New Hybrid Leon secures SEAT's future

Spanish brand SEAT has been lurking in Cupra's shadow, but new investment will mean new cars

- Alastair Crooks

WITH Cupra going from strength to strength thanks to a seemingly never-ending suite of new model launches, it seemed like the Volkswagen Group was quietly shuffling SEAT off to retirement. But during a presentation at the delayed media launch of the facelifted Ibiza, SEAT bosses finally addressed mounting questions about its future.

Alongside the announcement that the Ibiza and Arona will get mild-hybrid powertrains in 2027, SEAT also revealed the slow-selling fourth-generation Leon will gain a new electrified engine in 2028 - ahead of an even bigger update in 2029.

That new powertrain will be the full-hybrid system set to appear in the second-generation T-Roc next summer. We already know the setup will comprise a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor mounted to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. It'll be offered with a choice of power outputs: 134bhp or 167bhp.