The launch of the new model comes as SEAT sees strong fleet sales growth. Supported by the Leon SC and Toledo, the brand has seen strong take-up in the first half of 2013 in Germany, Spain, UK, France and Italy, culminating in a 51% increase in true fleet sales for the first half of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012.

The Leon ST is expected to continue this success story. Its premium materials, interior dimensions and attractive total cost of ownership should make the Leon ST the first choice for fleet operators looking to downsize their fleet from higher vehicle segments.

The Leon ST has a luggage capacity of 587 litres, rising to as much as 1,470 litres with the rear seat backrests folded. The rear seat backrests are extremely easy to fold down from the luggage compartment, while the double floor makes it very easy to load and unload. The passenger-seat backrest can be folded over to accommodate especially long items, and roof racks come as standard.

Fuel efficiency was very high up the list of priorities in the development of the SEAT Leon ST. The fuel-efficient TDI and TSI engines, with displacements ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litres and outputs from 86PS to 184PS, all run with direct injection and turbocharging. The current efficiency highlight is the 1.6 TDI 105PS with 99g/km and fuel consumption of just 3.8 litres per 100 km in the NEDC. A version with even lower CO2 emissions will come later.

Technology is also a core focus, with an emphasis on making the vehicle enjoyable whilst making the fleet safer. As with the Leon and Leon SC, a wide range of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems is available for the new SEAT Leon ST. Alongside the standard multi- collision brakes, this includes the drowsiness detection system and the two camera- based full-beam and lane-keeping assistants.

Strong residual values are also key for SEAT. Having put residual value management at the centre of its strategy, the brand expects strong residual value forecasts for the new SEAT Leon ST. The SEAT Leon and Leon SC have already been awarded with the strongest residual value forecast among their competitors in the main six markets by Eurotax Glass’s. The principal reasons for this are the strong SEAT design language and high quality craftsmanship.