The mid-life refresh brings minimal styling updates for the five-door, SC (Sports Coupé) and ST (Sports Tourer) models, which gain larger grilles plus other subtle changes including new LED head-, tail-and fog lights and a new bumper design.

Inside, the Leon now offers an LED ambient lighting scheme plus a new centre console with electric park brake and an eight-inch screen with less switchgear than the current model.

However the main focus is on the latest in driver assistance and connectivity technology – many inherited from the new Ateca SUV. These include a Connectivity Box in the central console that enables wireless smartphone charging while the Leon also offers the latest generation of Easy Connect infotainment systems, SEAT Full Link and the SEAT ConnectApp that comes with voice recognition and gesture control technology.

Driver assistance systems are also carried over from the Ateca and include Traffic Jam Assist that can be used to manoeuvre, accelerate and brake the Leon automatically  at low speeds. Further new features include the Pedestrian Protection System which recognises vehicles as well as pedestrians, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Detection, plus parking assist technology, Emergency Assist and High Beam Assist.

Five trim levels are now offered: Technology, FR and a new top-of-the-range XCELLENCE trim, which brings a chrome design front grille, new front and rear bumpers, and also comes with rear LED indicators. Interior features cover LED interior illumination pack and the KESSY system (Keyless Enter and Go) plus an aluminium XCELLENCE kickplate.

New engines include a 1.6-litre diesel and 1.0-litre three-cylinder TSI, both with 113bhp. No fuel economy or emissions figures have been announced and full range pricing and specification will be released closer to the launch.

The new Leon launches in European markets from February 2017.