Seat chose the Geneva show to unveil its successor to the Leon, which is now six years old.

Although badged as the Leon Prototype, the carmaker says little will change when it is launched this winter.

While remaining a five-door, the second generation Leon has coupe-like lines and takes styling cues from Altea and Toledo. Seat has designed the interior configuration as a 2+2, combining quality and comfort with a sporty ambience.

Seat loaded the concept Leon with four on-board video cameras, two monitors and a DVD player, although such technology will be not standard on production models. This version hints at a Leon Cupra, as it is powered by a 200bhp 2.0-litre turbo FSI direct injection petrol, coupled to six-speed DSG paddle-shift transmission.

In 2004, Seat sold 9,846 Leons in the UK, almost a third of its total sales.