Seat has released the first images and details of the all-new Leon, which will be the Spanish brand's headline display at this month's Paris Motor Show.

The Leon, said to be the most advanced car that Seat has ever made, will be the first model of a completely refreshed model line based on much the same chassis and starting with the Toledo pseudo-saloon.

Thanks to new production processes the car is 90kg lighter than its predecessor, which in turn helps performance and emissions.

An Ecomotive version emitting 99g/km of CO2 has been confirmed, along with a choice of petrol and diesel engines that make great leaps forward in terms of emissions, while being no less or even more powerful than before.

A five-door Leon will come first, followed by three-door `SC' and estate `ST' versions. SE and FR specifications will be on show, with more reserved and sportier styling respectively. Ultimately Seat plans to build Leons to suit `every taste and requirement'.

Technology destined for the model includes highly advanced full-LED headlights, a driver drowsiness-detection function and an automatic lane-keeping assistant. All models will have a colour touch-screen interface.

FR models are set to have a switchable Sport mode that turns the instrument cluster illumination from white to red, and they will also have Seat Drive Profile, which allows adjustment of the steering weight, throttle response and apparently even gearing, where a DSG twin-clutch gearbox is fitted.

Where the engine fitted has more than 180bhp, a special exhaust is added to tune the sound to a sportier and more aggressive note.

The new Toledo will also be on show. With a large 550-litre boot, ample interior space for five and prices that should start at around £12,500, it's sure to be a hit with families searching for a great car at a refreshing cost.