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 the Leon shares its platform with models like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. The “SC” designation denotes the three-door body style, offering a sportier aesthetic compared to the five-door Leon hatchback. This generation, particularly the 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) DSG variant, was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and a relatively accessible price point. It competed with other compact hatchbacks like the Ford Focus, Opel Astra, and Peugeot 308.
SEAT Leon III SC 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) DSG: Overview
The 2016-2018 facelift brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the Leon III SC. The 1.0 TSI engine, a three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, was a key component of SEAT’s strategy to offer smaller, more efficient engines without sacrificing performance. The inclusion of a 7-speed Dual Clutch Gearbox (DSG) further enhanced the driving experience, providing smooth and rapid gear changes. This model was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a stylish, economical, and engaging driving experience in the compact hatchback segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III SC 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) DSG is the CHZD engine, a 999 cc inline three-cylinder gasoline engine. Despite its small displacement, the engine produces 115 horsepower at 5000-5500 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000-3500 rpm. This is achieved through the use of direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is an impressive 115.1 hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels.
Paired with the 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, the Leon SC 1.0 TSI achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 202 km/h (125.52 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg or 64.2 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 102 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 9.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III SC is a three-door hatchback, characterized by its sporty and dynamic design. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and taillights, as well as a redesigned front bumper and grille. The interior offers seating for five passengers, although rear passenger space is somewhat limited due to the coupe-like roofline. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu. ft.).
Standard features typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a steering rack and pinion system. Safety features were enhanced in the facelifted model, though specific equipment levels varied depending on trim. The suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and discs at the rear. The vehicle rides on either 15 or 16-inch wheel rims, with tire sizes of 195/65 R15 or 205/55 R16.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III SC (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 TSI (115 Hp) DSG |
| 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 | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 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 | 1128 kg (2486.81 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 612 kg (1349.23 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 and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| 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 |
