Though we won’t see any SEAT branded vehicles in Australia any time in the foreseeable future, the brand have released these pics of its revised Leon (pictured below) and Altea family of vehicles ahead of their imminent public debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

A wide array of changes to its big-selling compact family hatchback and five-seat MPV offerings are set to further strengthen the cars’ already broad appeal, adding fresh visual charm as well as extensive engineering and equipment improvements.

SEAT’s trademark Arrow Design, first seen on the new Ibiza, makes its debut on the revised Leon and Altea models.  There are subtle but important changes front and rear adding a coherent ‘family’ face and making the cars instantly recognisable on the road.

They now boast smoother, more elegant lines, a new grille with a smaller SEAT logo and more stylised chrome surround as well as larger headlights, new door mirrors and new wheel designs.  Meanwhile, at the rear, the glass area is made larger to deliver greater visibility, while the rear hatch and light clusters have also been modified.

Inside, there are important modifications to the instrument panel and centre console as well as changes to the door panel trim and materials resulting in a modern, more ergonomically efficient passenger compartment.

The revisions to SEAT’s Leon and Altea family are much more than skin deep, though. Cutting-edge XDS electronic traction control technology which mimicks the function of a conventional limited slip differential, SEAT’s famous Agile Chassis concept, in addition to no less that ten engine choices – five petrol and five diesel.

Safety includes standard ABS, Traction Control, EBA, EBD and ESP.

Equipment lists have also been upgraded with additions including Hill Hold Control, bi-xenon headlights (with AFS), daytime running lights, climate control, cornering fog lights, front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system displayed on the new navigation system.

Head of Marketing at SEAT UK, Steve Robertson, said “These subtle design changes allied to the significant engineering and equipment improvements combine to make the new Leon, Altea and Altea XL models more appealing than ever. The revisions come at the perfect time, too, as SEAT looks to build on a strong start to 2009 and further strengthen its position as a maker of sporty, lively, and design-driven cars.”

Article key :  Car News, SEAT, SEAT Leon, Altea, 2009