The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) is a high-performance variant of the SEAT Leon III Sport Coupé, produced between 2015 and 2016. Positioned as a compact, sporty hatchback, the Cupra model aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience than the standard Leon, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it is owned by the Volkswagen Group, and the Leon shares its platform and many components with other VW Group vehicles. The “SC” designation denotes the Sport Coupé body style, a three-door variant offering a more streamlined and driver-focused aesthetic.
SEAT Leon III SC Cupra: Performance and Engineering
The heart of the Leon III SC Cupra is the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CJXH, produces 290 horsepower at 5,900-6,400 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,700 and 5,800 rpm. The engine utilizes direct injection combined with multi-port manifold injection, optimizing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 5.7 seconds, and a calculated 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is a respectable 4.5 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 3.7 kg/Nm.
Powertrain Details
The EA888 engine family is a cornerstone of the Volkswagen Group’s performance offerings. The transverse engine layout contributes to a more compact front-end design, aiding in handling and weight distribution. The engine features a DOHC valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, ensuring efficient gas exchange. The inclusion of a Start & Stop system contributes to improved fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine requires 5.7 liters (6.02 US qt) of engine oil and 10 liters (10.57 US qt) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design and Features
The SEAT Leon III SC Cupra is a three-door coupe, offering a sportier profile than the five-door Leon hatchback. The design emphasizes a dynamic stance with sculpted body lines and a distinctive front grille. The interior is designed to be driver-focused, with supportive seats and a well-appointed dashboard. The Cupra variant typically includes unique styling elements, such as sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and distinctive alloy wheels. The vehicle seats five passengers and offers 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.) of trunk space, expandable to 1150 liters (40.61 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The steering system is an electric power steering rack and pinion type.
Chassis and Suspension
The Leon III SC Cupra utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The front track measures 1536 mm (60.47 in), while the rear track is 1510 mm (59.45 in). The vehicle’s wheelbase is 2596 mm (102.2 in). Standard tire sizes are 225/40 R18 or 235/35 R19, mounted on 7.5J x 18 or 8J x 19 inch alloy wheels, respectively.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (290 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 156 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 290 Hp @ 5900-6400 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1700-5800 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJXH |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 1150 l (40.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4236 mm (166.77 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1423 mm (56.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2596 mm (102.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
