The SEAT León II (1P) facelift, produced from 2009 to 2012, represents a significant update to the second generation of SEAT’s compact hatchback. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it has been a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group since 1986, and the León shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, and Škoda Octavia. The 1.6 MPI variant, equipped with a 102 horsepower engine, was a popular choice in European markets, offering a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. This model aimed to provide a stylish and well-equipped option within the competitive C-segment hatchback class.
SEAT León II (1P) Facelift: A Detailed Overview
The facelifted León II brought with it revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated technology compared to the original 1P model. The changes were aimed at enhancing the car’s appeal and addressing some criticisms of the earlier version. The 1.6 MPI engine option was positioned as an entry-level powertrain, focusing on economy rather than outright performance. It served as a key model for buyers prioritizing fuel costs and everyday usability.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León II 1.6 MPI is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated CCSA. This engine produces 102 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 148 Nm (109.16 lb-ft) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. While not a particularly powerful engine, it provides adequate performance for typical urban and highway driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.7 seconds, and the car has a maximum speed of 184 km/h (114.33 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.1 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 7.6 kg/Nm. The drivetrain consists of a front-wheel drive configuration and a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) combined, with 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are 180 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT León II is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The facelifted model features a more aggressive front fascia with a redesigned grille and headlights. The interior was updated with improved materials and a more modern dashboard layout. The car comfortably seats five passengers and offers a trunk capacity of 341 liters (12.04 cu ft) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1166 liters (41.18 cu ft) when the rear seats are folded down. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a basic audio system. Safety features were enhanced in the facelifted model, though it lacks many of the advanced driver-assistance systems found in modern vehicles. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling characteristics. The car rides on 205/55 R16 tires with 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 MPI (102 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 180 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 3800 rpm (109.16 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CCSA |
| Engine displacement | 1595 cm3 (97.33 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.4 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1130 kg (2491.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1783 kg (3930.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 653 kg (1439.62 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 341 l (12.04 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1166 l (41.18 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 640 kg (1410.96 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4315 mm (169.88 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT León II 1.6 MPI, while not a performance leader, offered a practical and affordable option for buyers seeking a well-rounded compact hatchback. Its blend of fuel efficiency, reasonable space, and updated styling made it a competitive choice in the European market during its production run.
