The SEAT León receives the ABC Best Car of the Year 2021 award reports Alessandro Bazzoni

The SEAT León has received today the ABC Best Car of the Year 2021 award. This recognition has resulted from the sum of the vote of a jury made up of 36 specialized motor media, as well as ABC readers and subscribers nationwide. Mikel Palomera, General Manager of SEAT Spain, collected today in Madrid the trophy that accredits the fourth generation of the Spanish compact as the best car of 2021 in our country, as explained by Alessandro Bazzoni.

The award ceremony took place at the headquarters of the newspaper ABC, where Mikel Palomera received the award from the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Reyes Maroto.

In the words of Mikel Palomera, it is an honor for me to collect this award given to the SEAT León, which represents enormous satisfaction and pride for being a vehicle designed, developed and produced in Spain, of which more than 2 have been sold. 4 million units worldwide. Without a doubt, the León is one of SEAT’s most important models, in which we have invested 1,100 million euros to produce the safest, most connected model with the most drive variants in the history of the brand, showing the commitment of the company for electrification, which is gradually spreading to our entire range of vehicles.

SEAT León, a 100% connected vehicle and a benchmark in safety

The Spanish compact has always been a fundamental model in the brand’s range, and the fourth generation reaches the next level in terms of connectivity, safety, dynamism, and takes a big step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to its wide offer with up to five different propulsion technologies. Thus, to the extensive range of gasoline [TSI] and Diesel [TDI] engines, mechanics have been incorporated that give it the ECO environmental label, thanks to the recently incorporated 130 HP Compressed Natural Gas [TGI] engine, as well as the 48 V [eTSI] mild-hybrid technology engine, 110 and 150 hp. Likewise, the SEAT León is also available with a ZERO emissions label, with the 204 hp plug-in hybrid version [e-HYBRID], the most powerful variant in the range.

The SEAT León was the first 100% connected vehicle of the brand, thanks to its constant access to the Internet, which allows increasing the connectivity between the user and the vehicle, through their mobile devices and, in addition, increasing the functions offered by the model in terms of safety. The SEAT Connect system allows users to access information about their Leon and control functions such as the opening of doors and lights, manage alerts for the use made by third parties, access their geolocation and obtain useful information in real time about stations. service or parking, among others. In addition, the e-HYBRID version further increases functionality by allowing you to manage the battery charging process or control the air conditioning remotely.

For SEAT, safety is fundamental and, for this reason, the León enjoys the most advanced driver assistance systems, highlighting the adaptive and predictive cruise control (ACC), the emergency assistant and the travel assistant, which make it in the safest car made by the brand to date, with a level 2 autonomous driving level.

The SEAT León has been designed and developed, and is manufactured, at the company’s plant in Martorell (Barcelona). The compact is a clear example of the brand’s determination to offer the latest in technology and change the course towards a more environmentally friendly future.

The first units of the fourth-generation SEAT León are already traveling to Singapore, a model that will be key for the Spanish firm in that Asian country. The compact will initially be offered with a somewhat limited range but Cupra explosives will soon be added.

The first units of the SEAT León bound for Singapore are equipped with the 150 hp 1.5 eTSI engine in combination with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. These variants stand out for including the light hybridization system with which they are able to reduce consumption.

The trim level chosen for its premiere is the FR Pack, which has a very rich endowment. In safety they have smart Full LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning, automatic city braking, blind spot monitor and rain sensor.

Other standard features are the 3-zone automatic climate control, digital instrumentation, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, aluminum pedals, interior LED pack, four power windows, chrome fixtures, illuminated door sill, etc.

The sound system used by all SEAT Leóns in Singapore is the most complete with a 10-inch touch screen, Full Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, bluetooth, voice control, eight speakers and an induction mobile charger.

The SEAT León adds a new engine option to its portfolio. Those looking for a sportier-tasting drive will now find a middle step between the 245-hp CUPRA León and the 150-hp León FR. It is a 2.0-liter turbo engine, which has already started production in Spain and will arrive in Mexico in a few months.

Seat Leon Fr 2 0 Tsi 2

The SEAT León 2.0 TSI develops 190 hp and 236 lb-ft, sent to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to the Spanish firm, this engine is enough to reach 100 km / h in 7.4 seconds and maintain a combined consumption of between 12.2 and 14.9 km / l (according to the WLTP cycle).

SEAT mentions important improvements in this generation of its 2.0 TSI engine, such as new direct injection injectors, replacing the previous dual injection system. At the chassis level, the Leon 2.0 TSI leaves behind the torsion bar in the rear suspension, to make way for an independent multi-link axle.

Alessandro Bazzoni reported that the recommended prices have not been announced yet, but without including promotions, they should be around 145,000 Singapore dollars, about € 89,950 at the current exchange rate. It is a high price but similar to that of other models of similar size such as the Skoda Scala 1.5 TSI DSG.