The SEAT León III 1.6 TDI Ecomotive is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2013 to 2016. Part of the third generation of the León, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where fuel efficiency and lower emissions were highly valued. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the León III represents a significant step in the brand’s development, showcasing advancements in engine technology and design. The 1.6 TDI Ecomotive variant specifically focused on maximizing fuel economy, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
SEAT León III 1.6 TDI Ecomotive: Overview
The SEAT León III, launched in 2012, was a crucial model for SEAT, built upon the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform – a modular architecture shared with models like the Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3, and Škoda Octavia. This platform allowed for greater flexibility in design and engineering, resulting in a lighter and more efficient vehicle. The 1.6 TDI Ecomotive trim level was positioned as the most fuel-efficient option within the León III range, utilizing a refined diesel engine and aerodynamic enhancements to achieve impressive economy figures. It competed with other compact hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, Opel Astra, and Peugeot 308, offering a blend of practicality, style, and low running costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT León III 1.6 TDI Ecomotive is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated CRKB, CXXB, or DBKA depending on the specific production year. This engine produces 110 horsepower (Hp) at 3200-4000 rpm and 250 Newton-meters (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing power delivery and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery for optimal combustion. The engine’s relatively small displacement and turbocharging contribute to its fuel efficiency.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 199 km/h (123.65 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between power and weight. The engine’s 16.2:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, contributing to its efficiency.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III 1.6 TDI Ecomotive is a five-door hatchback with a sleek and modern design. The exterior styling features sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and sculpted body panels. The Ecomotive variant often included subtle aerodynamic enhancements, such as a lower ride height and optimized front bumper, to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
Inside, the León III offers a practical and well-appointed cabin with seating for five passengers. The interior design emphasizes quality materials and a user-friendly layout. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system. Safety features, crucial for modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. The trunk (boot) space is a versatile 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4263 mm (167.83 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2636 mm (103.78 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) ECOMOTIVE |
| Start of production | September, 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.1 l/100 km (75.9 US mpg, 91.1 UK mpg, 32.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 87 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 199 km/h (123.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3200-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CRKB, CXXB, DBKA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| 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 | 1260 kg (2777.82 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 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.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | manual transmission |
The SEAT León III 1.6 TDI Ecomotive represented a significant offering in the European compact hatchback segment, prioritizing fuel efficiency and practicality. While not officially sold in the US, its engineering and features reflect the growing demand for economical and environmentally friendly vehicles globally.
