2005 Seat Leon Prototipo Concept

Unfortunately, VW won't likely bring the Leon or any Seat models to North America. It's having enough trouble selling its

Unfortunately, VW won't likely bring the Leon or any Seat models to North America. (Photo: Seat)

own brands as it is, and entering a large market with an entirely new brand is an awesome undertaking, financially and from a logistics perspective. The final reason Seat won't make it across the Atlantic is the high price of the Euro, which would price it so much higher than domestic-, Japanese- and Korean-built brands that few buyers would step up to take one home.

So, for the time being we're left appreciating the Spanish automaker's cars from afar, wishing, in the case of the Leon Prototipo, that the Volkswagen version that will soon arrive in North America could look as attractive.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 5-door hatchback
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Engine: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, DOHC, I-4 turbo
• Transmission: 6-spd DSG sequential manual
• Seating Capacity: 4 (2+2)
• Tires: 265/35R19
• Website: www.seat.com

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.