The SEAT Leon III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2016, represents a significant evolution in the Spanish automaker’s compact hatchback offering. While SEAT is a prominent brand in Europe, particularly within the Volkswagen Group portfolio, it has limited official presence in the United States. The Leon competes directly with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra in the European market, offering a blend of sporty styling, practical functionality, and accessible technology. The FR trim level, as exemplified by the 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) model, denotes a focus on performance and driver engagement. This generation of the Leon aimed to elevate SEAT’s brand image, appealing to a younger, more style-conscious demographic.
SEAT Leon III (Facelift 2016) FR 1.4 TSI: Overview
The 2016 facelift brought revised styling cues, updated technology, and refined engine options to the Leon range. The FR trim, standing for “Formula Racing,” signifies a sportier aesthetic and enhanced driving dynamics compared to the standard Leon models. The 1.4 TSI engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, was a popular choice, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. This model year marked a key point in SEAT’s efforts to establish itself as a more desirable and competitive brand within the European automotive landscape.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Leon FR 1.4 TSI is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder engine, designated the CZEA engine code. This powerplant produces 150 horsepower at between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque available from a low 1,500 rpm, sustaining through 3,500 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to responsive acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is coupled with a turbocharger and intercooler to maximize power output and efficiency. The engine’s specific output is 107.5 horsepower per liter, demonstrating a good level of engineering refinement. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the Leon FR 1.4 TSI achieves a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The front-wheel-drive configuration and a weight-to-power ratio of 7.8 kg/Hp contribute to its agile handling characteristics.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III (facelift 2016) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The FR trim adds distinctive styling elements, including sportier bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels (typically 17 or 18 inches in size). Inside, the FR features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The interior design emphasizes a clean and modern aesthetic. Standard features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a comprehensive airbag system. The Leon’s trunk offers a minimum capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.), providing ample space for luggage and everyday items. The fuel tank capacity is 50 liters (13.21 US gal). The car’s dimensions are 4281 mm (168.54 in) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in) in width, and 1444 mm (56.85 in) in height. The wheelbase measures 2634 mm (103.7 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | FR 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 113 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm, 214.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZEA |
| 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 | 10:1 |
| 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 | 1166 kg (2570.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 604 kg (1331.59 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 | 4281 mm (168.54 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1444 mm (56.85 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2634 mm (103.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1538 mm (60.39 – 60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1511-1512 mm (59.49 – 59.53 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 | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
The SEAT Leon III (facelift 2016) FR 1.4 TSI represents a well-rounded package for European drivers seeking a stylish, efficient, and engaging compact hatchback. While not officially sold in the US, it exemplifies SEAT’s commitment to delivering quality and value within the competitive European automotive market.
