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LEON HATCH TO STAR ON SEAT STAND AT LONDON SHOW |
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(07 October 1999 - SEAT UK press release)
London’s last Motor Show of the millennium is to host the British debut of the first car in SEAT’s history with 180 bhp, four-wheel-drive and six-speed transmission. Britain’s first glimpse of the exciting new high-performance SEAT León at Earls Court with 142 mph performance marks a fresh milestone for the fast advancing, Barcelona-based car maker in the UK. |
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An important new contender in the European market’s largest volume segment, the new model is seen as ‘the missing link ’ in the fast expanding SEAT range. At 4.184 metres long, the SEAT León hatchback is ideally suited to its sector by combining coupe-like styling with the comfort of a saloon and the functional advantage of five doors. In the UK SEAT is readying a wide eight-model range spanning 1.4-litres and 75 bhp up to its high performance 180bhp turbocharged out-and-out sports version. There will be a choice of two diesel units as well as a 1.6-litre 100bhp version. Prices are predicted to range from around £12,000 up to £18,000 when the range goes on UK sale next year. The new León, named after the historic Castilian city in Northern Spain, is ready to compete head-on in Europe’s most highly competitive segment. By combining a range of key strengths, the distinctively styled León also offers the sporting character of a coupe, as well as the practicality and comfort of a family saloon in a well proportioned hatchback. The León is exactly the right size to combine a range of sporting yet practical uses while offering the exceptional handling and refinement qualities that are making the emerging SEAT brand such a success in 62 countries world wide. |
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From its UK launch next spring, the León range will be available in four trim levels to satisfy a wide variety of buyers. Continuing the established SEAT advantage of a generous standard equipment list the SEAT León is to feature Climatronic (electronically controlled air conditioning); a satellite navigation system; ABS anti-lock brakes; traction control, electronic stability and anti-skid controls. Also standard according to model will be four airbags; electric retractable door mirrors; rain sensing windscreen wipers and a sound system with independent earphones for back seat passengers. |
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In Europe, a choice of seven engines will range from the fuel efficient 68 bhp 1.9 SDi to the new star, the potent 180 bhp 1.8 20 V Turbo, the most powerful engine ever offered in a production SEAT which, in the sport model, is mated to six-speed manual transmission. The León also becomes the fastest ever SEAT with a top speed of 142 mph. The diesel range is to include a 90 hp 1.9 TDi, as well as the 110 hp engine. There is also a choice of a 75 bhp 1.4 16V unit, 100 bhp 1.6 and a 125 bhp 1.8 20V to complete the range of petrol engines.
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