The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is a compact coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2015. Part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (SportCoupe) variant offered a more aggressively styled, three-door body style aimed at a younger demographic. While SEAT is a significant player in the European automotive market, particularly in Spain and Germany, the Leon was never officially sold in the United States. This model represents SEAT’s focus on providing stylish, efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles within the competitive European small car segment.
SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III SC occupied a crucial position in SEAT’s lineup, bridging the gap between affordability and premium features. It competed directly with models like the Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, and Ford Focus in Europe. The “SC” designation signified a sportier, more compact alternative to the five-door Leon hatchback. The 1.4 TSI engine, equipped with start/stop technology, was a key offering, balancing performance with fuel efficiency – a significant consideration for European buyers facing high fuel costs and increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The three-door configuration appealed to buyers prioritizing style and a more engaging driving experience over rear passenger accessibility.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is powered by a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CZCA, utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance. It produces a maximum power output of 125 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 200 Newton-meters (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400 and 4000 rpm. This torque curve provides good responsiveness in everyday driving situations. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 89.6 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.1 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.6 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system contributes to improved fuel economy in urban driving conditions.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC features a coupe-like silhouette with a sloping roofline and a distinctive character line running along the side. The three-door body style emphasizes its sporty aesthetic. The interior is designed with a focus on driver ergonomics and modern styling. The SC model offers seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space is somewhat limited due to the coupe profile. Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power windows, and air conditioning. The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of storage space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup for precise handling. The vehicle’s design prioritized a balance between aesthetics, practicality, and driving enjoyment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| 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 | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp, 103.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 166.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 89.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1400-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZCA |
| 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 |
| 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 | 1204 kg (2654.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 506 kg (1115.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1150 l (40.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4228 mm (166.46 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2601 mm (102.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop, while not available in the US market, represents a significant example of European automotive engineering focused on efficiency, style, and driving dynamics within the compact car segment.
