2005 Seat Leon Prototipo Concept

The Leon Prototipo shares many details with the Altea and Toledo, such as hidden windshield wipers, which unusually reside in the

Part of the concept's sportier look can be attributed to the deep front valance, with its three large, mesh-backed intakes. (Photo: Seat)

front A-pillars, a swiveling-badge tailgate release, and the hidden rear door handles, put in place to further the coupe look. The concept's sportier look can also be attributed to the deep front valance, with its three large, mesh-backed intakes. The ruby-red car is finished off with almond-sliver tail lamps, a thin hatchback-mounted spoiler, and a fat, central chrome exhaust tip.

Though very different in shape, the Leon Concept is based on the Mk.V VW Golf platform - the one that is used to underpin the 2006 VW Jetta and the upcoming GTI, amongst other vehicles. Speaking of the GTI, the Leon features VW's latest 200-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged,

The Leon features VW's latest 200-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged, gasoline-direct injection four-cylinder engine. (Photo: Seat)

gasoline-direct injection four-cylinder engine and 6-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. The powerplant produces a peak of 207 lb-ft of torque from just 1,800 rpm and delivers a wallet-friendly 7.8 L/100 km (30 mpg) consumption average.

Like the GTI, power is routed through the front wheels, but here, they're massive ten-spoke 19-inchers, wrapped in 265/30-series rubber. The prototype, in its current state of tune, is capable of reaching 100 km/h in a tick under seven seconds and has a top speed of 236 km/h.