Celebrating 25 years of the SEAT Leon

Driver Guides 

Birthdays seem to be a bit of a thing at the moment. Much like the metaphorical buses that all turn up at once, we now have another hugely successful model celebrating a significant milestone. This time it’s the turn of Spain to organise the buffet and birthday cake so we can all mark the 25th anniversary of the SEAT Leon hatchback.

Originally launched in 1999, the SEAT Leon is now into the 4th generation of stylish design, the latest technology, and generous equipment levels all wrapped up in a practical hatchback package.

The SEAT Leon has won dozens of awards since its debut, being voted car of the year a number of times over the years. It’s also brought SEAT significant success on the race track winning consecutive World Touring Car Championships in 2008 and 2009 and managing to earn the brand the distinction of being the first manufacturer to win an official FIA world title with a diesel engine under the bonnet.

That first generation of the SEAT Leon came from the pen of one of the truly great car designers, Giorgetto Giugiaro, so it was inevitably going to hit the ground running. And the Leon is still running 25 years and 2.5 million units later.

On top of being styled by the man who has been creating iconic and beautiful cars since the 1960s, the Leon also broke new ground for SEAT being the first of the brand’s models to feature four-wheel drive to make the most of its 180bhp and six-speed gearbox.

Second generation Leon launches in 2005

The innovation continued into the second generation of the SEAT Leon that launched in 2005 sporting a bold new aerodynamic design. The sporty looks were enhanced with newly-introduced recessed rear door handles that made a 5-door look like a 3-door, and the range of efficient engines ensured the sportiness wasn’t limited to just the looks.

The best selling Leon

Its successor, the third generation SEAT Leon, was a turning point in the history of the brand with the introduction of cutting-edge technology in infotainment systems, driver safety systems, and the fact that it was the first compact car to offer full LED lighting. The combination of design and technology lead to the 3rd generation model being the best-selling Leon to date.

The fourth generation, and the SEAT Leon you can lease yourself right now, is the most technologically advanced version yet being the first 100% connected car in SEAT’s history and offered with five different powertrains including the brand’s first electric plug-in hybrid system, the e-Hybrid.

And to celebrate its 25th birthday, SEAT has also given the Leon an update to keep it fresh and contemporary.

It now features a new 1.5 e-HYBRID engine with 83 miles of electric range, it enables fast charging in just 26 minutes, and improves both safety and lighting systems, with innovative Matrix LED headlights that make it possible to drive with the high beams activated without dazzling other drivers.

The SEAT Leon has been at the top of its game for 25 years thanks to that consistent innovation across four generations. Maybe now is the time to think about leasing one for yourself.

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