level version features the 85 hp 1.4 and 90 hp 1.9 TDI engines, with elements such as ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, head airbag, passenger airbag disconnection, 15-inch steel rims, 195/65 tyres, rear Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, heated door mirrors, tinted glass, double headlights and anti-theft roof aerial, among others.

Long list of optional elements

Depending on each trim level, the complete standard equipment list for the new SEAT León 2009 can be increased thanks to a broad choice of optional extras.

The Lifestyle Plus package is available on the Reference trim level, which includes cornering fog lights, 16-inch alloy rims, steering wheel controls and heated door mirrors.

Two further interesting packages are Technology and Technology Plus, which are available on the Style, Sport and FR versions. The Technology package includes light sensors, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and two extra speakers; while the Technology Plus package includes bi-xenon headlights + AFS, daylight driving lights, SEAT Mediasystem navigation system, Bluetooth and front parking sensors with parking optics. This package is exclusively associated to the Technology package.

The Style trim level is available with the Sport package, which includes 17 inch alloy rims, specific upholstery, sports suspension, sport seats and dark glass. This package is also available on the Sport trim level, but with 18 inch rims.

Still on the topic of rims, the Reference trim level is available with 16 inch “Elio” alloy rims (as standard on the 125 hp 1.4 TSI engine); 17 inch “Agra” rims on Style and 18 inch “Draco” rims on Sport. Finally, 18 inch “Iberia” rims are available on the sporty FR version.

The list of options is complete with the following elements:

• Air conditioning -optional on the entry-level version, standard on Reference-
• Radio Single CD + MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux in –optional on the entry-level version, standard on Reference, Style and Sport
• Bluetooth telephone installation + anti-theft aerial (8 speakers), with steering wheel controls -optional on all trim levels-
• SEAT Mediasystem navigaton system + Bluetooth + Dot Matrix screen + 2 extra speakers -optional on Style, Sport and FR
• Combined USB + Aux in connection - optional on Reference, standard on Style, Sport and FR
• Hill Hold Control -optional on all trim levels
• Front and rear parking sensor -optional on Style, Sport and FR
• Front and rear parking sensor with parking optics -optional on Style, Sport and FR- (requires SEAT Mediasystem navigaton system)
• Volumetric alarm with back-up battery - optional on Reference, Style and Sport, standard on FR
• Dual xenon headlights + AFS + daylight driving lights -optional on Style, Sport and FR
• Rear side airbags (thorax) -optional on Style, Sport and FR
• Electric folding door mirrors -optional on Reference, standard on Style, Sport and FR
• Rear power windows -optional on Reference, standard on Style, Sport and FR
• Cruise control -optional on Reference, standard on Style, Sport and FR
• Heated washer nozzles + headlight washers + heated front seats -optional on Reference, Style, Sport and FR
• Dark glass -optional on Reference and Style, standard on Sport and FR
• Electric sunroof -optional on Style, Sport and FR
• Metallic paint, emoción red and Custom Colour -optional on all trim levels