The SEAT León II (1P) is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2005 to 2012. This second generation of the León, based on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 platform (shared with the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, Audi A3 8P, and Škoda Octavia A5), represented a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement for the brand. The facelifted version, introduced in 2009, brought styling updates and revised engine options. The 1.9 TDI PD (105 Hp) DSG model, produced from 2009 to 2010, was a popular choice in European markets, offering a balance of fuel efficiency, performance, and practicality. While not officially sold in the United States, the León II competed with vehicles like the Ford Focus and Opel Astra in the European C-segment.
SEAT León II (1P) 1.9 TDI PD (105 Hp) DSG: Overview
The León II facelift, including the 1.9 TDI PD variant, aimed to enhance SEAT’s image as a sporty and dynamic brand. The 1.9 TDI engine, a mainstay of the Volkswagen Group’s diesel lineup, provided respectable power and torque while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The inclusion of the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) further improved the driving experience, offering smooth and rapid gear changes. This model was particularly well-suited for long-distance driving and urban commuting, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the León II 1.9 TDI PD (105 Hp) DSG is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the BXE. This engine utilizes pump-nozzle (unit injector) fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 105 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,900 rpm. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, enhancing acceleration and providing ample torque for overtaking maneuvers. The engine’s 19:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its efficiency. Paired with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission, the León II achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 11.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The DSG transmission allows for both fully automatic operation and manual gear selection via the gear lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles, offering drivers greater control. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined fuel consumption rated at 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg), and CO2 emissions of 154 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT León II is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and spacious interior for five occupants. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including new headlights, a redesigned grille, and updated bumpers. The interior benefits from improved materials and a more modern dashboard design. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for a vehicle of this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The León II’s trunk offers 341 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1166 liters when the rear seats are folded down, providing ample cargo capacity for everyday use. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4315 mm in length, 1768 mm in width, and 1458 mm in height – position it squarely within the compact hatchback segment. The McPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension contribute to a comfortable ride and responsive handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 TDI PD (105 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | July, 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 154 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1900 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BXE |
| Engine displacement | 1896 cm3 (115.7 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 19:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 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) |
| Length | 4315 mm (169.88 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT León II 1.9 TDI PD (105 Hp) DSG, while not available in the US market, remains a popular and well-regarded compact hatchback in Europe. Its combination of fuel efficiency, performance, practicality, and refined driving experience made it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
