2016 Seat Leon spotted for the first time

These are the first spy pictures of the facelifted Seat Leon, which has been spotted testing for the first time ahead of its planned UK launch towards the end of next year.

Scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris motor show next autumn, the facelifted Leon will come with evolutionary styling updates designed to keep it in line with the rest of the Spanish firm's model family - including the firm's new SUV, which will make its debut at the Geneva motor show next March. This latest facelift will only have to last the Leon for two years, because an all-new version is currently scheduled to launch in 2018.

Interestingly, this early test mule appears to be testing a new engine, evidenced by the wheel sensors and laptop seen inside the car.

The new engine is expected to be an updated version of the 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol unit which already features in Audi 's A3 hatchback and is expected to make its debut on the facelifted A3, which is also due in 2016. The updated engine is expected to feature cylinder deactivation technology while power is also likely to increase to 187bhp. That engine is also likely to find its way into other VW Group products, including the facelifted Golf which is also due to be unveiled at next October's Paris show.

Although the car's interior can't be seen in these photos, Seat is expected to give the cabin a mild update to lift the overall fit and finish, as well as fitting the latest version of its infotainment system.

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