The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop DSG 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 – standing for Sport Coupé – offered a more youthful and dynamically styled 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. This particular variant, powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, was aimed at buyers seeking a balance of fuel efficiency and reasonable performance.
SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Positioning
The third-generation León represented a significant step forward for SEAT in terms of design, quality, and technology. Launched in 2012, it was built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, shared with models like the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, and Škoda Octavia. This platform allowed for a lighter, more rigid chassis, contributing to improved handling and safety. The SC variant, introduced shortly after the hatchback, targeted a slightly different demographic – those prioritizing style and a sportier image. In Europe, where it was primarily sold, the León competed with rivals such as the Ford Focus, Opel Astra, and Peugeot 308. The 1.2 TSI engine was a key part of SEAT’s strategy to offer a range of efficient and affordable powertrains.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI is powered by a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, designated CJZA. This engine produces 105 horsepower (Hp) at 4500-5500 rpm and 175 Newton-meters (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400 and 4000 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger, technologies that contribute to its efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG), which provides quick and smooth gear changes. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds. The maximum speed is rated at 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 6.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, characterized by its sleek and sporty profile. Compared to the five-door hatchback, the SC features a more steeply raked rear window and a shorter overall length. The design language incorporates SEAT’s signature sharp lines and a distinctive character line that runs along the side of the car. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on driver ergonomics and modern aesthetics. The interior features a relatively minimalist dashboard layout and high-quality materials for its class. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and driver and passenger airbags. The SC offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of trunk space, providing adequate storage for everyday use. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 1140 kg (2513.27 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) start/stop DSG |
| Start of production | February, 2013 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 112 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 4500-5500 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CJZA |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1140 kg (2513.27 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 580 kg (1278.68 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 – 8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (with brakes – 12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (without brakes) | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4263 mm (167.83 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Front overhang | 853 mm (33.58 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 774 mm (30.47 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.1 m (33.14 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 288×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 253×10 mm |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
