SEAT Leon gets enhanced PHEV power

SEAT is bridging the gap between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles with a longer-range plug-in hybrid.

The Leon eHybrid has a bigger engine (a 1.5-litre petrol compared to the previous 1.4-litre unit) and a larger 19.7kWh battery, giving it a zero-emission range of 62 miles and faster charging.

Leon is available with four different powertrain technologies: TSI (petrol), eTSI (mild hybrid), TDI (diesel) and eHybrid (plug-in hybrid), providing power ranging from 115PS to 204PS.

The entry point for the SEAT Leon range will be a 115PS 1.5 TSI engine model, (replacing the 1.0 TSI), linked to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Two mild hybrid eTSI variants use 115PS or 150PS versions of the 1.5-litre engine, paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission.

Other upgrades to the Leon include optional matrix LED headlamps, while the digital cockpit gets improved software and a larger infotainment screen.

The SEAT Leon maintains its Spanish heritage, with production facilities at Martorell in Barcelona building the new model from May onwards.

The new SEAT Leon PHEV will appeal to fleets that want to start the decarbonisation journey but feel the step to full EV is too much.