The SEAT Leon III SC (SportCoupe) facelift, produced from 2016 to 2018, represents a significant iteration of SEAT’s popular compact hatchback. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it operates as part of the Volkswagen Group and is particularly prominent in the European market. The Leon, in its third generation, aimed to blend practicality, sporty styling, and efficient engine options. The SC variant, distinguished by its three-door configuration, catered to buyers seeking a more dynamic and youthful aesthetic. This particular model, equipped with the 1.0 TSI (115 horsepower) engine, was designed to offer a balance between performance and fuel economy, appealing to a broad range of drivers in Europe.
SEAT Leon III SC 1.0 TSI: An Overview
The facelifted Leon III SC introduced styling updates, enhanced technology, and refined engine options compared to the pre-facelift model. The 1.0 TSI engine was a key component of this update, representing a downsized, turbocharged powerplant designed to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations while maintaining acceptable performance levels. The SC’s three-door layout differentiates it from the five-door Leon hatchback, offering a slightly more coupe-like profile and a focus on driver engagement. It’s important to note that SEAT vehicles, including the Leon, were not widely sold in the United States, making this model primarily a European market offering.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2016-2018 SEAT Leon III SC 1.0 TSI is a 999cc, inline-three cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This engine, designated CHZD, produces 115 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000-3500 rpm. The use of direct fuel injection and a turbocharger allows for a relatively high power output for its displacement, resulting in a power-to-liter ratio of 115.1 hp/l. This engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h (123.03 mph). The engine’s relatively low weight contributes to a weight-to-power ratio of 9.6 kg/hp. The 1.0 TSI engine prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 102 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its design emphasizes sporty lines and a compact footprint. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and taillights, as well as a redesigned front grille. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on functionality and driver ergonomics. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and driver and passenger airbags. The SC’s trunk space is rated at a minimum of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.). The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4247 mm (167.2 in), width 1810 mm (71.26 in), and height 1446 mm (56.93 in), with a wheelbase of 2601 mm (102.4 in). The kerb weight is 1105 kg (2436.11 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 53.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 64.2 UK mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 102 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5000-5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 115.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 2000-3500 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHZD |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.4 mm (3.01 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 | 1105 kg (2436.11 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 605 kg (1333.8 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 380 l (13.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Length | 4247 mm (167.2 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2601 mm (102.4 in.) |
| Front track | 1544-1549 mm (60.79 – 60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1514-1520 mm (59.61 – 59.84 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The SEAT Leon III SC 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) represents a compelling offering in the European compact hatchback segment, blending efficiency, style, and a degree of driving enjoyment. Its focus on fuel economy and reduced emissions, coupled with its sporty design, made it a popular choice for drivers seeking a practical yet engaging vehicle.
