The phrase aftermarket body kits are synonymous with Vauxhall Novas with poorly fitting body panels and exhausts notes that come with a free ASBO. Not so in the boardroom of this Latin carmaker. SEAT picked the 2006 Autosport International Show to preview the new SEAT Leon factory-approved styling kit.
The show car, finished in Lunar Grey livery, featured re-styled front and rear bumpers with eye-catching vertical black grilles at each corner that add real definition. Striking 18-inch rims and lower side skirts give the car an appearance of sitting lower; however, the springs haven't been tampered with. A rear spoiler (and what body kit would be complete without one) and a centrally located oval tailpipe put the finishing touches to the look.
SEAT prides itself on being a young brand aimed at a youthful market. With the provocative SEAT Leon FR and Cupra accounting for over 45% of sales of the previous generation Leon, it is certainly striking a cord with the hot hatch fans out there. And let's be honest, there is a bit of that still left in most of us. So, if you still fancy your SEAT Leon with a little extra auto-emocion without having to ask the local body shop to re-mount your mum's ironing board on your boot then look no further.
Expect to pay between £1,200 for a basic styling kit up to £2,500 plus VAT for the full package, available from February onwards.
Paul Wilkinson - 24 Jan 2006