Volkswagen Group at the Auto China 2013

Signifying the huge importance of the Chinese market in the Volkswagen Group's mega plan to conquer the automotive world, the Germans organized a special event on the eve of the Auto China 2013 in Shanghai.

The automaker holds the same "Volkswagen Group Night" meeting before every important international motor show, with the most recent one being in Geneva, just last month.

In Shanghai, VW rolled out all of its world premieres ranging from the visually refreshed Skoda Superb and the all-new Audi A3 Sedan to the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept, the Bugatti Veyron GS WRC (for World Record Car) and the Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50o Anniversario.

As is customary in these type of glamorous events, there were select local and international stars, including American actor Keanu Reeves.

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2013 Seat Leon Compact Hatch

The five-door hatchback is 4,263mm long, 1,816mm wide and 1,459mm tall, while the distance between the two axles is 2,636mm.

In spite of being 52mm shorter than its predecessor, Seat says the 58mm longer wheelbase ensures that it has "more cabin space, with improved knee, head and shoulder room for front and rear occupants". Its boot capacity has also been increased, from 340 litres to 380 litres.

Under the bonnet, there are several diesel and petrol engines to choose from ranging in power from an 85hp (85PS) 1.2-liter TSI to a 182Hp (184PS) 2.0-liter TDI.

Along with the presentation of the car in Paris, Seat also announced prices across Europe including the United Kingdom where the Leon starts at £15,670 OTR (see full pricing and engine specifications in the list that follows below).

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2013 Seat Leon Hatchback

This is the third generation of Seat's compact model and the second vehicle from the Volkswagen Group to utilize the firm's new modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform architecture after the Audi A3 Hatch.

The five-door model seen in these pictures in both regular and sportier FR trims features an edgier design than the softer and more rounded outgoing model. The styling of the new Leon was previewed through the sporty IBE Coupe Concept shown in Geneva and Frankfurt last year.

Seat has also swapped the current model's hidden rear door grips for conventional handles mounted on the doors, which may have something to do with the fact that the Spanish brand is aiming to expand the Leon's lineup with a sportier looking three-door model much in the likes of the IBE Concept and a stylish estate version.

The exterior differences between the base and the FR trim models as seen in these photos have to do with the styling of the bumpers and the alloy wheels.

Inside, the Leon Mk3 gets a modern-looking dashboard that borrows several bits and pieces from the Audi A3, the most prominent of which is the instrument panel (albeit with different trim) and the steering wheel.

There's no information yet on the available powertrains, but we assume most if not all engines will be shared with the A3 and of course, the upcoming VW Golf Mk7.

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