Seat has released pictures of the all-new Leon, which the company hopes will take the fight to its fast-advancing rivals.

At 5cm shorter than the outgoing model but with a wheelbase almost 6cm longer, the wheels are noticeably closer to the corners of the car to provide a more purposeful stance.

The architecture is the Volkswagen Group's lightweight MQB platform.

It shares the frontal design of the reshaped Ibiza that was released some months ago, but the Seat badge is new and the third-generation Leon is the first of the company’s cars to wear it.

Despite its shorter proportions, more intelligent packaging means that there is more rear legroom and around 40 litres more boot space than before. At the same time, the car’s overall weight is claimed to be 90kg less.

Early indications suggest that the Leon will be launched towards the end of the year with a choice of 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesel engines, with the range expanding into 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engines in early 2013. Power outputs will range from 85bhp to 178bhp, with fuel economy of up to 74mpg.

Five- and six-speed manual gearboxes will feature according to model, with six- and seven-speed twin-clutch DSG gearboxes either optional or standard according to model and engine choice.

Honda has revealed images and further information on the new European CR-V due to be launched in the UK this October.

For the first time, the CR-V will be offered with a choice of both two- and four-wheel drive on the 2.0 i-VTEC model, while improvements to the petrol and 2.2 i-DTEC diesel engines have achieved a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

The new CR-V will be built at Honda’s production facility in Swindon. With the rear seats folded flat, the boot capacity has grown to 589 litres and can now accommodate two mountain bikes or four sets of golf clubs.

It has a keyless entry system, sculptured wheel-arches, a longer roof combined with aerodynamically optimised bumper and rear spoiler help to manage the air-flow over the body. The result is better fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.