The SEAT Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG, produced from 2018 to 2020, represents a performance-oriented iteration of SEAT’s popular compact hatchback. As part of the Leon III facelift introduced in 2016, the Cupra model aimed to deliver a compelling blend of practicality, sporty handling, and accessible performance. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it operates as part of the Volkswagen Group and the Leon is primarily marketed in Europe. The Cupra variant serves as the high-performance version, competing with models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. This article details the specifications and characteristics of this particular version of the Leon, focusing on its technical aspects and performance capabilities.
SEAT Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG: Overview
The Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG is a five-door hatchback designed to appeal to drivers seeking a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing everyday usability. The “Cupra” designation signifies SEAT’s performance sub-brand, and this model delivers on that promise with a potent turbocharged engine, a sophisticated dual-clutch transmission, and a sport-tuned chassis. The facelifted version, introduced in 2016, brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the Leon range, further refining the Cupra’s appeal.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Leon Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG lies a 2.0-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated DNUC. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to produce 290 horsepower at 5,400-6,500 rpm and 380 Nm (280.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,950 and 5,300 rpm. The engine’s output translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 146.2 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), which provides rapid and seamless gear changes. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.0 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The vehicle has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The engine adheres to Euro 6 emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter to reduce emissions.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG maintains the hatchback body style of the standard Leon, but incorporates distinctive styling cues to emphasize its performance credentials. These include a more aggressive front bumper, a rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheel designs. The interior features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and provides 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of trunk space 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) and electric power steering. The car’s kerb weight of 1356 kg (2989.47 lbs) contributes to its agile handling characteristics. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4282 mm (168.58 in) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in) in width, and 1459 mm (57.44 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp, 213.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.6 kg/Nm, 280.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 290 Hp @ 5400-6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 146.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1950-5300 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft. @ 1950-5300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DNUC |
| 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 |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1356 kg (2989.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 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.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4282 mm (168.58 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1459 mm (57.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1549 mm (60.39 – 60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1504-1520 mm (59.21 – 59.84 in.) |
| Front overhang | 861 mm (33.9 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 785 mm (30.91 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
