The SEAT León II (1P), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2009, represents a significant step forward for the Spanish automaker. Positioned as a compact hatchback, the León aimed to compete directly with established European rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. While SEAT is not a major player in the North American market, the León was a crucial model for the brand within Europe, offering a blend of sporty styling, practical functionality, and competitive pricing. The 2009 facelift brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engine options, including the 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) variant detailed here. This model focused on providing a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, appealing to drivers seeking a dynamic and economical daily driver.
SEAT León II (1P, facelift 2009) 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp)
The 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) version of the SEAT León II, produced from 2009 to 2010, was a popular choice for European buyers. It combined a potent diesel engine with the practicality of a five-door hatchback, offering a compelling package for those prioritizing fuel economy and torque. The “PD” designation refers to the Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) fuel injection system, a technology known for its efficiency and responsiveness. This iteration of the León benefited from the 2009 facelift, which included subtle exterior styling updates and enhancements to the interior.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the León 2.0 TDI PD lies a 1968 cc (120.09 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by the code BKD within the EA188 engine family, produces 140 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in concert to boost performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.3 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 18.5:1 contributes to its efficiency, while the pump-nozzle fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery. The engine achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 9.4 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 4.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT León II is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. The 2009 facelift brought subtle changes to the front and rear fascias, including revised headlights and taillights, and a redesigned front grille. The interior was also updated with improved materials and a more modern dashboard design. The León comfortably seats five passengers and provides a generous 341 liters (12.04 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 1166 liters (41.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock braking system). The vehicle’s dimensions are 4315 mm (169.88 in.) in length, 1768 mm (69.61 in.) in width, and 1458 mm (57.4 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2578 mm (101.5 in.). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Electric power steering further enhances the driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI PD (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 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) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 147 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 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA188 / BKD |
| 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 | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Pump-nozzle (Unit Injector) |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 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.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1166 l (41.18 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 (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 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 | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| 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 | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17 |
