New Leon Concept

[AR-CoolC]

I was digging through some old photo's and came across this picture I took at the 2001 possibly 2002 motor show.

It shows the original concept of what is now the Leon.

Thought you migth like to see it.

 

[AndyHazza]

Not a million miles away from the new one i guess. Like the new civic's, no one really expected them to turn out like the concept cos people thought it was too OTT, but they did it in the end.

Cant quite figure out which leon i prefere though now, the old concept our the actual car

 

[spyke85]

Just shows that they did think about a 2-door!

 

[AndyHazza]

Wonder why they decided not to go for it??

 

[ZBOYD]

Market forces basically.

 

[Ruddmeister]

I guess internal VAG politics played a part too

 

[m0rk]

The Salsa was to 'show' the new face of SEAT, with dynamic line & the headlamps & kidney grille

I would imagine the Mk5 Ibiza to not be a million miles away (just a bit shorter)

 

[spyke85]

I'm interested to see what the Mk5 Ibiza is going to look like, imagine it is in development now.

 

[AndyHazza]

hmmmm will be interesting.

But surely they could have then offered the car with a 3 or 5dr option?

 

[m0rk]

they could have, but tooling costs would be a heck of a lot

 

[AndyHazza]

i guess, just seems weird that you can get the golf or audi a3 in 3 or 5 door but not the leon

 

[Ol' Timer]

I don't know if they are on the main site here but if you search for 'Salsa' on this link you can see some nice photos, including the amazing interior which would never have made it into production.
http://media.seat.com/en/buscador.html

 

[Ruddmeister]

i guess, just seems weird that you can get the golf or audi a3 in 3 or 5 door but not the leon

I think you have almost answered you own question with regards to the 3dr Leon as it would not have a clear slot in the VAG line up......more competition for the A3 and Golf would not be too popular in house

 

[Saul]

dont forget, they tried to keep a sleek 2 door esque shape by hiding the rear door handles ala alfa

 

[AndyHazza]

tis true

 

[m0rk]

i guess, just seems weird that you can get the golf or audi a3 in 3 or 5 door but not the leon

You'll sell a truck load more A3's & Golf's worldwide than Leon's - making the payback for the metalwork that much 'better'

 

[Greytop]

I was digging through some old photo's and came across this picture I took at the 2001 possibly 2002 motor show.

It shows the original concept of what is now the Leon.

Thought you migth like to see it.

Similarities yes but there is also something Audi TT about it

At least from the angle of that photo...

 

[ZBOYD]

Also remembering that VAG sell the Golf, and the A3 (i think) in the states also, its a big market that SEAT don't get access too, though they do sell in Mexico.

 

[begbie]

just looking at photo 9507 of that set, it looks like a Ford Ka from the back!

Apart from that this would have been a top selling car, me thinks.

 

[andyb]

Also remembering that VAG sell the Golf, and the A3 (i think) in the states also, its a big market that SEAT don't get access too, though they do sell in Mexico.

just the 5dr A3 here. (also I dont believe the Leon is sold in Australia & South America)