The spend – marked out as the largest in the brand’s history for new models – was announced by SEAT executive committee president Jürgen Stackmann during a visit to the company’s facilities in Martorell by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the SEAT Technical Centre.

Stackmann said: “These models are part of an ambitious plan to continue to strengthen the brand and boost sales, which have been growing consistently since 2013. The spending on innovation ensures competitiveness and employment, and secures the future.”

The first model under the offensive will be the brand’s first-ever compact SUV.