Seat Leon I (1M) Cupra R 1.8 T (225 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Seat Leon:

The SEAT León , also spelled Leon in some other languages, is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer SEAT since October 1999. It is named after the city of León.
The first two León generations used two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and shared many components with other Volkswagen Group cars. The third and fourth generation use the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, also used by the Audi A3 Mk3 and Mk4, Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and Mk8 and Škoda Octavia Mk3 and Mk4....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (1M) Overview:

Seat Leon (I (1M)). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1366 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 237 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Cupra R 1.8 T (225 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The most powerful and fastest variant, delivering thrilling acceleration and dynamics.

Fuel Economy

High fuel consumption, but acceptable for a car of this performance level.

Best Use Case: Track days / Performance enthusiasts

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of capable engines, from economical diesels to potent hot hatches.
  • • Engaging and sporty driving dynamics, especially in FR and Cupra trims.
  • • Distinctive and attractive styling that has aged well.
  • • Good value for money on the used car market.
  • • Practical hatchback body style with decent interior space.

Cons:

  • • Interior quality, while robust, can feel dated compared to newer rivals.
  • • Some petrol engines can be thirsty, particularly the V6 and higher-output 1.8T models.
  • • Rear legroom is adequate but not class-leading.
  • • Ride can be firm on sportier trims, impacting comfort on rough roads.
  • • Potential for common VW Group issues like coil pack failures on 1.8T engines.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (1M): May, 2002 - May, 2003).

General:
Brand:Seat
Model:Leon
Generation:I (1M)
Modification (Engine):Cupra R 1.8 T (225 Hp)
Start of production:May, 2003
End of production:June, 2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:225 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:126.3 Hp/l [1mm less]
Torque:280 Nm @ 2200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:BAM More details about the engine BAM
Engine displacement:1781
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:5
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):8.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):12.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.9 sec
Maximum speed:237 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.1 kg/Hp, 164.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.9 kg/Nm, 205 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1366
Max. weight:1811
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:445
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1050 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:340 l
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Size:
Length:4184 mm mm [1mm less]
Width:1742 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1439 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2511 mm mm [2mm less]
Front track:1481 mm
Rear (Back) track:1494 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/40 R18
Wheel rims size7.5J x 18
Front suspensionCoil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Coil spring, Elastic beam

Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!