The new SEAT Leon has been awarded a maximum five-star safety rating from independent testing organisation, Euro NCAP.

The result is a demonstration of SEAT’s commitment to safety and the work completed during the Leon’s development to create a car that is one of the safest vehicles on the market.

Both the combustion engine (petrol and diesel) and plug-in hybrid variants of the new Leon were tested by Euro NCAP, scoring highly in all areas: Adult Occupant 92%, Child Occupant 88%, Vulnerable Road User 71% and Safety Assist 80%.

Occupants benefit from the inclusion of seven airbags as standard, including the new front-central airbag that prevents possible head contact between the driver and front passenger in the event of a side collision.

A range of the latest active safety systems use data from a variety of feeds and sensors ensures new Leon sees the road ahead like never before and, importantly, is ready to adapt and react to changing driving scenarios.

Systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Side and Exit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, Light Assist and Pre-Crash Assist, work in unison to create a protective bubble around the vehicle and for occupants.

The Pre-Crash Assist system reacts in as little as 0.2 seconds should it detect a collision is about to happen – the seatbelts pre-tense, the hazard lights flash, the side windows and sunroof close – helping protect the passenger compartment.

Dr Werner Tietz, SEAT’s Vice-President for Research and Development, said: “We’re extremely proud that the new SEAT Leon achieved Euro NCAP’s top rating across all its different variants – five-door and Estate body types, combustion engine and PHEV powertrains. This is a reflection of the emphasis we place on safety, and our openness to integrating the latest technologies, whether active or passive, to achieve this goal.”

Euro NCAP re-evaluates its testing practices every two year, and the latest are the strictest and most thorough to date. SEAT is committed to continuing to develop vehicles that excel during the tests, no matter how strict the regulations become.