The SEAT León III 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop is a front-wheel-drive hatchback that was produced between 2013 and 2014. Part of the third generation of the León, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a fuel-efficient and practical option in the compact class. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the León represents a significant offering in its segment, known for its blend of style, technology, and value. This particular variant, powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, focused on maximizing fuel economy without sacrificing everyday usability.
SEAT León III 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The SEAT León III, launched in 2012, represented a substantial step forward for the Spanish automaker. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform – shared with models like the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, and Škoda Octavia – the León III offered improved space, handling, and refinement compared to its predecessor. The 1.2 TSI variant, with its 105 horsepower output, was positioned as an entry-level option, appealing to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs. In Europe, it competed with vehicles like the Ford Focus, Opel Astra, and Peugeot 308.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT León III 1.2 TSI is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CJZA, utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a balance of power and efficiency. It produces 105 horsepower at 4500-5500 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-3500 rpm. The engine’s power-to-litre ratio is 87.7 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds. The maximum speed is rated at 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III boasts a modern and sporty hatchback design. Its five-door body style provides practical access to the cabin, which comfortably seats five passengers. The exterior styling is characterized by sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and sculpted body panels. Inside, the cabin features a driver-focused layout with a range of standard and optional equipment. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a standard safety feature. The interior prioritizes functionality and build quality, reflecting the MQB platform’s emphasis on refinement. Trunk space is a practical 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.), providing ample room for luggage and everyday items. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4263 mm (167.83 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in.) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | January, 2013 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm, 155.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 4500-5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 87.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1400-3500 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CJZA |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1123 kg (2475.79 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 577 kg (1272.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 590 kg (1300.73 lbs.) |
| Length | 4263 mm (167.83 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Front overhang | 853 mm (33.58 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 774 mm (30.47 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive. ICE drives front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 288×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 253×10 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
