The SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the Leon, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and a relatively sporty driving experience. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the Leon represents a significant offering in the competitive European C-segment, rivaling models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. This particular variant, powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking lower running costs without sacrificing performance.
SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III, launched in 2012, marked a significant step forward for SEAT in terms of design, technology, and build quality. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform – shared with models like the Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia – the Leon offered a more refined and sophisticated package than its predecessors. The 1.4 TSI variant occupied a key position in the lineup, providing a balance between affordability and efficiency. The “start/stop” system, standard on this model, further enhanced its fuel-saving credentials, a crucial selling point in Europe where fuel prices are typically higher. The Leon III aimed to attract a younger, more style-conscious buyer than previous SEAT models, and the 1.4 TSI offered a compelling entry point into the range.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. This engine produces 125 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400 and 4000 rpm. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, delivering responsive acceleration. The engine’s direct injection system optimizes fuel delivery for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The engine’s relatively small displacement and turbocharging contribute to its fuel efficiency, with combined fuel consumption rated at 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg or 54.3 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI is a five-door hatchback with a sleek and modern design. The exterior features sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and sculpted body panels. The interior is well-appointed, with a focus on ergonomics and practicality. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial in the modern automotive landscape, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The hatchback body style provides a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) when the seats are folded down. 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) | 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 89.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZCA |
| Engine displacement | 1395 cm3 (85.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1224 kg (2698.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 516 kg (1137.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1210 l (42.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4263 mm (167.83 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| 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, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI start/stop represented a significant step forward for the brand, offering a compelling combination of style, efficiency, and practicality. While not officially sold in the US market, it remains a popular choice for European drivers seeking a well-rounded and affordable compact hatchback.
