The SEAT León III FR 2.0 TDI (184 Hp) start/stop is a compact hatchback that was produced between 2013 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the León, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where SEAT, a Spanish automobile manufacturer now owned by the Volkswagen Group, enjoys significant popularity. While not officially sold in the United States, the León represents a key offering in the competitive European C-segment, rivaling vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The FR trim level denotes a sportier variant, offering enhanced styling and performance compared to the standard León.
SEAT León III FR 2.0 TDI: Overview
The third-generation León, launched in 2012, marked a significant step forward for SEAT in terms of design, technology, and overall quality. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform – shared with models like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf – the León III offered a more refined driving experience and a more modern interior. The FR trim, specifically, targeted drivers seeking a balance between practicality, fuel efficiency, and a more engaging driving dynamic. The 2.0 TDI engine option provided a compelling blend of performance and economy, making it a popular choice for European buyers.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León III 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 intercooling and a diesel common rail fuel injection system, contributing to its responsive performance and relatively good fuel economy. 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 7.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.1 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 228 km/h (141.67 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The engine’s output translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 7.4 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg/Nm, contributing to a lively driving experience.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III FR is a five-door hatchback with a sleek and modern design. The FR trim level adds distinctive styling cues, including sportier bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels. Inside, the FR features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering comfortable seating for five passengers.
Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, and a steering rack and pinion system for precise handling. 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 also incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The León III FR prioritizes a balance between sporty aesthetics, everyday usability, and modern technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | FR 2.0 TDI (184 Hp) 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) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 109 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 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm |
| 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 | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1850 kg (4078.55 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 (Back) track | 1508 mm (59.37 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 |
