The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop is a compact coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2014 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (SportCoupe) variant offered a three-door body style, targeting a more youthful and style-conscious buyer. 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 article details the specifications and features of this model, providing context for its role within the European automotive landscape.
SEAT Leon III SC: Overview and Market Positioning
The Leon III, launched in 2012, represented a significant step forward for SEAT, utilizing the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. This platform allowed for a lighter, more rigid, and technologically advanced vehicle. The SC variant, introduced in 2014, distinguished itself with its sporty three-door configuration, appealing to drivers seeking a more dynamic and individualistic vehicle. It competed with other compact coupes like the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Ford Focus Coupe, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and style. The 1.4 TSI engine with ACT (Active Cylinder Technology) was a popular choice, balancing power with fuel economy.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop is powered by a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine, designated CZEA or CZDA, produces 150 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. The engine’s specific output is 107.5 horsepower per liter. A key feature of this engine is its Active Cylinder Technology (ACT), which allows it to deactivate two cylinders under light load conditions to improve fuel efficiency. This, combined with a start/stop system, contributes to the car’s impressive fuel economy figures. 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 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). Calculated 0-60 mph acceleration is 7.8 seconds. The weight-to-power ratio is 8.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 4.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door coupe, offering a more streamlined and sporty appearance compared to the five-door hatchback version. It seats five passengers and features a trunk (boot) space of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when folded down. The car’s design emphasizes sharp lines and a dynamic silhouette. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior focused on a driver-centric layout with a modern dashboard and comfortable seating. The SC variant aimed to provide a more engaging driving experience, with a focus on handling and responsiveness. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4228 mm (166.46 in.), width 1810 mm (71.26 in.), and height 1446 mm (56.93 in.). The wheelbase measures 2601 mm (102.4 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) ACT start/stop |
| Start of production | May, 2014 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 109 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZEA, CZDA |
| 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 | 1211 kg (2669.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 529 kg (1166.25 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 | 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 (150 Hp) ACT start/stop represented a compelling offering in the European compact coupe segment, combining stylish design, efficient performance, and advanced technology. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies SEAT’s commitment to producing vehicles that cater to a diverse range of driving needs and preferences.
