The SEAT León III SC FR 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) DSG start/stop is a sporty, compact coupé produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2012 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the León, the SC (Sport Coupé) variant offered a more aggressively styled, three-door body style aimed at a younger demographic. While SEAT is now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, and shares many components with VW, Audi, and Škoda models, the León held a significant position in the European market as an affordable and stylish hatchback and coupé. This particular FR (Formula Racing) trim level focused on performance and included a diesel engine paired with a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and start/stop technology for improved fuel efficiency.
SEAT León III SC FR: A Focus on Performance and Efficiency
The León III SC FR 2.0 TDI represented SEAT’s attempt to blend practicality with a sporty driving experience. It was positioned as a competitor to models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, but with a more distinctive design and a focus on value. The “FR” designation signified a performance-oriented trim, featuring unique styling cues, a sport-tuned suspension, and, in this case, a powerful turbocharged diesel engine. The inclusion of start/stop technology was a key feature for reducing emissions and improving fuel economy, aligning with increasingly stringent European regulations.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the León III SC FR 2.0 TDI is a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated CKFC or CRMB. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance, delivering strong acceleration and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), known for its quick and smooth gear changes. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.3 seconds, and a calculated 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 211 km/h (131.11 mph). The engine’s 16:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its efficiency. The engine displaces 1968 cm³ (120.09 cu. in.) and boasts a power output of 76.2 horsepower per liter.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, offering a more dynamic and sporty profile compared to the five-door hatchback version. The FR trim level adds distinctive styling elements, including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The vehicle comfortably seats five passengers, although rear seat space is somewhat limited due to the coupé body style. 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 the rear seats are folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), contributing to secure braking performance. The vehicle’s dimensions are 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 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) DSG start/stop |
| Start of production | November, 2012 |
| 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) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 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 | 211 km/h (131.11 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 114.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 243.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CKFC, 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 | 16:1 |
| 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 | 1315 kg (2899.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The SEAT León III SC FR 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) DSG start/stop offered a compelling package for drivers seeking a stylish, efficient, and engaging compact coupé. Its combination of a powerful diesel engine, responsive DSG transmission, and sporty design made it a popular choice in the European market.
