The Seat Leon II (1P) 2.0 TDI 8V (140 Hp) DPF is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2006 and 2009. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, the Leon II represented a significant step forward in SEAT’s design and engineering. While SEAT vehicles were not widely sold in the United States during this period, the Leon II was a popular choice in Europe, offering a blend of practicality, sporty handling, and fuel efficiency. This particular variant, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, was a key offering in SEAT’s lineup, appealing to buyers seeking economical performance.
Seat Leon II (1P): A Detailed Overview
The Leon II marked the second generation of the Leon model, building upon the success of its predecessor. It was based on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 platform, shared with models like the Golf Mk5 and Audi A3. This platform provided a solid foundation for a well-rounded vehicle, offering a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The 1P generation Leon was notable for its distinctive styling, penned by Luc Donckerwolke, which aimed to give the car a more mature and sophisticated appearance compared to the first-generation model. The 2.0 TDI variant, with its diesel engine and particulate filter (DPF), was particularly popular in European markets due to stringent emissions regulations and high fuel costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 8V is a 1968 cc (120.09 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the EA188 / BMM. This engine utilizes pump-nozzle (unit injector) fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power and efficiency. It produces 140 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2500 rpm. This torque output provides strong acceleration and good in-gear performance. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 71.1 Hp/l. The Leon II 2.0 TDI could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.8 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards and incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions.
Design & Features
The Seat Leon II (1P) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. It seats five passengers and provides a reasonable amount of cargo space. The exterior design is characterized by sharp lines, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive front grille. Inside, the cabin is functional and well-built, with a focus on ergonomics and usability. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, important for a vehicle of this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The 2.0 TDI model often came with alloy wheels, adding to its sporty appearance. The trunk (boot) space is 341 liters (12.04 cubic feet) with the rear seats up. The car’s dimensions are 4315 mm (169.88 inches) in length, 1768 mm (69.61 inches) in width, and 1458 mm (57.4 inches) in height. The wheelbase measures 2578 mm (101.5 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI 8V (140 Hp) DPF |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 154 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA188 / BMM |
| 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 | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1315 kg (2899.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 341 l (12.04 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 690 kg (1521.19 lbs.) |
| Length | 4315 mm (169.88 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1525-1533 mm (60.04 – 60.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1509-1517 mm (59.41 – 59.72 in.) |
| Front overhang | 949 mm (37.36 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 788 mm (31.02 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| 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, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
The Seat Leon II 2.0 TDI 8V (140 Hp) DPF offered a compelling package for European buyers, combining fuel efficiency, respectable performance, and a stylish design. While not officially sold in the US market, it represents a significant model in SEAT’s history and a testament to the Volkswagen Group’s engineering capabilities.
