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 coupé. The third generation, known as the León III, was produced from 2012 to 2020 and represented a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and driving dynamics. The SEAT León III FR 2.0 TDI (184 Hp) DSG start/stop, produced from 2013 to 2016, was a popular variant, particularly in Europe, offering a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality. While SEAT vehicles were not officially sold in the United States during this period, the León III exemplifies the sophisticated compact cars prevalent in the European market.
Engine & Performance
The León FR 2.0 TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated CUPA or CUNA. This engine produces 184 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and 380 Nm (280.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, a diesel common rail fuel injection system, and a compression ratio of 15.8:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), which provides quick and smooth gear changes. This combination 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 maximum speed is electronically limited to 228 km/h (141.67 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards, incorporating a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and stylish body style. The FR trim level adds sporty design elements, including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels. The interior is well-appointed, with a focus on ergonomics and driver comfort. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, and a multi-function steering wheel. The FR trim also includes sport seats, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo capacity, providing flexibility for carrying larger items. Trunk space ranges from 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4271 mm (168.15 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1444 mm (56.85 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2634 mm (103.7 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | FR 2.0 TDI (184 Hp) DSG start/stop |
| Start of production | February, 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h (141.67 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 132.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 273.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CUPA, CUNA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 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 | 4271 mm (168.15 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1444 mm (56.85 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2634 mm (103.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear track | 1508 mm (59.37 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT León III FR 2.0 TDI DSG represented a compelling option for buyers seeking a refined, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience in the compact hatchback segment. Its combination of a powerful diesel engine, advanced transmission, and practical design made it a popular choice in European markets.
