Test drive updated Seat Leon with new infotainment system

Four years after the current generation, the Seat Leon has undergone a facelift that will lead to a model change in about three years.

The mask is new (the grille is four centimeters wider), the headlights are new, the bumpers are new, and, of course, the rejuvenation was done by the Seat Leon, which received the latest infotainment system. This means an eight-inch LCD touchscreen that also replaced some of the previous model's physical buttons and switches, excellent smartphone connectivity (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), wireless charging for them, and the ability to control voice commands - while the phone is connected to car external antenna.

In addition to the latest infotainment system, the Leon has also received a fresh package (standard and optional) of assistive systems. Help in traffic should be highlighted. This is available in Leons, which are equipped with Heading Assist and Active Cruise Control, as it integrates the two and thus automatically drives in traffic jams at speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.

Of course, there is no shortage of automatic emergency braking (Front Assist), also in the city, as well as pedestrian recognition, road sign recognition (

There are no major changes in the drive technology. Leon is available with five diesel power units (1.6 and 2.0 TD with 90, 110, 115, 150 and 184 horsepower), and the new product is a 115-horsepower diesel with Start-Stop system. When it comes to gasoline, customers can choose from six different engines, including the 1,4-liter TGI, which can run on gasoline or natural gas. The petrol novelty is a three-liter 115 "horsepower" engine (combined with a six-speed manual transmission), which can satisfy most of the needs of less demanding customers, while (on paper) boasts low performance. consumption and emissions. The 1,4-liter TSI is available in 125, 150 or 180 horsepower versions.

The new Leon will appear in our showrooms in January, and from December it will be possible to order it in advance. Prices? Compared to the current ones, they will be slightly higher, of course, due to the richer serial (especially safe) equipment.

X for Xcellence

While the light off-road version of Leon's X-Pereience is being treated by Seat as a standalone model, Leon has been given another version of the X, this time the Xcellence – but in this case it's just an equipment package that will join the already well-known Reference , Styling and French. . This is an option that is more exclusive and prestigious than the FR sports equipment that stands next to it. You'll recognize it from the chrome around the windows and on the mask, the more upmarket materials and multicolored ambient lighting, and the Xcellence-badged sills (of course). The list of additional equipment also includes a smart key, LED headlights, an improved audio system ...

text: Dusan Lukic · photo: factory