The SEAT León II (1P), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2009, represents a significant step forward for the Spanish automaker. Positioned as a compact hatchback, the León aimed to compete directly with established European rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. While SEAT is now a fully-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the León II maintained a distinct identity, offering a blend of sporty styling, practical features, and competitive pricing. The 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) DSG variant, produced from 2009 to 2010, was a popular choice, combining a fuel-efficient diesel engine with the convenience of a dual-clutch gearbox. This model was primarily sold within the European market, where diesel engines held a substantial market share due to favorable taxation and fuel economy.
SEAT León II (1P, facelift 2009) 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) DSG
The facelifted León II, launched in 2009, brought subtle but important changes to the original 1P model. These included revised front and rear styling, updated interior materials, and improvements to the engine range. The 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) DSG version featured a refined common rail diesel engine, offering a balance of performance and economy. The inclusion of the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) provided quicker and smoother gear changes compared to a traditional automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the León 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) DSG lies a 1.968-liter (120.09 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the EA188 / BKD. This engine utilizes pump-nozzle (unit injector) fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output. It produces 140 horsepower (Hp) at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. This torque delivery provides strong acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 71.1 Hp/l. Paired with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission, the León can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 9.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 4.2 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT León II is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The 2009 facelift brought a more contemporary look to the front fascia, with redesigned headlights and a revised grille. The interior was also updated with improved materials and a more ergonomic layout. The León prioritizes functionality and driver engagement. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for a modern vehicle, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity, providing flexibility for carrying larger items. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 341 liters (12.04 cubic feet) to a maximum of 1,166 liters (41.18 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4315 mm (169.88 in), width 1768 mm (69.61 in), and height 1458 mm (57.4 in), with a wheelbase of 2578 mm (101.5 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 156 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA188 / BKD |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1355 kg (2987.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1925 kg (4243.9 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 710 kg (1565.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4315 mm (169.88 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Front overhang | 949 mm (37.36 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 788 mm (31.02 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |


