The SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) is a compact coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2013 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (Sport Coupe) variant offered a more youthful and sporty aesthetic compared to the five-door hatchback. While SEAT is now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Leon has always been positioned as a distinctly Spanish offering, emphasizing design and value within the European market. This particular model, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, was aimed at buyers seeking fuel efficiency and reasonable performance in a stylish package. It was not officially sold in the United States, but represents a popular choice in Europe for those wanting a practical yet attractive vehicle.
SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III SC occupied the compact class, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The “SC” designation signified the three-door coupe body style, differentiating it from the more practical five-door hatchback. SEAT targeted a younger demographic with the SC, emphasizing its sporty design and relatively affordable price point. The 1.6 TDI engine option was a key component of this strategy, offering a balance between fuel economy and acceptable performance for everyday driving. The vehicle’s design incorporated SEAT’s characteristic sharp lines and a focus on a dynamic profile, aiming to appeal to buyers who prioritized style alongside practicality.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated CLHB or CXXA. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 2750-4800 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to both performance and reduced emissions. The engine’s 16.2:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, maximizing combustion efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.4 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.8 seconds. The top speed is rated at 178 km/h (110.6 mph). The engine’s focus is clearly on fuel economy, with combined fuel consumption figures of 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg or 68.9 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 108 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door coupe, offering a more streamlined and sporty appearance than its five-door counterpart. The design language emphasizes sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and a sloping roofline. The interior is designed to be driver-focused, with a relatively minimalist dashboard layout and supportive seats. The SC offers seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space is somewhat limited due to the coupe body style. Standard safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of storage space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1261 kg (2780.03 lbs), and it has a maximum authorized weight of 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs). The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup for precise handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SEAT |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | February, 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 108 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp, 71.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 2750-4800 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1400-2750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CLHB, CXXA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| 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 | 1261 kg (2780.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 519 kg (1144.2 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.) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) represents a practical and stylish option for buyers in the European market seeking a fuel-efficient and reasonably priced compact coupe. While not available in the US, it exemplifies SEAT’s design philosophy and its commitment to providing value within the Volkswagen Group portfolio.
