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Both Steve McQueen AND Carroll Shelby owned this classic Chrysler

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Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

When it comes to the vehicles that could possibly link Carroll Shelby and Steve McQueen, a 1935 Chrysler might not be the first one that springs to mind. 

Yet this rare Chrysler Imperial Airflow sedan boasts having been owned by two motoring greats, and is now available for auction on Bring a Trailer

A groundbreaking design when new, contemporary customers shunned the radical Airflow design. Time has been kinder to these models, attracting passionate owners and collectors. 

Too radical for the 1930s

Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

What made the Airflow range of cars so divisive was their styling. One of the very first road cars to be designed in a wind tunnel, streamlined looks upset the conservative buyers of the time. 

Other innovations included ditching the traditional body-on-frame construction for an advanced semi-unibody build. This improved stiffness, aiding handling and refinement. 

Chrysler engineers also pushed the wheels to the corners, placing the passenger compartment inside the wheelbase. Along with improved leg room, this also gave the benefit of a smoother ride for passengers. 

Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

Chrysler marketed the Airflow in various versions, with the DeSoto brand selling nothing but the radical sedan in 1934. The upmarket Chrysler Imperial marque also had the Airflow to sell, like the one being auctioned here. 

Finished in Envoy Red with a tan mohair interior, 1935 Imperial Airflows received a less radical front grille following customer feedback. Rear fender skirts, and a curvaceous rear body shape, continued over from the early 1934 Airflow models. 

Power comes from a 323.5-cubic inch straight-eight engine, producing 130 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. A three-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, whilst power drum brakes provide stopping power. 

The first famous owner

Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

Legendary actor Steve McQueen is said to have acquired the car during the 1970s, making it a part of his extensive personal collection. 

As an avid fan of both cars and motorbikes, McQueen amassed an eclectic garage of vehicles. This included the Ford GT40 used in his 1971 film Le Mans, along with Ferraris and even a GMC pickup truck. 

Following his death in 1980, McQueen’s estate was auctioned in 1984. It was at this sale that the Imperial Airflow was purchased by the Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Enter another famous keeper

Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

After time in the Imperial Palace collection, the car was bought by Caroll Shelby in 1998. Documentation provided includes insurance and registration cards in Shelby’s name, along with certification from the Shelby Marital Investment Trust.

More recently the car was sold at the 2018 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance Auction, alongside a collection of Shelby’s personal vehicles. Including relevant fees, the Airflow achieved $50,400 on crossing the block.

Use of the Airflow seems to have been limited, with the odometer showing only 59,000 miles. Service work has included a replacement cylinder head, along with new spark plugs being fitted. 

Carroll Shelby Steve McQueen Chrysler

Being owned by Carroll Shelby or Steve McQueen is typically enough to drive car collectors into a frenzy. Being owned by both is something of a serious rarity, and makes this Chrysler Airflow a unique proposition. 

Chrysler designed the Airflow to be a comfortable everyday car. It means a new owner could enjoy driving this classic to shows, rather than simply leaving it on static display. 

Bidding for the Airflow closes on Tuesday, May 19th, which should be just enough time to check out the numerous photos and videos supplied with the Bring a Trailer advert.

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Is it illegal to use Apple Pay or Google Pay at a drive-thru?

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Queuing at the drive-thru

It’s never been easier to pay for fast food on the move. If you left home without a wallet, no problem: simply arrive at the drive-thru and use Apple Pay on your iPhone or Google Pay on your Android device.

However, before you splash the cash on a burger, fries and a soft drink, be warned that you could be handed six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Worse still, if the matter goes to court, you can be banned from driving and told to pay a maximum fine of £1,000.

It turns out that a Happy Meal might result in an unhappy day.

The law is quite clear on the subject of using a phone at the wheel, stating: ‘It’s illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving or riding a motorcycle’.

You must have hands-free access using a Bluetooth headset, voice control, a dashboard holder or mat, a windscreen mount or a built-in sat nav. The law still applies if you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver.

A hand-held phone can only be used when you are safely parked with the engine switched off and the handbrake engaged. The only exception to this rule is in an emergency if you need to call 999 or 112.

But does smartphone payment at a drive-thru create a potential grey area? The Ask The Police website urges caution, advising motorists to leave their vehicle before paying. In response to question number 955, it says:

‘Potentially there could be legal issues with using a smartwatch/phone to scan/pay for goods services whilst driving riding, e.g. at a takeaway food retailer or car park, but it would be a matter for a court to decide.

‘To avoid any problems, we would suggest that if you wish to pay in this way you stop, turn the engine off and get out of the vehicle to scan your watch/phone.’

Engine off, handbrake on

A tweet sent by Greater Manchester Police in February is more conclusive, saying you cannot use Apple Pay when the engine is switched on.

To avoid an unhappy meal, either park up and walk into the restaurant, use contactless or pay with the means of good, old-fashioned cash. Do you want fries with that?

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Morrisons cuts UK petrol price to 99.7p a litre

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Morrisons UK filling station

The price of petrol at Morrisons filling stations has dropped below £1 a litre for the first time in more than four years.

The nationwide petrol price at Morrisons filling stations is now 99.7p a litre.

This is 9p a litre cheaper than the UK national average.

Diesel prices have also been cut, to 104.7p a litre – compared to the national average of 114.2p.

“This cut will help people who are travelling to work, those shopping for essentials, and those assisting the elderly and vulnerable,” said Morrisons’ head of fuel, Ashley Myers.

For the average 50-litre fill-up, Morrisons’ latest price cut will save £4.50, he added.

The fuel retailer says its headline-grabbing new petrol price makes it only the second time since the 2008-09 financial crisis that petrol prices have fallen below £1 a litre.

The price cut is now live as of 11 May 2019 at all of Morrisons’ 337 filling stations across the UK.

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Toyota Highlander 7-seat SUV confirmed for 2021 UK launch

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Toyota Highlander

Toyota is expanding its SUV range in early 2021 with the UK launch of the seven-seat Highlander.

Already on sale in North America, where it is a best-seller, it will be the first time the Highlander has been offered in Europe.

Toyota will sell it in full hybrid guise, pairing a 2.5-litre petrol engine with front and rear electric motors.

Toyota Highlander

It produces 241hp, averages 42.8mpg and emits 146g/km of CO2 – a best-in-class combination, reckons Toyota.

Space is likely to be the Highlander’s biggest draw, though. It measures 4,950mm in length, which is as long as a Land Rover Discovery.

It has a rugged two-tonne towing capacity, too.  

Toyota Highlander

Inside, it has three rows of seats, and even the third row is said to be adult-sized.

There is an impressive 658-litre boot even with all seven seats in place. Fold them flat and it expands to 1,909 litres.

Toyota hasn’t worked out what UK cars will get as standard yet, but does suggest goodies such as head-up display, ventilated front seats and a ‘clearview’ rear view mirror will be included.

Toyota Highlander

Prices are also still to be confirmed, and will be revealed nearer to its early 2021 UK launch.

A rival to the 2020 World Car of the Year-winning Kia Telluride, the Highlander sits above alternatives such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

A list price of around £40,000 thus seems feasible, making it a good-value alternative to a Land Rover Discovery, which costs from £46,000.

Toyota recently announced another SUV addition at the other end of its range, too: the new Yaris Cross.

This is also scheduled for a 2021 launch. 

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1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 once owned by Paul Walker is going to auction

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Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

One of the 2,500 cars set to star at the Mecum Indy 2020 auction is a black Mustang Boss 429 with a notable past. 

The late Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious movie franchise, was the former owner of this particular car. Off-screen, Walker was known for his substantial car collection. 

With Boss Mustangs already in demand, having a famed car aficionado as a former keeper should only increase the interest in this model.

Homologation hero

Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

Squeezing a NASCAR-spec engine into a road car might seem mad today, but that was exactly what the Boss 429 version of the first-generation Mustang offered. 

In order for Ford to use the 429-cubic inch V-8 engine in the NASCAR Grand National Series, at least 500 road-going cars had to be sold to the public.

Despite Ford using the Torino for NASCAR competition, the Mustang was chosen to host the semi-hemi 429 engine.

Due to the sheer size of the engine, modifications to the Mustang’s engine bay were needed to make it fit. Kar Kraft, responsible for helping develop the GT40, was used to build the muscular Mustangs. 

A car collector at heart

Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

The Fast & Furious movie franchise pushed Paul Walker into major stardom, and allowed him to amass a serious collection of cars before his death in 2013. 

Walker’s collecting habits spanned a diverse portfolio. His garage ranged from modern BMWs and Porsches, to classic muscle cars including Saleen and Shelby Mustangs.

Earlier this year, a total of 21 cars from his personal collection were sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020 auction. This sale included seven BMW M3s alone, along with a Nissan 350Z from the 2011 film Fast Five

Who’s the Boss?

Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

What made the Boss 429 Mustang such a prize for collectors such as Paul Walker is the huge engine, and the rarity factor. 

The 429-cubic inch V-8 was officially rated at producing 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This was connected to a four-speed Toploader manual transmission, with a Traction-Lok rear differential fitted. 

Records show that a total of 1,359 Boss 429 Mustangs were made between 1969 and 1970. The first 1969 cars like this one were built in slightly higher numbers, but the overall rarity makes them all attractive to collectors.

Fastback and furious

Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

The Boss 429 formerly owned by Walker is distinctive for the bodywork beneath the Raven Black paintwork being entirely original. The engine and transmission are also the matching items fitted when the car was built. 

Ford’s functional hood scoop, only used for 1969 models, is present, as are the rear window slats and spoiler. The front spoiler was reshaped to meet the widened fenders, accommodating the Boss 429-specific Black Magnum 500 wheels. 

Along with being in original condition, Walker’s Boss 429 has covered just 14,575 miles from new. It means the black vinyl interior with wood grain dashboard looks as new as the exterior.

Mustangs and more for Mecum Spring Classic

Paul Walker Mustang Boss 429

Being a low-mileage Boss 429 Mustang with a former celebrity owner will undoubtedly bring plenty of bids to this car.

Rare Mustangs make up a substantial portion of the Mecum Spring Classic docket. The John Atzbach Collection includes the very first Shelby GT350R, noted to be the most historically significant Shelby ‘Stang. 

Rescheduled from May due to COVID-19, the Mecum Indy 2020 sale begins on July 10th, and spans an impressive nine days.

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1 in 3 motorists admit lockdown driving is increasing

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M6 motorway

Motorists are starting to use their cars more, and drive more miles per trip, despite lockdown restrictions remaining unchanged, new figures show.

RAC black box car insurance driving data shows there were 11 percent more cars on the road last week than at the beginning of lockdown.

Daily driven miles also increased 23 percent.

In a separate survey by the RAC, more than 1 in 3 motorists admitted they are using their vehicles more.

Even usage of the RAC Routeplanner tool is increasing, with planned journeys rising 16 percent in a week.

“There is now mounting evidence that people are venturing back out in their vehicles,” said RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes.

“Until anything concrete is confirmed, the current advice remains to only go out when necessary for essential purposes, or where you cannot work from home.

“The question drivers should ask themselves before venturing out is, ‘do I really need to?”

Why are motorists driving more in lockdown?

When asked, a quarter of motorists said they were using a car more for grocery shopping. 1 in 10 said it was to pick up essential supplies or visit a pharmacy.

However, 5 percent admitted it was to visit a DIY store, and another 5 percent said it was to buy alcohol.

4 percent said they were driving more for work purposes.

A tiny 1 percent said it was to visit a beauty spot, and 1 percent said it was to simply give their car a lockdown run.

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Buying a classic Porsche 911: what you need to know

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Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

Jeremy Clarkson once said “you can’t be a true petrolhead until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo”.

Not for the first time, though, Jezza was wrong.

With a few recent exceptions, modern Alfas are just fancy Fiats. And the classics, while bursting with brio, are less dependable than the 07:56 to London Bridge.

No, if there’s one car every enthusiast should aspire to own, it’s a Porsche 911. This quirky, rear-engined coupe has evolved – and occasionally revolved – over more nearly six decades.

Fast, fun and engineered with Teutonic thoroughness, it’s an automotive cult all its own: witness the number of dedicated 911 magazines in newsagents.

And it’s still going strong: the millionth example left Stuttgart in 2017, and spicier versions, such as the GT2 RS, sell out before they even reach showrooms.

Video: classic Porsche 911 on the road

Convinced? Now for the bad news. Used 911 prices may have peaked around 2018, but they have risen hugely over the past decade. That said, even if a COVID-19 recession lies ahead, good examples – particularly the earlier, air-cooled cars – should remain sought-after.

If you want the original 911 experience, you need a pre-1989 model – and they don’t come much better than the last-hurrah Carrera 3.2, now available from around £40,000. The lovely 1989 example tested here was kindly supplied by Canford Classics.

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2: How does it drive?

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

The classic Carrera isn’t an easy car to drive, but that’s key to its appeal. You need to engage your brain, exploit its strengths and work around its weaknesses. And learning those takes time.

Despite being shorter and narrower than a new Porsche Cayman, the original 911’s cabin doesn’t feel short on space. Well, not unless you’re squeezed into the toddler-sized rear seats. It’s comically sparse by 2020 standards, though, with controls scattered seemingly at random and floor-hinged pedals skewed towards the centre of the car.

Ergonomic eccentricities are soon forgotten when you fire up that trademark flat-six. It whirrs, rumbles and churns: not musical, but deliciously mechanical. And the howl it makes at high revs reverberates around your ribcage.

The 911’s unassisted steering and spindly gearlever demand measured, deliberate inputs, yet fizz with constant feedback. It feels lively and light-footed, effervescent even. Those characteristic front wings follow the contours of the road, while the all-round disc brakes offer confidence-inspiring bite.

You never forget this is a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive car – one with no electronic safety aids – but the Porsche is hardly the ‘widowmaker’ of urban legend. It simply requires respect and a certain degree of restraint, especially when it rains. Your friend in his Golf R will be quicker whatever the weather, but you’ll be more involved.

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2: Tell me about buying one

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

Chris Lowe, lead technician at Canford Classics, is a big fan of the Carrera 3.2: “It has better brakes and a more powerful engine than the 911 SC it replaced, and larger wheels make it more drivable day-to-day,” he explains. “Plus, it’s still air-cooled, so it doesn’t stray too far from the original formula. Overall, they’re just super-cool cars.”

The 3.2 was sold in three body styles: coupe, convertible and Targa. Coupes are generally considered most desirable, although the removable-roof Targa is now back in fashion. A ‘tea tray’ rear wing was optional as part of the Sport pack, along with stiffer dampers and shapelier seats. Alternatively, buyers could go the whole nine yards with the 911 Supersport: a 3.2 with the stretched wheelarches and beefed-up brakes of the 930 Turbo. 

Rust is the fatal foe of any classic 911, so Chris advises checking bodywork carefully: the roof pillars and sills are the main trouble-spots.

Take a fine-tooth comb to the paperwork, too. “Originality is key to value,” says Chris, “so ask for the Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche, which details the original specification – including any options fitted.” Also, be prepared to budget for mechanical maintenance: “Many 3.2s are due engine or gearbox rebuilds, and the same goes for suspension. Bushes will usually need to be replaced.”

It’s also worth noting that the post-1987 ‘G50’ gearbox – as fitted here – is slicker and more user-friendly than the original ‘915’ unit. As such, G50-equipped cars tend to be worth more.

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2: Verdict

Is the Carrera 3.2 the ultimate retro daily-driver? Perhaps, even if the aforementioned rise in values means most owners now reserve their cars for sunny Sundays and special occasions. 

In truth, the G-Series 911 felt a little dated by the mid-1980s, yet it has aged remarkably well. To drive, it feels raw, and vital, while its essential robustness stands in marked contrast to the flimsy over-complication of many modern cars.

Three decades hence, when scores of present-day ‘992’ 911s are written off due to software gremlins, one suspects the classic Carrera will still be going strong. It’s a sports car icon: both of its time and timeless. Buy one now while you still can.

Many thanks to Canford Classics (01929 472221) for the loan of this immaculate 1989 911. 

Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

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2020 Kia Sportage update: prices, specs and ordering dates

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2020 Kia Sportage 3 in Blue Flame

Kia has updated the Sportage SUV for 2020 with a simplified model line-up, boosted standard equipment and a new ‘3’ spec offering added value.

First launched in 2016, the current Sportage was facelifted in 2018

The updated 2020 Sportage line-up now comprises 2, 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S. Prices start from £23,445.

Ordering is open now. 

2020 Kia Sportage: specs

2020 Kia Sportage GT-Line interior

Every model in the line-up gets a new 8.0-inch ‘frameless’ touchscreen. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus online services that can show fuel prices at nearby filling stations, real-time availability of parking spaces and live traffic updates.

Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard, plus lane-keep assist, alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.

The new 3 spec (the blue car pictured above) adds electric leather seats, panoramic roof, keyless entry, electric handbrake and a heated steering wheel.

Outside, it gets more chrome trim, front parking sensors, LED headlights and blind spot collision warning.

GT-Line models have a sporty make-over with features such as 19-inch alloys and silver mesh radiator grille.

GT-Line S versions go further with extra luxury features such as a JBL premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging and a hands-free power tailgate.

2020 Kia Sportage: engines

Kia has cut the Sportage engine range back to three motors. The basic petrol engine is a 130hp 1.6-litre GDi that averages 36.2mpg. 0-62mph acceleration takes 11.1 seconds.

A turbocharged version producing 174hp is available. The 1.6-litre T-GDI averages just 33.2mpg, although 0-62mph acceleration falls to 8.9 seconds.

The best all-rounder is the 1.6 CRDi 134 48v diesel. This is badged ‘EcoDynamics+’ on the bootlid.

The base six-speed manual version returns 52.3mpg while still accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds.

The diesel has much more pulling power too, thanks to its 48v ‘mild hybrid’ system that gives an added boost from a self-charging lithium ion battery.

Motoring Research is living with a mild hybrid Sportage, to see if its claims of saving fuel bear scrutiny. 

Across the range, Kia offers both manual and DCT automatic Sportage, plus front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.

Ordering for the revised Sportage range is open now.

2020 Kia Sportage: prices

2

1.6 GDI 130: £23,445

1.6 T-GDI 174 AWD: £25,555

1.6 CRDi 134 48v: £25,150 (DCT auto: £26,630)

3

1.6 GDi 130: £26,445

1.6 T-GDI 174 AWD: £28,555

1.6 CRDi 134 48v: £28,455 (DCT auto: £29,660)

GT-Line

1.6 T-GDI 174: £29,660

1.6 T-GDI 174 AWD DCT: £29,480

1.6 CRDi 134 48v: £27,555 (DCT auto: £29,055)

1.6 CRDi 134 48v AWD DCT: £30,575

GT-Line S

1.6 T-GDI 174: £30,510

1.6 T-GDI 174 AWD DCT: £33,330

1.6 CRDi 134 48v: £31,315 (DCT auto: £32,805)

1.6 CRDi 134 48v DCT AWD: £34,325

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Police cancel speeding fines ‘due to coronavirus’

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Police speed check

Following the announcement that speed awareness courses are suspended for three months, some speeding tickets have now been cancelled altogether.

As police forces struggle to cope with the COVID-19 crisis, drivers may simply be issued a written warning – with no fine or licence penalty points to follow.

The Times reports letters sent to motorists explaining it is ‘not in the public interest’ to prosecute minor speeding offences.

And one Motoring Research reader had his speed awareness course cancelled, and the fee refunded, ‘due to issues related to the coronavirus’. 

Fewer cars, greater speeds

The news comes against a backdrop of vastly reduced traffic and some high profile speeding cases during the coronavirus lockdown.

Further research by The Times showed journey times increased by 13 per cent in Belfast’s morning rush hour, versus 57 percent on a normal day. The RAC also reported a 40 percent reduction in traffic levels by the second week of lockdown. 

Meanwhile, a driver was filmed doing 151mph on the M1 over the Easter weekend, while another clocked at 130mph on the M25 told police he was speeding to “avoid catching coronavirus”.

Speed camera

Courses may be cancelled

The usual yardstick for a speeding offence is 10 percent over the limit plus 2mph – so 46mph in a 40mph zone, for example.

Speed awareness courses are intended for drivers close to this threshold. The fee is around £100, but opting for the course means no Fixed Penalty Notice or points.

UK Road Offender Education, which operates speed awareness courses on behalf of the police, suspended all classroom-based courses for 12 weeks from Friday 20 March. However, many could now be cancelled altogether.

Officially, motorists have four months from the date on a speeding letter to complete a course (if offered) – or face further action. It seems likely some leeway will be afforded due to the lockdown, however, even if some courses are simply suspended for longer.

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2020 Seat Leon prices, specs and ordering announced

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2020 Seat Leon driving

Ordering is now open for the new 2020 Seat Leon, with prices starting from £19,855.

The new five-door family hatchback is offered from launch with a choice of three trims and five different engines.

An estate version is also available from launch, priced from £22,455.

More variants will be available later in 2020, after deliveries begin in the summer.

Seat is pleased to have got prices for the entry-level 1.0 TSI 110 SE down below the £20k mark.

Even better, the entry-level version is offered on a four-year, 4.0 percent APR PCP for £195 a month: we’ve outlined details of the deal below.

Announcement of prices comes after the outgoing Seat Leon scored a rare top-10 place in the UK’s best-selling cars last month

2020 Seat Leon specs

2020 Seat Leon interior

Seat is using its ‘easymove’ simplification strategy with the new Leon. This makes the range easier to understand.

SE grade gets 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and an 8.0-inch touchscreen system as standard. Keyless go is also included.

Next up is SE Dynamic, which brings Seat Digital Cockpit electronic instruments, plus a bigger 10-inch infotainment screen with standard sat-nav (that’s the one pictured above.)

Rear glass is tinted, the wheels grow to 17 inches and all-round parking sensors are fitted.

FR trim gets a racy makeover with bespoke front and rear bumpers, dual exhausts and 15mm lower sports suspension.

FR models also get contrast stitching, wireless smartphone charging, three-zone climate control and LED rear lights.

FR Sport, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux variants will follow later in the year.

2020 Seat Leon engines

2020 Seat Leon rear

Even at launch, Seat is offering a broad engine range with the new Leon, heavily biased towards petrol. 

The basic motor is the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI 110. Next up is the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI, which comes in either 130hp or 150hp guises.

There’s a high-tech mild hybrid version too, called the 1.5 eTSI MHEV 150, which uses a DSG automatic gearbox.

The sole diesel is a 2.0 TDI 115. Later in 2020, Seat will roll out a 2.0 TDI 150.

2020 Seat Leon prices

SE

Hatch

1.0 TSI 110: £19,855

1.5 TSI 130: £21,425

2.0 TDI 115: £22,835

Estate

1.5 TSI 130: £22,455

SE Dynamic

Hatch

1.0 TSI 110: £20,955

1.5 TSI 130: £22,525

2.0 TDI 115: £23,935

Estate

1.5 TSI 130: £23,555

FR

Hatch

1.0 TSI 110: £23,185

1.5 TSI 130: £23,515

1.5 TSI 150: £24,805

1.5 eTSI 150 DSG: £26,865

Estate

1.5 TSI 130: £24,545

1.5 TSI 150: £25,855

1.5 eTSI 150 DSG: £27,895

2020 Seat Leon finance offers

Seat Leon PCP finance prices start from £195 a month for the 1.0 TSI 110 SE.

A sporty Leon 1.5 TSI 130 FR, which Seat says will be the most popular model in the line-up, costs £249 a month.

The £195 a month Seat Solutions PCP deal on the 1.0 TSI 110 SE works out like this:

  • Duration: 48 months
  • Retail price: £19,855
  • Seat deposit contribution: £1,000 (and £500 more if you take a test drive)
  • Customer deposit: £4,000
  • Optional final payment: £6,882
  • Total amount payable by customer: £20,057
  • APR: 4.0 percent

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