Auto Express first broke...

Auto Express first broke the news of its plans to develop an all-wheel-drive transmission in issue 881. And in this week"s mag our spies have snapped some stunning shots of the new Leon 4x4.

The model pictured in the mag is riding much higher than its standard hatchback siblings. This obviously improves ground clearance, while also giving the all-road version a more muscular SUV appearance. Large black alloys indicate that the newcomer will retain SEAT"s trademark sporty looks, while the final version will get a more rugged bodykit. Set to take on VW"s forthcoming Cross-Golf and Ford"s Focus 4x4, the Leon will also feed power to all four wheels.

While most of the new car"s development work will concern on-road handling, it will have the ability to navigate steep tracks and bumpy ground. So, has SEAT had to work from scratch on its all-wheel-drive system? Not at all. As part of the VW Group, the manufacturer"s engineers have been able to adapt technology from Volkswagen"s latest 4MOTION and Audi"s legendary quattro transmissions.

There have been plans to produce a SEAT 4x4 for some time. The idea of a soft-roader was first introduced six years ago, when the covers were pulled off the Salsa Emoción show car. Details of the final production version of the new Leon variant are still under wraps, but it"s thought the car will debut next year.