The SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the Leon, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where it competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the Leon III represents a significant step forward in the brand’s design, technology, and overall refinement, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and fuel efficiency. The “ACT” designation refers to Active Cylinder Technology, a fuel-saving feature that deactivates two cylinders under light load conditions.
SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III, launched in 2012, marked a departure from previous generations, adopting a more mature and sophisticated design language. The 1.4 TSI variant, producing 150 horsepower, was a popular choice due to its balance of performance and economy. In Europe, the Leon served as a key model for SEAT, appealing to buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped hatchback. It offered a compelling alternative to more established competitors, often at a more competitive price point. The introduction of features like the ACT start/stop system and direct injection technology underscored SEAT’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output. It produces 150 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. This provides a responsive driving experience, with ample torque for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.2 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 4.9 kg/Nm. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 8.2 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 7.8 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). A key feature of this engine is the Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which shuts down two cylinders during low-load driving to reduce fuel consumption. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III 1.4 TSI is a five-door hatchback with a sleek and modern design. Its exterior features sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and sculpted body panels. The interior is well-appointed, offering a comfortable and functional cabin for five passengers. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were standard. 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 rear 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, with a wheelbase of 2636 mm (103.78 in.). The kerb weight is 1231 kg (2713.89 lbs), and the maximum permissible weight is 1730 kg (3814 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 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) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 109 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZEA, CZDA |
| 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 | 1231 kg (2713.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1730 kg (3814 lbs.) |
| Max load | 499 kg (1100.11 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 | 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 ACT start/stop represented a significant evolution for the brand, offering a compelling package of style, performance, and efficiency. While not officially sold in the US market, it remains a popular and well-regarded vehicle in Europe.
