SEAT Tribu Concept photos leaked

SEAT's Frankfurt Motor Show star has been leaked ahead of its debut next week, but while good quality photos have surfaced, information is only down to speculation. And so with that in mind, here are some educated guesses from what's drifting around the automotive world.

The Tribu Concept, appearing to be loosely based on a shortened version of the VW Tiguan platform, is a three-door 'crossover' SUV departing the present SEAT design language, suggesting a shift in the firm's family face. The concept is expected to have a TDi engine under the bonnet and utilise the same all-wheel-drive powertrain as on the Tiguan. But while the likelihood of a production model at this time remains slim, by sharing the platform of the 2009 Tiguan and perhaps wanting to cash in on the increasingly-popular crossover soft-roader market, a five-door variant in production guise may not neccessarily be off the cards. And with competition arriving quickly from Peugeot with the 4007 and Citroen with their C-Crosser, as well as the forthcoming Kuga from Ford, a market entry may not be such a bad idea.

However, while a crossover SUV is both convincing and a tempting prospect from the Spanish firm, Carscoop suggest the possibility of the Tribu being a precursor to the next-generation Ibiza, if only perhaps in design direction. And they could very well be right. Enough speculation; a press release is likely to follow shortly so check back soon for official information.