What's the news?
SEAT brought along its new Leon ST - that's estate to you and me - to the Frankfurt Motor Show. The third variant of the all-new Leon loses little in the style stakes despite its increase in size and is easily the best looking estate in the current Volkswagen Group portfolio.
The ST will also be available across the S, SE and the sporty FR trim lines. It will use the same range of engines as the hatchback ranging, in petrol terms, from a 105hp 1.2 TSI unit up to a 180hp 1.8-litre option, while the diesel range will start off with a 105hp 1.6 TDI unit and top out at the 2.0-litre unit, which will come in both 150hp and a range-topping 184hp version. The latter should prove to be a genuine rival to the recently launched Skoda Octavia vRS.
Those that will need to carry big loads will like the Leon ST thanks to its 587-litre boot, which can easily be expanded to a total carrying capacity of 1,470 litres. Adding further to the appeal of the ST version is the fact that it will command a premium of just £825 over the five-door Leon.
Anything else?
Prices for the Leon ST will start off at £16,675 for the 1.2-litre TSI version in the entry 'S' trim level while the better equipped SE will cost £17,795. Those looking to opt for a diesel will see prices kick off at £18,375 for the 1.6-litre S version. Meanwhile, at the other end of the price scale, a 2.0-litre 184hp Leon ST FR will cost £23,380.
Dave Humphreys - 12 Sep 2013