THE sporty car maker SEAT – often seen screeching around the race tracks of the Europe in the Leon Cup – is planning an off road diversion with the launch of a compact SUV model.

A near-finished concept is planned for the Geneva Show in early spring 2015 before the new car makes its debut in 2016.

The car will be based on the current Leon hatchback, but likely to feature a sporty profile as these earlier concept idea pictures show from Geneva back in 2011.

“The forthcoming SEAT SUV will help build confidence and credibility in the brand,” commented Peter McDonald, head of fleet and business sales at SEAT.

“At the moment we are still niche, but the new car will give us a credible SUV to go alongside a credible estate car in the Leon ST and a credible MPV Alhambra model,” Peter added. “We think that will make our brand more appealing to SME small fleets because we can offer a more complete range.”