The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (110 hp) start/stop is a compact, three-door coupé produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the León, the SC (Sport Coupé) variant offered a more dynamic and youthful 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 European market. This model was not officially sold in the United States, but represents a significant offering in the European C-segment, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra.
SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The third-generation León, launched in 2012, marked a significant step forward for SEAT in terms of design, technology, and build quality. The SC variant, introduced in 2014, further refined this approach, targeting buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic and a more engaging driving experience. The 1.2 TSI engine, equipped with start/stop technology, was a key component of SEAT’s strategy to offer fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicles. The SC’s three-door configuration appealed to a demographic prioritizing style and a more driver-focused experience, though it naturally sacrificed some practicality compared to the five-door model. Its position in the European market was as an affordable, well-equipped, and stylish alternative to more established competitors.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (110 hp) is powered by a 1.2-liter, turbocharged, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CYVB, produces 110 horsepower at 4,600-5,600 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb-ft) of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger to maximize efficiency and performance. The power-to-weight ratio is 10.8 kg/hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.8 kg/Nm. This translates to a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The inclusion of a start/stop system further enhances fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, characterized by its sleek lines and sporty profile. The SC variant features a more aggressively sloped roofline compared to the five-door hatchback, contributing to its dynamic appearance. The interior offers seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space is somewhat limited due to the coupé body style. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment, reflecting the growing emphasis on safety in the European market. The interior design focused on a clean and modern aesthetic, with a driver-centric layout. The trunk (boot) space offers 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) with the rear seats up and expands to 1,150 liters (40.61 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down, providing reasonable cargo capacity for a vehicle in this class. The steering utilizes a rack and pinion system for precise handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SEAT |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI (110 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 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 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4600-5600 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CYVB |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1189 kg (2621.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 521 kg (1148.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1150 l (40.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4228 mm (166.46 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2601 mm (102.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT León III SC 1.2 TSI (110 hp) start/stop represented a compelling package for European buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and engaging compact coupé. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies SEAT’s commitment to delivering value and design within the competitive European automotive landscape.
