2013-2014 Seat Leon III SC 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) startstop

The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (105 hp) start/stop is a compact, three-door coupé produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2013 and 2014. Part of the third generation of the León (known as the Leon in the UK and other markets), the SC – short for Sport Coupé – variant offered a more youthful and sporty alternative to the five-door hatchback. While SEAT is now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the León has always been positioned as a distinctly Spanish offering, emphasizing design and value within the competitive European C-segment.

SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Position

The third-generation León represented a significant step forward for SEAT, moving the brand upmarket in terms of quality and technology. The SC model, in particular, targeted a younger demographic seeking a stylish and practical vehicle. Unlike many manufacturers who were shifting focus towards SUVs and crossovers during this period, SEAT continued to invest in traditional hatchback and coupé body styles, recognizing the continued demand for these vehicles in European markets. The 1.2 TSI engine was a key component of the León’s appeal, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and performance. The “start/stop” system further enhanced its eco-credentials, a feature becoming increasingly common in new vehicles at the time.

Engine & Performance

The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (105 hp) is powered by a 1.2-liter, turbocharged, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CJZA, produces 105 horsepower at 4500-5500 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb-ft) of torque between 1400 and 3500 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger to maximize efficiency and power output. Despite its relatively small displacement, the engine delivers respectable performance, achieving a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.6 kg/hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.4 kg/Nm. Maximum speed is rated at 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The engine’s fuel consumption figures, measured using the NEDC standard, are 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) in urban conditions, 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions, and 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 114 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.

Design & Features

The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, offering a sportier silhouette than the five-door hatchback. It seats five passengers and features a trunk (boot) capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu ft). The exterior design is characterized by sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and a sloping roofline. The interior is designed with a focus on driver ergonomics and features a modern dashboard layout. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a Start & Stop system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The suspension consists of coil springs with an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an elastic beam arrangement at the rear. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front (288×25 mm) and solid discs at the rear (253×10 mm). The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4263 mm (167.83 in), width 1816 mm (71.5 in) including mirrors 1975 mm (77.76 in), height 1459 mm (57.44 in), and wheelbase 2636 mm (103.78 in). The kerb weight is 1114 kg (2455.95 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs).

Technical Specifications