The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop DSG is a compact coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2016. As part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (SportCoupe) variant offered a more dynamically styled, three-door body style aimed at a younger demographic. While SEAT is not a major player in the US market, the Leon is a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The Leon III SC represented a substantial step forward for SEAT in terms of design, technology, and overall build quality, becoming a popular choice for buyers seeking a stylish and efficient compact car.
SEAT Leon III SC: A Detailed Overview
The Leon III SC, and specifically the 1.4 TSI variant, was designed to appeal to drivers who prioritized fuel efficiency and a responsive driving experience. The “ACT” (Active Cylinder Technology) and start/stop system were key features contributing to its low fuel consumption. The inclusion of a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) further enhanced both performance and efficiency. The SC’s three-door configuration emphasized its sporty character, differentiating it from the more practical five-door Leon hatchback.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine produces 150 horsepower at between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque available from a low 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm. This broad torque curve provides strong acceleration and good in-gear performance. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and an intercooler to optimize combustion and power output. A key technology employed is Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which deactivates two cylinders under light load conditions to reduce fuel consumption. This, combined with the start/stop system, contributes to a combined fuel economy of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers (50 US mpg or 60.1 UK mpg). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door coupe, offering seating for five passengers. Its design language is characterized by sharp lines, a sculpted body, and a distinctive front grille. The SC variant features a more sloping roofline compared to the five-door hatchback, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior is designed with a focus on ergonomics and modern aesthetics. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial in modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed for stability. The trunk offers 380 liters of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,150 liters when the seats are folded down, providing considerable cargo capacity for a vehicle in this class. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4228 mm (166.46 in) in length, 1810 mm (71.26 in) in width, and 1446 mm (56.93 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2601 mm (102.4 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop DSG |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZEA, CZDA |
| Engine displacement | 1395 cm3 (85.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 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) |
| 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 | Internal Combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI ACT DSG represented a compelling package for buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and well-equipped compact coupe. Its combination of a turbocharged engine, advanced technologies like ACT and DSG, and a sporty design made it a popular choice in the European market.
