The SEAT León III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) start/stop is a compact hatchback produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2012 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the León, this model was primarily aimed at the European market, where it competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. While not officially sold in the United States, the León represents a significant offering in the competitive European C-segment, known for its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and dynamic handling. The 2.0 TDI variant, equipped with a diesel engine and start/stop technology, was a popular choice for buyers prioritizing economy and reduced emissions.
SEAT León III 2.0 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The SEAT León III, launched in 2012, marked a substantial step forward for the model, built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. This new platform allowed for a lighter, more rigid chassis, contributing to improved handling and safety. The 2.0 TDI variant specifically targeted drivers seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy. In Europe, diesel engines held a significant market share due to favorable taxation and fuel costs, making the 2.0 TDI a key offering in SEAT’s lineup. The start/stop system further enhanced its appeal by reducing fuel consumption in urban driving conditions. The León III, in general, aimed to elevate SEAT’s brand image, moving it towards a more sophisticated and desirable position within the Volkswagen Group.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT León III 2.0 TDI is a 1,968 cubic centimeter (120.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine produces 150 horsepower (Hp) at 3,500-4,000 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to optimize 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 8.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.7 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 4.1 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. The inclusion of a diesel particulate filter helps to minimize harmful emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III 2.0 TDI is a five-door hatchback with a sleek and modern design. The exterior styling features sharp lines and a distinctive front grille, reflecting SEAT’s evolving design language. Inside, the cabin offers seating for five passengers and a practical interior layout. A key feature of this model is the start/stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The trunk (boot) space is a versatile 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), contributing to enhanced braking performance. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,263 mm (167.83 in.) in length, 1,816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1,459 mm (57.44 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,636 mm (103.78 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SEAT |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | October, 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 106 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CKFC, CRBC, CRMB |
| 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 | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| 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 | 1305 kg (2877.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT León III 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) start/stop represents a well-rounded package for European drivers seeking an efficient and practical compact hatchback. Its combination of a fuel-efficient diesel engine, modern design, and practical features made it a competitive offering in its segment. While never officially available in the US market, it exemplifies the engineering and design principles that have made SEAT a popular brand in Europe.
