Seat will expand its Leon range further this year with the addition of an off-road focused model called the Leon X-Perience.

The new model takes the Leon model range to four in addition to the five-door, three-door SC and ST.

The X-Perience is based on the ST with additional features like permanent all-wheel drive, off-road suspension set up and a higher ground clearance. Compared with the Leon ST, the X-Perience stands around 15 millimetres higher.

The X-Perience comes with VW Group’s fifth generation Haldex off-road system. Standard equipment includes four-wheel EDS dynamic control system (electronic differential locks on both axles), an extended electronic differential lock for better traction while cornering (XDS), an electronic stability programme and a multi-collision brake system.

Customers will be able to choose from a 2.0-litre diesel in 148bhp and 182bhp power outputs.

Just one petrol engine is offered with the Leon X-perience, the latest version of the 1.8 TSI, producing 178bhp. Both the most powerful petrol and diesel engines come with the VW group’s established, fast-changing DSG gearbox, complete with paddle shifters, as standard.

Drivers can toggle the Leon’s driving modes between Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual, adjusting the characteristics of throttle control, DSG transmission and power steering. It’s telling there’s no Mud setting, however, belying the X-perience’s true purpose.

Seat dealers will open order books from September and the Leon X-Perience will launch towards the end of this year.