2005 Seat Leon Prototipo Concept

The current, first-generation Leon has built up a reputation as an affordable, high-quality sports hatchback. Through platform

European buyers have cried out for more daring designs with sensual curves and sharp creases. (Photo: Seat)

sharing, Seat received the Mk.IV VW Golf platform and many of the major mechanical components including Haldex all-wheel drive, plus manual and automatic gearboxes. Of course, without the badge reputation of VW or Audi, the Leon, built with to the same standards, was offered at a more affordable price. Needless to say, they sold like hotcakes.

For the next generation Leon, Seat wants to build on the foundations and the reputation of the first run with high quality, performance and value, but with greater brand identity to build its appeal. Sure, the originals were a blast to drive, but their dishwater-dull looks were hardly appealing to a market that's used to less-conservative cars. After vehicles such as the Renault Megane and the monobox Civic hatchback, European buyers cried out for more

A graceful, swooping roofline gives the five-door concept a coupe-like appearance. (Photo: Seat)

daring designs with sensual curves and sharp creases, the antithesis of generic jellybean shapes.

There's no denying that when it comes to appearances, the Leon Prototipo is in the same nest as Seat's two other compact cars, the Altea mini-MPV (the first production Seat to use the new corporate face) and the Toledo, a frumpy, sedan-like variant of the Altea. While the other two further explore the boundaries of crossover vehicles, the Leon is clearly a hatchback, with a sportier disposition and style. A graceful, swooping roofline, matching heavily-flared fenders and a high waistline, gives the five-door concept a coupe-like appearance.