SEAT has released the first official pictures of the new Leon which will make its public debut at the Barcelona International Motor Show in May (May 7-15). The Leon is the third model in the new generation of Seat products which also includes Altea and Toledo.

The new Leon is based on the highly acclaimed Walter de'Silva concept car of 2000, the Salsa, and exudes his trademark "design to stir the emotions". Its elegant body successfully brings all the sporty looks and desirability of a coupe to a five-door hatch. As well as the overall styling, this coupe effect has been achieved by concealing the rear door handles in the door frame.

The new Leon's face is instantly recognisable as Seat with its expressive headlamps, strong bonnet lines, and grille with central Seat logo. From the side the now familiar Dynamic Line - a design characteristic of all new generation Seat models - can be seen sloping downwards from the front wheel arch, over the doors to the rear wheel. Another distinctive new Seat feature is the positioning of the windscreen wipers which sit vertically at rest and sweep with a butterfly pattern, although unlike the Altea, they are fully visible and not hidden in the A-pillars.

The new Leon is slightly larger than its predecessor: it has grown in length by 132mm to 4315mm, and width by 26mm to 1768mm. The wheelbase is longer by 65mm taking it to 2578mm which, together with the skills of the engineers and designers at Seat, has allowed for an interior with outstanding passenger space. The new Leon will be built exclusively at the Seat plant in Martorell, Spain, and will be available in a choice of four trim and equipment levels.