Seat’s third-generation Leon has been revealed ahead of the Paris Motor Show next week.

The new five-door model will spawn a range that will eventually consist of the hatchback, three-door SC and ST estate.

Legroom has been increased on the new model, it has shed 90 kilograms in weight and the boot has been given a 40-litre boost to 380-litres in total. LED headlamps will be available as a feature, as well as driver drowsiness detection function and an automatic lane-keeping assistant.

UK order books will open in February for March deliveries and Seat is expecting to come to market with an Ecomotive version boasting a CO2 rating of 99g/km with 74.3mpg and zero annual Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

Seat is also estimating that its 1.8 TSI petrol engine with 178bhp will emit less than 140g/km, while the 148bhp diesel Leon will dip below the 110g/km mark, and achieve more than 70mpg.

Sportier FR models will come equipped with Seat Drive Profile, a system that allows customers to alter the characteristics of the power steering, throttle and, where a DSG automatic transmission is equipped, the gearing.

In Sport mode, the dials turn from white to red, and where the engine has 178bhp or more, its sound is remapped for a more aggressive tone.

Every UK Leon will have a colour touchscreen incorporating the radio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and other vehicle functions.

Exact UK specification details and prices will be revealed closer to launch.