What's the news?

SEAT has released the first images and details of the new Leon SC ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut. The three-door Leon SC is said to be the 'perfect embodiment of the SEAT design language' and is likely to join the five-door model in dealer showrooms this summer.

Exterior

Rather than just take out the rear doors SEAT's engineers have also made the SC shorter than its five-door brother. Thirty-five millimetres have been cut from the car's wheelbase to give the SC a sportier stance, a look heightened by the steeply raked rear window, which gives the new Leon a coupé-like profile.

Interior

Despite the sportier profile headroom is the same as in the five-door model, as too is boot space. Nothing specific has been highlighted about the interior so we expect it to follow the fit-out of the five-door with SE trim cars getting a 5.8-inch infotainment system, cruise control and electronic handbrake with hill-hold control. Range topping FR trim will likely add 17-inch alloys, tinted windows, LED rear lights and parking sensors.

Mechanicals

Powerplants for the SC model will mirror those of the Leon so we can expect to see both 1.2- and 1.4-litre TSI petrol units offering 105- and 140hp respectively while the diesel line-up will include a 150hp 2.0-litre TDI engine and a 105hp 1.6-litre TDI unit that, thanks to stop-start and energy recovery systems, will emit just 99g/km.

The range topper (at least until the arrival of the Cupra models) will be powered by a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine that delivers 180hp and 250Nm of torque.

Anything else?

Final pricing will be announced once the car receives its Geneva debut but we expect it to come in £500 cheaper than the Leon with order books opening soon after its reveal.