The SEAT Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) DSG start/stop is a performance-oriented hatchback produced by the Spanish automaker SEAT between 2013 and 2015. As part of the third generation of the Leon, the Cupra variant represented the high-performance flagship of the range. While SEAT vehicles were not officially sold in the United States during this period, the Leon competed in the European market with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, offering a blend of practicality, sporty handling, and a turbocharged engine. The Cupra model specifically targeted enthusiasts seeking a more engaging driving experience than the standard Leon.
SEAT Leon III Cupra: A Performance Hatchback
The Leon III Cupra was designed to appeal to drivers who wanted a compact, versatile vehicle with significant performance capabilities. It distinguished itself from other Leon models through its more aggressive styling, upgraded suspension, and powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The inclusion of a dual-clutch DSG transmission and a start/stop system further enhanced its appeal, offering both driving enjoyment and improved fuel efficiency. The Cupra was positioned as a premium offering within the Leon lineup, featuring enhanced interior appointments and a comprehensive suite of standard equipment.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the SEAT Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI lies a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated EA888 / CJXE. This engine produces 265 horsepower at 5,350-6,600 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,700 and 5,300 rpm. The engine utilizes direct injection and multi-port manifold injection, coupled with a turbocharger and intercooler, to deliver strong performance across a broad rev range. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This combination allows for rapid gear changes and contributes to a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 5.6 seconds, and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds. The electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The engine’s specific output is 133.6 horsepower per liter, demonstrating its high level of tuning. The weight-to-power ratio of 5.1 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 3.8 kg/Nm further highlight the car’s performance credentials.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III Cupra is a five-door hatchback with a sporty and modern design. It features a distinctive front grille, aggressive bumpers, and subtle rear spoiler, differentiating it from the standard Leon models. The interior is designed with a driver-focused layout, featuring supportive sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard features included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, and various safety systems such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Cupra also benefited from a sport-tuned suspension, providing improved handling and stability. The vehicle offers a practical interior with a trunk (boot) space ranging from 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1210 liters (42.73 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The car’s dimensions are 4271 mm (168.15 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1435 mm (56.5 in.) in height. The kerb weight is 1346 kg (2967.42 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) DSG start/stop |
| Start of production | October, 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 154 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 265 Hp @ 5350-6600 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1700-5300 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1700-5300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJXE |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1346 kg (2967.42 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 564 kg (1243.41 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) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4271 mm (168.15 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2631 mm (103.58 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1508 mm (59.37 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 225/40 R18; 225/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
