The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) start/stop is a high-performance variant of the third-generation SEAT Leon Sport Coupé (SC), produced from 2013 to 2015. The Leon, as a model, has been a cornerstone of SEAT’s lineup since its introduction in 1999, offering a compact, sporty, and practical option in the European market. The third generation, and specifically the Cupra variant, aimed to elevate the Leon’s performance credentials, competing with rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the Leon represents a significant model within the Volkswagen Group’s global portfolio, showcasing their engineering and design capabilities.
SEAT Leon III SC Cupra: Performance and Engineering
The Cupra model distinguishes itself through a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine, designated EA888 / CJXE, produces 265 horsepower at 5,350-6,600 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,700 and 5,300 rpm. The engine utilizes direct injection combined with multi-port manifold injection, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. A turbocharger and intercooler further enhance performance. The engine’s specific output is impressive, generating 133.6 horsepower per liter of displacement. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, enabling brisk acceleration. The car achieves 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.6 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The inclusion of a Start & Stop system contributes to improved fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 3.7 kg/Nm highlight its performance-focused design. The front-wheel-drive configuration, combined with a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, aims to provide a balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, coupled with ABS, ensure effective stopping power.
Design and Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door coupe, offering a more sporty and driver-focused aesthetic compared to the five-door hatchback version. The Cupra variant further enhances this with subtle but purposeful styling cues, including unique front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, and distinctive alloy wheels (7.5J x 18 or 8J x 19). The interior features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, creating a more engaging driving environment. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers. Practicality is addressed through a trunk (boot) space ranging from 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The overall length of the vehicle is 4236 mm (166.77 in), with a width of 1810 mm (71.26 in) and a height of 1423 mm (56.02 in). The wheelbase measures 2596 mm (102.2 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | October, 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 154 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 265 Hp @ 5350-6600 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1700-5300 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1700-5300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJXE |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4236 mm (166.77 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2596 mm (102.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1508 mm (59.37 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 225/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) start/stop represents a compelling offering in the performance compact segment, blending sporty styling, engaging driving dynamics, and reasonable fuel efficiency. While not officially sold in the US market, it exemplifies SEAT’s engineering prowess and its position as a key player within the Volkswagen Group.
