Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Seat Leon III ST 1.6 TDI (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
III ST Overview:
Seat Leon (III ST). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1326 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 178 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.6 TDI (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This entry-level diesel prioritizes economy over performance. With 90 Hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 13 seconds, it's best suited for relaxed driving rather than spirited acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel efficiency is the highlight, achieving a combined 4.1 l/100 km. This makes it an excellent choice for high-mileage drivers looking to minimize running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent fuel economy, especially with TDI engines
- • Generous boot space for a compact estate (587-1470 litres)
- • Comfortable ride quality and stable handling
- • Good value for money compared to rivals like the VW Golf
- • High Euro NCAP safety rating
Cons:
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered for some drivers
- • Interior plastics can feel less premium than some competitors
- • Rear visibility can be somewhat restricted
- • Manual gearbox only for these specific trims
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (1P, facelift 2009): 2011 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Seat |
| Model: | Leon |
| Generation: | III ST |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2014 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 2750-4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56.3 Hp/l [220mm more] |
| Torque: | 230 Nm @ 1400-2750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | CLHB, CXXA More details about the engine CLHB, CXXA |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.6 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 16.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 3.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 178 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.7 kg/Hp, 67.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1326 |
| Max. weight: | 1860 |
| Max load: | 534 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1470 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 587 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4535 mm mm [220mm more] |
| Width: | 1816 mm mm [48mm more] |
| Height: | 1451 mm mm [8mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2636 mm mm [58mm more] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1520 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Seat Leon!