The SEAT León III 1.2 TSI (110 HP) start/stop is a front-wheel-drive hatchback that was produced between 2014 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the León, this model was primarily marketed in Europe as a compact family car, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. While not officially sold in the United States, the León represents SEAT’s commitment to offering a stylish and efficient vehicle in the competitive European C-segment. The 1.2 TSI engine variant focused on fuel economy and affordability, making it a popular choice for urban commuters and smaller families.
SEAT León III 1.2 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The SEAT León III, launched in 2012, marked a significant step forward for the Spanish automaker, owned by the Volkswagen Group. The third generation featured a completely new platform – the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform – which allowed for lighter weight, improved rigidity, and enhanced safety features. The 1.2 TSI variant, equipped with a turbocharged gasoline engine and a start/stop system, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. In Europe, the León offered a more affordable alternative to its Volkswagen Golf sibling, while still benefiting from the same underlying technology and build quality. The hatchback body style was the most popular configuration, offering practicality and a sporty aesthetic.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT León III 1.2 TSI is a 1.2-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine, designated CYVB, produces 110 horsepower at 4,600-5,600 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. The turbocharger and direct fuel injection system contribute to both its responsiveness and efficiency. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, the León 1.2 TSI achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.9 kg/Nm. The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further enhances fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III boasts a modern and dynamic design. The hatchback body style provides a practical and versatile layout, with five seats and five doors. Key dimensions include a length of 4,263 mm (167.83 in), a width of 1,816 mm (71.5 in), and a height of 1,459 mm (57.44 in). The wheelbase measures 2,636 mm (103.78 in). Inside, the León III offers a well-appointed cabin with a focus on ergonomics and driver comfort. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1,209 kg (2,665.39 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1,720 kg (3,791.95 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 TSI (110 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | April, 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4600-5600 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CYVB |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 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 | 1209 kg (2665.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 511 kg (1126.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1210 l (42.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4263 mm (167.83 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The SEAT León III 1.2 TSI start/stop represented a compelling offering in the European compact car market, combining efficiency, practicality, and a touch of sporty styling. While never officially available in the US, it exemplifies SEAT’s engineering capabilities and its position within the Volkswagen Group.
