The SEAT León is a compact car manufactured by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT since 1996. It has been available as a hatchback, estate, and a sporty three-door coupé. The third generation, launched in 2012, brought significant advancements in design, technology, and driving dynamics. The SEAT León III (facelift 2016) 1.8 TSI (180 Hp) represents a mid-cycle refresh of this successful model, focusing on enhanced styling, improved efficiency, and updated technology. While SEAT is a significant player in the European automotive market, particularly in Spain and Germany, the León was never officially sold in the United States. This article details the specifications and characteristics of this particular variant.
Engine & Performance
The 2016-2018 SEAT León 1.8 TSI is powered by a 1.8-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CJSA, utilizes direct fuel injection and is turbocharged with an intercooler, producing 180 horsepower at between 5,100 and 6,200 rpm. Torque output is rated at 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) available from a low 1,250 rpm and sustained through 5,000 rpm, providing strong mid-range acceleration. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is an impressive 100.1 hp/liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.1 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to reduced environmental impact. The weight-to-power ratio is 6.9 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 4.9 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III (facelift 2016) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and stylish body style. The facelift brought revised front and rear styling, including redesigned headlights with LED technology, a new front grille, and updated bumpers. Inside, the cabin features a driver-focused layout with quality materials and a modern infotainment system. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed for responsive handling. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a balance between comfort and agility. The steering system is an electric power steering rack and pinion, offering precise control. Available wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, with tire sizes varying accordingly (225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19). The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage and cargo.
Market Positioning
The SEAT León competes in the highly competitive European C-segment, facing rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. SEAT positions the León as a more dynamic and stylish alternative, appealing to younger buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment and contemporary design. The 1.8 TSI variant offered a compelling balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty yet practical compact car.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 TSI (180 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 39.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 47.1 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 16.7 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 138 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 226 km/h (140.43 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5100-6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1250-5000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1250-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CJSA |
| Engine displacement | 1798 cm3 (109.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.2 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 595 kg (1311.75 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 (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Length | 4282 mm (168.58 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1538 mm (60.39 – 60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1508-1511 mm (59.37 – 59.49 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| 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 |
