The SEAT León III SC 1.6 TDI (105 Hp) DSG start/stop is a compact, three-door coupé produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2012 and 2015. 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 now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the León has always been positioned as a distinctly Spanish offering, emphasizing design and value within the European market. This model, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking fuel efficiency and reasonable performance in a stylish package.
SEAT León III SC: A Focus on Efficiency and Style
The León III SC represented a significant step forward for SEAT in terms of design and technology. It was built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which allowed for a lighter and more rigid chassis, improving handling and safety. The SC variant, with its three-door configuration, targeted a younger demographic, offering a sportier aesthetic and a more engaging driving experience. The 1.6 TDI engine, coupled with a dual-clutch DSG transmission and start/stop technology, was a key component in achieving competitive fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT León III SC 1.6 TDI is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the CLHA. This engine produces 105 horsepower at 3000-4000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-2750 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in tandem to enhance power output and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel economy. The vehicle achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.6 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 191 km/h (118.68 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.2:1 is typical for diesel engines, aiding in efficient combustion. The engine displacement is 1598 cm³ (97.52 cu. in.), and it features a diesel common rail fuel injection system.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III SC is a three-door coupé, offering a more streamlined and sporty profile compared to the five-door hatchback. It seats five passengers and features a practical trunk space of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) which expands to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The SC’s design emphasizes sharp lines and a dynamic stance. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior was designed with a focus on ergonomics and modern aesthetics, offering a comfortable and functional driving environment. The start/stop system, a key feature of this model, automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 1286 kg (2835.14 lbs) contributes to its agility and handling. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4228 mm (166.46 in) in length, 1810 mm (71.26 in) in width, and 1446 mm (56.93 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (105 Hp) DSG start/stop |
| Start of production | December, 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 US mpg, 80.7 UK mpg, 28.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 102 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191 km/h (118.68 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 194.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 3000-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CLHA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1286 kg (2835.14 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 514 kg (1133.18 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.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT León III SC 1.6 TDI DSG start/stop offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and practical compact coupé. Its combination of a fuel-efficient diesel engine, a responsive DSG transmission, and a sporty design made it a popular choice in its segment.
