The SEAT Leon III SC (SportCoupe) facelift, produced from 2016 to 2018, represents a significant iteration of SEAT’s popular compact hatchback. Positioned as a more stylish, three-door variant of the Leon family, the SC aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic without sacrificing practicality. The FR 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) trim level, detailed here, combined a fuel-efficient diesel engine with performance-oriented features, making it a popular choice in European markets. While SEAT is not officially sold in the United States, the Leon is a key model in the Volkswagen Group’s lineup, sharing a platform with the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, vehicles well-known to American consumers.
SEAT Leon III SC FR 2.0 TDI: A Detailed Overview
The Leon III SC facelift built upon the success of the original Leon III, introducing revised styling, updated technology, and refined engine options. The “SC” designation denotes the SportCoupe, a three-door body style intended to offer a more dynamic and youthful image compared to the five-door hatchback. The FR trim level, signifying “Formula Racing,” added sporty styling cues and enhanced driving dynamics. The 2.0 TDI engine, a mainstay of European diesel offerings, provided a balance of performance and fuel economy, making the Leon SC FR a compelling option for drivers prioritizing efficiency.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Leon SC FR 2.0 TDI is a 1,968 cc (120.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by codes CKFC, CRBC, CRLB, or CRMB, produces 150 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and a substantial 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to optimize performance. This configuration allows for a brisk 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 7.9 seconds, and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 8.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine’s fuel efficiency is a key highlight, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) and emitting 110 g/km of CO2, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 3.6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design emphasizes a sporty and modern aesthetic. The facelifted model (2016 onwards) featured revised front and rear styling, including redesigned headlights with LED technology, a new front grille, and updated bumpers. The interior of the FR trim level typically included sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a comprehensive airbag system. The SC offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of trunk space, providing reasonable practicality for a compact hatchback. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4,246 mm (167.17 in.), width 1,810 mm (71.26 in.), and height 1,431 mm (56.34 in.). The wheelbase measures 2,599 mm (102.32 in.).
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | FR 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CKFC, CRBC, CRLB, CRMB |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 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) |
| Engine systems | Particulate filter |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1210 kg (2667.59 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4246 mm (167.17 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1431 mm (56.34 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2599 mm (102.32 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1538 mm (60.39 – 60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1511-1512 mm (59.49 – 59.53 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
