2010-2012 Seat Leon II (1P facelift ) 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) Start&Stop

The SEAT León II (1P) is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2005 to 2012. The facelifted version, introduced in 2009, brought styling updates and technological improvements to the model range. The 1.2 TSI (105 Hp) Start&Stop variant, launched in 2010, represented a key offering in SEAT’s lineup, particularly within European markets. While SEAT vehicles were not officially sold in the United States during this period, the León II competed with models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra in the highly competitive European C-segment. This model aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, performance, and practicality for everyday use.

SEAT León II (1P) 1.2 TSI: Overview

The León II, based on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 platform (shared with the Golf Mk5 and Audi A3), was SEAT’s attempt to establish a stronger presence in the compact car segment. The 2009 facelift refined the exterior design, enhancing its visual appeal, and introduced updated interior materials. The 1.2 TSI engine, a key component of this iteration, was designed to deliver improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without sacrificing drivability. The “Start&Stop” system further enhanced its eco-credentials, automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary, contributing to lower fuel consumption in urban driving conditions.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the SEAT León II 1.2 TSI is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CBZB, utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 105 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1550 and 4100 rpm. This configuration provides a relatively broad torque band, offering responsive acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 87.7 hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.4 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 187 km/h (116.2 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The weight-to-power ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.9 kg/Nm.

Design & Features

The SEAT León II is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. The 2009 facelift brought changes to the front fascia, including a redesigned grille, headlights, and bumper. The rear of the vehicle also received updated taillights and a revised bumper. Inside, the cabin featured improved materials and a more modern dashboard layout. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a McPherson strut front suspension paired with an independent multi-link rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort. The vehicle’s trunk space is a practical 341 liters (12.04 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1166 liters (41.18 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The Start&Stop system was a notable feature, contributing to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4315 mm (169.88 in) in length, 1768 mm (69.61 in) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2578 mm (101.5 in).

Technical Specifications

The SEAT León II 1.2 TSI Start&Stop offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking an efficient and practical compact hatchback. Its combination of a turbocharged engine, modern features, and a spacious interior made it a competitive choice in its segment.