The SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI ECOMOTIVE is a compact, three-door coupe produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT between 2013 and 2016. Part of the third generation of the Leon, the SC (Sport Coupe) variant offered a more youthful and sporty aesthetic compared to the five-door hatchback. While SEAT is now a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, the Leon has always been positioned as a distinctly designed vehicle, particularly popular in European markets. The 1.6 TDI ECOMOTIVE trim focused heavily on fuel efficiency, utilizing a diesel engine and aerodynamic enhancements to minimize consumption and emissions. This model was not officially sold in the United States, but represents a significant offering in the European small car segment.
SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI ECOMOTIVE: Overview
The Leon III SC aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a stylish and practical vehicle. The “SC” designation denotes the coupe body style, characterized by its three-door configuration and sloping roofline. The 1.6 TDI ECOMOTIVE version specifically targeted environmentally conscious consumers, offering impressive fuel economy figures. It competed with other compact coupes like the Volkswagen Scirocco, Opel Astra GTC, and Ford Focus Coupe, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and design.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.6 TDI ECOMOTIVE is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by codes CRKB, CXXB, and DBKA, produces 110 horsepower at 3,200-4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500-3,000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.4 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 9.9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 199 km/h (123.65 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.2:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to its efficiency. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a particulate filter to reduce emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC boasts a modern and dynamic design. The three-door coupe body style provides a sportier appearance than the five-door hatchback. Key design elements include sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and sculpted body panels. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on functionality and driver engagement. The interior offers seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space is somewhat limited due to the coupe configuration. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. The ECOMOTIVE trim level often included aerodynamic enhancements, such as a lower ride height and optimized underbody panels, to further improve fuel efficiency. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The trunk offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (110 Hp) ECOMOTIVE |
| Start of production | September, 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.1 l/100 km (75.9 US mpg, 91.1 UK mpg, 32.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 87 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 199 km/h (123.65 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm, 201.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3200-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CRKB, CXXB, DBKA |
| 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 aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| 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 | 1240 kg (2733.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1750 kg (3858.09 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 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 |
