SEAT crossover planned for 2016, to rival Qashqai

SEAT IBX

SEAT is planning a five-seat crossover (2011 IBX concept pictured) to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, according to our friends at Auto Express. The model, code-named Tribu, could go on sale in 2016.

It’s set to be based on the Leon five-door hatch and share its four-cylinder turbo engines. The 4,350-mm long crossover has not been given the go-ahead for production yet, but the British publication says Volkswagen could approve the project very soon.

Having seen the latest design concept in the flesh at SEAT’s technical R&D centre in Martorell, Spain (but not being allowed to photograph it), AE reports that the vehicle bears a strong resemblance to the Leon, but has bigger full-LED headlamps, a more sculpted bonnet and a prominent crease running from the front wheel arch to the boot lid.

Additionally, there’s plastic cladding on the body, squared-off wheel arches and roof rails. An early interior treatment was on display, showing a terrain response dial and a large touch-screen on the dash. AE also saw a driver-oriented centre console and a starter button mounted high on the dash.

SEAT IBX

Where the new crossover will be built has not been decided yet, but a joint production with a Skoda SUV of the same size is one of the ideas being considered.

SEAT also revealed to AE that next year will see the launch of an Audi allroad-style Leon ST called the ST ‘X-perience’. It will have four-wheel drive, a raised ride height, plastic underbody protection and a premium interior. We could see it at the 2014 Paris show in September.

The third-gen Leon Cupra is also set to arrive next year, with official details expected to come well ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva show in March.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

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