The stunning new Leon ST’s 587-litre boot is almost exactly the same volume as the Skoda Octavia hatchback’s. That also makes it just 23 litres short of the load volume found in the Octavia estate and gives it a new dimension of practicality, especially considering its dual-level floor.

Otherwise the car is broadly similar to the five-door Leon, albeit with a new, greater range of high-tech options. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and Progressive Steering will all be on the Leon ST’s options list, although only for certain trim grades.

The engine choices will be familiar, ranging from the 1.2-litre TSI petrol with 104bhp to the 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Every engine will have stop-start and energy recovery systems and even the cheapest petrol engine will be capable of more than 57mpg.

The diesel range starts with a 104bhp 1.6 capable of close to 70mpg – although a final figure has yet to be confirmed. The 2.0-litre diesels, with 148bhp and 181bhp, achieve 68.9mpg and 65.7mpg respectively. Both are in band B for road tax, attracting no charge in the first year and just £20 after that.

Seat has also confirmed that the Leon ST will weigh just 45kg more than the hatchback, thanks to intelligent use of lightweight materials and construction techniques. Seat claims that it’s the lightest estate in its class at 1,233kg.

No comment is available on prices yet, with Seat insisting the financial aspects will be confirmed in the coming weeks, but dealers are expecting a hike of around £800 over the five-door hatchback.