The new Leon launches as a five-door hatchback, looking similar to the recently refreshed Ibiza with its sculpted body lines and chevron-lined headlamps, and is available with LED-only lighting – a first in the segment. Under the body is the Volkswagen Group modular platform already in use with the new Audi A3, which will underpin the Toledo and next Golf.

Further body styles will follow, with details unconfirmed, but expect these to include an ST estate and possibly an SC three-door, marking the first time SEAT has offered different variants of the Leon.

Engines at launch will include the 1.6 TDI Ecomotive, which returns 74.3mpg and emits 99g/km. The Ecomotive range will also be extended to include the 148bhp 2.0 TDI, which returns 70.6mpg and emits 105g/km – lower of the equivalent Honda Civic which had boasted the best power to efficiency figures in its class.

Petrol engines will comprise of 1.2 and 1.4-litre TSI units with power outputs between 85bhp and 120bhp, and the Leon introduces the new 1.8 TSI with dual injectors and 178bhp to the SEAT range. The 181bhp 2.0 TDI will complete SEAT’s diesel offering.

Despite sharing a platform with the Toledo, the Leon has its own interior with a more sculpted dashboard and SEAT’s new touch screen infotainment system. The new car is 90kg lighter and 50mm shorter than its predecessor, but sits on a longer wheelbase offering more interior and boot space.

UK pricing and range information will be released closer to the Leon’s launch later this year.