What's the news?
The new SEAT Leon SC goes on sale later this month with prices starting from £15,315 - £300 less than the equivalent five-door version. Three trim levels comprising of S, SE and FR will be available to order, as will a host of petrol and diesel engines.
Exterior
Compared with the five-door Leon, SEAT has given the SC a shorter wheelbase, a redesigned back end and flared wheelarches. Top spec FR models come with restyled bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, a twin chrome exhaust outlet and LED lighting at the back. Buyers can also specify LED headlamps as an optional extra.
Interior
Every Leon SC comes with sports front seats, as well as a touchscreen infotainment system with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Upgrading to SE adds leather and chrome detailing, ambient interior lighting and cruise control, while top of the range FR versions gain upgraded, embossed seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.
Mechanicals
Three petrol engines and two diesel units are available from launch. The entry level 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit delivers 105hp whilst managing to return 57.6mpg. The engine of choice is likely to be the 1.6-litre diesel engine though as it still produces 105hp, but emits less than 100g/km of CO2 and achieves an impressive 74.3mpg.
At the other end of the scale, the most powerful 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine produces 180hp; while the range-topping 2.0-litre diesel manages 64.2mpg and a 150hp output. Both manual and DSG automatic gearboxes can also be specified across the engine range.
Anything else?
Order books open for the SEAT Leon SC on 15th April with first deliveries expected in July. SEAT is offering 14 variations of the model in terms of specification, engine and gearbox from launch - with prices topping off at £22,280.
The launch of the Leon SC comes ahead of the ST estate model that is expected early next year.
James Giddings - 3 Apr 2013