The SEAT Leon III SC FR 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is a compact, three-door coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (Sport Coupe) variant offered a more dynamic and youthful alternative to the five-door hatchback. While SEAT is now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Leon has always been positioned as a distinctly styled and value-oriented offering, particularly popular in European markets. The FR trim level denotes a focus on sporty aesthetics and handling, making it a competitor to models like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus in the compact segment.
SEAT Leon III SC FR: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III SC aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a stylish and practical vehicle with a focus on driving enjoyment. Unlike its five-door counterpart, the SC’s three-door configuration emphasized a more coupe-like profile. The “FR” designation, standing for “Formula Racing,” indicated a performance-oriented trim level, featuring unique styling cues, a sport-tuned suspension, and more powerful engine options. The 1.4 TSI engine with 125 horsepower was a popular choice, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. The start/stop system further enhanced its eco-credentials, a feature becoming increasingly common in European vehicles during this period to meet stricter emissions standards. The Leon SC was never officially sold in the United States, but it represented a significant offering in the European C-segment.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Leon III SC FR 1.4 TSI was powered by a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated CZCA. This engine produced 125 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400 and 4000 rpm. The engine featured direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, technologies that contributed to both its power output and fuel efficiency. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 9.1 seconds, while 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 8.6 seconds. The vehicle had a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 9.6 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio was 6 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. The inclusion of a Start & Stop system aimed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during urban driving.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC FR boasted a distinctive coupe-like silhouette, characterized by its sloping roofline and three-door configuration. The FR trim level added sporty styling elements, including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin featured a driver-focused layout with supportive seats and a modern dashboard design. Standard equipment included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a steering rack and pinion system. The interior offered seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space was somewhat limited due to the coupe body style. The trunk offered 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions were 4236 mm (166.77 in.) in length, 1810 mm (71.26 in.) in width, and 1431 mm (56.34 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2599 mm (102.32 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | FR 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZCA |
| 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) |
| Kerb Weight | 1204 kg (2654.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 506 kg (1115.54 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 | 4236 mm (166.77 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1431 mm (56.34 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2599 mm (102.32 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1508 mm (59.37 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT Leon III SC FR 1.4 TSI represented a compelling option for buyers in the European market seeking a stylish, efficient, and engaging compact coupe. Its combination of sporty design, modern technology, and reasonable running costs contributed to its popularity during its brief production run.
