MARTORELL, Spain — Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary, Seat, will be showing off face-lifted versions of its Leon hatchback and Altea MPV at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show next month. The 2009 Seat models get an updated engine lineup that includes 10 engines, among them a new 170-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder.
Headlight and bumper freshening is the major change to the look of the cars. Technical updates include the new availability of steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles with the optional seven-speed DSG automated dual-clutch transmission, as well as XDS electronic traction control on the Leon, which works with the car's stability control system to maximize traction as you're coming out of corners. Both the Leon and Altea get Hill Hold Control for their manual transmissions.
The engine lineup includes five gasoline engines and five diesel choices. The top gasoline engine is the 211-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder found in U.S.-market Audis and VWs. The 170-hp 2.0-liter TDI is the top diesel choice.
Inside, the climate control and audio systems have been upgraded. Both models can now be equipped with front and rear parking sensors.
The new Seat Altea and Leon are due out this summer in Europe, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Inside Line says: Seats are historically viewed as the poor cousins of the VW family, but this latest round of updates puts them on nearly equal mechanical footing. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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