The SEAT Leon five-door, SC three-door and ST estate have received subtle updates to their design, engines, technology and safety equipment to bring them in line with the newly launched Ateca SUV.

They might not look wildly different, but that was the goal according to SEAT Design Director, Alejandro Mesonero, who said; “The Leon is a very attractive model and it isn’t necessary to change its image, only reinforce it, refresh it. The objective is to harmonise all parts of it, in particular the front and the rear, with the sides of the car.”

To this achieve this, the nose and boot have sharper lines than before, while a new grille with extra chrome has been stretched by 40mm to take the Leon further upmarket. SEAT has also fully embraced LED technology, which now sits inside the headlights, rear lights, indicators and even the fog lights.

The biggest change inside is a new centre console with an electric handbrake, allowing for side-by-side cup holders and the option of a Connectivity Box, providing wireless smartphone charging and a GSM signal booster for the first time in the Leon. Choose SEAT Full Link and you’ll also be able to connect via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, with Media System Plus bringing an eight-inch touchscreen.

A number of safety systems seen in the Ateca are filtering down the Leon too, with Traffic Jam Assist able to accelerate, brake and even steer the car at speeds up to 37mph to reduce driver fatigue in stop start traffic. The Leon can also be specified with tech to help recognise vehicles and pedestrians, traffic signs, other cars in your blind spot and parking spaces.

The diesel engine line-up still starts with an 89bhp 1.6-litre TDI, but includes the introduction of a new 1.6-litre with 113bhp, sitting below larger 2.0-litre TDI models with 148 and 182bhp.

Expect full pricing and specifications closer to the UK showroom launch in February 2017.