The SEAT León III SC 1.4 TSI (122 Hp) start/stop is a compact coupé produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2012 and 2014. Part of the third generation of the León, the SC (Sport Coupé) variant offered a more dynamic and youthful alternative to the five-door hatchback. While SEAT is a significant player in the European automotive market, particularly in Spain and Germany, the León was not officially sold in the United States. This model aimed to compete with other compact coupes like the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Audi A3, offering a blend of style, performance, and fuel efficiency.
SEAT León III SC 1.4 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The León III represented a significant step forward for SEAT, utilizing the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. This modular platform allowed for greater flexibility in design and engineering, resulting in a lighter and more rigid chassis compared to its predecessor. The SC variant, with its three-door configuration, emphasized a sportier aesthetic and targeted a younger demographic. The 1.4 TSI engine, equipped with start/stop technology, was a key component of SEAT’s strategy to offer efficient and environmentally conscious vehicles within the European market. The car’s positioning focused on providing a premium feel at a relatively accessible price point.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León III SC 1.4 TSI is powered by a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CMBA or CXSA, produces 122 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-4000 rpm. The engine features direct fuel injection and is turbocharged with an intercooler, enhancing both power output and fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 202 km/h (125.52 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 9.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.6 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience. The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further contributes to improved fuel economy in urban driving conditions.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, characterized by its sleek and sporty design. The SC variant features a more aggressively sloped roofline compared to the five-door hatchback, giving it a more dynamic profile. The car’s exterior design incorporates SEAT’s characteristic styling cues, including sharp lines and a distinctive front grille. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on driver ergonomics and modern aesthetics. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered options such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features. Safety features, while standard for the era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver/passenger airbags. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.), providing adequate space for luggage and everyday items. The car’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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (122 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | September, 2012 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CMBA, CXSA |
| Engine displacement | 1395 cm3 (85.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| 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 | 1129 kg (2489.02 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Max load | 571 kg (1258.84 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (with brakes – 8%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (with brakes – 12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (without brakes) | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Length | 4263 mm (167.83 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 | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Front overhang | 853 mm (33.58 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 774 mm (30.47 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.1 m (33.14 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
