Seat to invest in updated model line-up

Seat is planning to overhaul its entire line-up, as the company seeks to rebuff rumours that it will stop making cars.

Recent reports suggested that the Seat brand would be "killed off" so that resources could be diverted to more profitable Cupra.

Speaking at the company's annual media conference, Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Seat and Cupra, said: "My message is clear, the Seat brand is in great health and will continue to play a key role in meeting our profitable growth in the future. It’s important that Seat gets back to where it belongs.

"On our journey to electrification, we will launch improved plug-in hybrid and fuel-efficient cars throughout the Seat brand until the end of the combustion engine era. We are working to invest in the brand and will update the Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca."

Facelifted versions of the Arona and Ibiza were unveiled at the event, showcasing a refreshed front end and the promise of improved technology.

The Seat Leon will also be updated and is expected to launch before the end of 2025. The car will feature a new plug-in hybrid powertrain with a larger battery, enabling a zero-emission driving range of around 60 miles.

Griffiths confirmed the Ateca's lifecycle will be extended, too, with a series of updates.

As the company heads past 2030, Seat will be forced to electrify if it is to survive.

Griffiths said: "We are looking at what we could do to deliver in the electric world under the seat brand. Something that needs to be done at the right time when electric platforms are available in this segment."

It's likely the company will look to utilise the VW Group platforms from the upcoming VW ID 1 and ID 2.

Cupra remains the golden child of the two brand's however. It will also begin a new product offensive this year, bringing all-new Tavasacan, Terramar and Raval to market. The Cupra Born, meanwhile, is being updated with a sportier and updated VZ version. Griffiths confirmed that facelifted versions of the Cupra Leon and Formentor will break cover next month.

He said: "Cupra is crucial to our transformation and our future profitability as a company. I think it the singe most important driver in our company. Now Cupra is ready for the next chapter with the arrival of new models."