You could be forgiven for thinking this is another shot of the new SEAT Altea MPV. In fact, it's the next-generation Leon. Andreas Conradt report
This image of what the new car will look like is based on undisguised pictures of the new model shown to the illustrator.
It comes as no surprise that the styling and shape of the Altea MPV has been carried over to the Leon hatch. Ever since the new corporate look was unveiled on the Salsa concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000, designers have indicated that the teardrop headlamps and grille would become a feature across the entire range.
The Leon's sportier character is subtly emphasised by its Alfa Romeo-style rear door handles - hidden in the C-pillars to give a coupé-like look - while its glass area is also smaller than that of the taller Altea MPV.
The Alfa look is hardly surprising, given that the car is designed by a Seat team led by Walter de Silva, whose previous work includes the likes of the Alfa Romeo 156.
"At the moment, the Leon is positioned as a sportier hatchback than the Altea, "said a spokeswoman for SEAT. "If anything the next-generation model will go even further along that route."
We can expect an engine line-up designed to appeal to younger, cash-conscious buyers. Official details about the specification and pricing of the new Leon line-up are some way off, but as the SEAT is based on the same platform as the latest-generation Volkswagen Golf, the range is expected to benefit from the 2-litre FSI petrol and TDI diesel powerplants already available to other VW Group brands.
The flagship Cupra model could be fitted with the 2-litre turbocharged unit also intended for the Golf GTI.
SEAT's launch schedule for the Leon will probably follow a similar pattern to the Altea and Toledo.
This means we can expect a concept version to be unveiled at one of this year's motor shows - possibly Paris next month - followed by the production model.
Meanwhile, the new-look Toledo is expected to go on sale here by the end of the year - with a very distinctive rear end.