New SEAT Leon gains mild hybrid and PHEV powertrains

The new SEAT Leon will be released with a suite of new powertrain technologies; petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI), mild-hybrid (eTSI), and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid).

The mild hybrid system is available with the 1.0 TSI 110PS and the 1.5 litre TSI 150PS petrol units and mates 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to the combustion engine.

The technology uses a 48V starter-generator and lithium-ion battery enabling the vehicle to coast (no pedal input from the driver) with the engine switched off (while retaining all key electric functions, such as power steering), harvest energy under deceleration and provide electrical torque assistance during acceleration.

The plug-in hybrid electric version of the Leon has a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine electric motor, 13kWh lithium-ion battery pack and six-speed DSG transmission combine to produce 150kW/204PS of power and is recharged via a 3.6kW AC inlet. It can be fully charged in less than 3.5 hours and has a 38 mile pure electric range.

The all-new Leon enters production in January 2020.