The Seat X-Perience will make its public work debut at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, a week ahead of its launch at the Paris Motor Show. This new compact SUV with permanent four-wheel drive is aimed firmly at the rural market. It will be shown alongside new versions of the Leon ST and Alhambra people carrier.

Seat claims that the Leon X-Perience is capable in all road situations and weather conditions. Inside and out, it retains all of the Leon ST’s style, including its sizeable 587-litre boot, which rises to 1,470 litres with the rear seats folded at the pull of a single lever.

Among the extra fittings are protection mouldings on the door sills and wheel arches, to give it a robust look, plus aluminium look touches for the rear bumper and lower front spoiler.

Other elements that distinguish the SUV from the Leon ST include integrated fog lamps and twin chrome tailpipes, together with substantial air intakes at the front.

The Seat Leon X-Perience has an all-road suspension with extra ground clearance. Seat claims that its 4Drive all-wheel-drive system with intelligent EDS dynamic control, distributes weight between all four wheels, increasing traction to improve handling and stability. There’s also an extended electronic differential lock (XDS) for better traction while cornering. The car also comes with Hill Hold Control.

Seat uses a newly developed multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control, a fifth-generation Haldex clutch.

This means the car is driven through the front wheels, with the 4Drive system continually monitoring driving conditions. If it detects any loss in traction, it reacts within milliseconds to send torque smoothly to the wheels with the most grip.

On the inside it has dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel with orange stitching and X-PERIENCE logo, and cloth upholstered front sports seats with similar leather bolsters. There is a chrome loading sill for added protection when four-legged friends scrabble into the boot.

The range kicks off with a SE 2.0 TDI 150 manual model. It will also be available as a 184bhp 2.0 TDI version with DSG gearbox. Prices will be announced at the Ploughing.