The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra 2.0 TSI (280 Hp) start/stop is a high-performance variant of the third-generation SEAT Leon Sport Coupé (SC), produced between 2014 and 2015. Positioned as a compact, sporty hatchback, the Cupra model aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the standard Leon, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it is owned by the Volkswagen Group, and the Leon shares its platform and many components with other VW Group vehicles. The Leon was not officially sold in the United States, but it was a popular choice in European markets for its combination of practicality, style, and performance.
SEAT Leon III SC Cupra: A Performance Hatchback
The Leon III SC Cupra represented SEAT’s commitment to offering a sporty alternative within the compact hatchback segment. The “SC” designation indicates the Sport Coupé body style, a three-door configuration designed to emphasize a more dynamic and youthful appearance. The Cupra trim level, historically associated with SEAT’s performance models, signified a significant upgrade in engine power, handling, and styling compared to the standard Leon.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Leon III SC Cupra is the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated CJXA. This engine produces 280 horsepower at 5,600-6,500 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,700 and 5,600 rpm. The engine utilizes direct injection and multi-port manifold injection, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. The turbocharger and intercooler work in tandem to maximize airflow and reduce intake temperatures, contributing to the engine’s responsive performance. The engine’s specific output is 141.1 horsepower per liter, showcasing its high level of engineering.
Power is delivered to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for precise driver control and contributes to the car’s engaging driving dynamics. The Cupra achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 4.6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.7 kg/Nm further highlight the car’s performance capabilities.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra is a three-door coupe, offering a sportier silhouette than the five-door Leon hatchback. The exterior styling features distinctive Cupra-specific elements, including a more aggressive front bumper, a rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheel designs (7.5J x 18 or 8J x 19). The interior is designed with a focus on sporty aesthetics and driver engagement. Sport seats provide enhanced lateral support, and aluminum pedals add a performance-oriented touch.
Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels (340×30 mm front, 310×22 mm rear). The car also incorporated a Start & Stop system to improve fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs), and it has a maximum load capacity of 570 kg (1256.63 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (280 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7-8.8 l/100 km (27 – 26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6-6.7 l/100 km (35.6 – 35.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 154-156 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 5600-6500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1700-5600 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJXA |
| 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 | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 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, 340×30 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 310×22 mm |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 235/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
