2024 is a big year for the SEAT Leon.
A statement of intent. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the first generation SEAT Leon arrived with a bang, as it signalled SEAT’s return to the compact car segment. What better way to make its mark than by being the brand’s first model featuring four-wheel drive, powered with a six-speed gearbox and delivering up to 180 hp.
International recognition. The SEAT Leon has won dozens of awards since its debut, from the 2014 and 2021 ‘Car of the Year’ awards in Spain to the 2021 ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Family Car of the Year’ awards in Portugal and the 2021 ‘Import Car of the Year’ award in Argentina. But the distinctions go beyond performance on the road, as its sporty prowess has also led to victories on the racetrack: the second generation SEAT Leon won back-to-back World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) titles in 2008 and 2009, making it the first brand in history powered by a diesel engine to win a FIA (International Automobile Federation) world title.
Making its mark. The SEAT Leon’s success goes beyond sales, with star appearances in films such as 3 Days to Kill and Men in Black: International, or in the series Dark and Sherlock. Its popularity has also given rise to quirky versions such as the SEAT Leon Trencadís in 2020, which was a tribute to the architect Antonio Gaudí. It featured a unique exterior camouflage, inspired by the artistic technique of reusing broken tiles to create mosaics. Meanwhile, the SEAT Leon Cristobal was a concept car created in 2018 that was fitted with up to 16 safety assistants to prevent as many traffic accidents as possible. During these past 25 years, the SEAT Leon has been the star of unforgettable moments, leaving a legacy that continues to lead the way into the future.