AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

Seat has unveiled a rakish three-door version of the new Seat Leon, the second model of three to join the expanded line-up. The Leon SC (Sports Coupé) is shorter, lower and wider than the five-door model on which it is based, but without losing any of the 380 litres of boot capacity or compromising too much on space for rear passengers.

After its Geneva motor show reveal, the Leon SC is expected to find its way into showrooms in July. The Leon range will be completed later this year with the introduction of a new ST estate model, before hot Cupra versions of all three bodystyles are launched next year.

Compared with the standard five-door model, the Leon SC is completely new from the A-pillars back. The wheelbase has been reduced by 35mm to 2600mm and the roofline has been lowered and more sharply raked to give the car its sporty profile, which has been inspired by the Seat IBE concept car from 2010.

In its lightest form, the Leon SC weighs just 1168kg. The suspension set-up is taken from the five-door model, so there are MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear for models with less than 150bhp or a multi-link set-up for models with more than 150bhp.

The engines for the Leon SC are carried over from the five-door model. This means that the 178bhp 1.8 TSI will be the initial range-topping petrol model and a 181bhp 2.0 TDI with CO2 emissions of 112g/km the most potent diesel.

Three trim levels will be offered in the UK: S, SE and FR. The range-topping FR will have bespoke bumpers, lowered suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Thanks to: Autocar