The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.8 TSI (180 Hp) is a compact station wagon that represented a significant evolution in SEAT’s lineup. Introduced as part of the Leon III generation’s mid-life refresh, this model aimed to blend practicality with a sporty driving experience. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it operates as part of the Volkswagen Group, and the Leon shares its platform with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf and Škoda Octavia. The ST, signifying “Sport Tourer,” denotes the wagon body style, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the hatchback version. This particular variant, powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 180 horsepower, was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions where station wagons maintain considerable popularity.
SEAT Leon III ST 1.8 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III ST facelift, released in 2016, brought updated styling, enhanced technology, and refined engine options. The 1.8 TSI model occupied a middle ground in the Leon ST range, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It targeted buyers seeking a versatile vehicle suitable for both daily commuting and longer journeys, with the added benefit of a spacious cargo area. Unlike many American market preferences, the station wagon (estate) body style remains a popular choice in Europe, and the Leon ST directly competed with models like the Ford Focus Estate, Volkswagen Golf Variant, and Škoda Octavia Combi.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Leon ST 1.8 TSI is the EA888 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, a mainstay in the Volkswagen Group’s portfolio, utilizes direct injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a responsive and efficient driving experience. It produces 180 horsepower at between 5,100 and 6,200 rpm, and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque available from a low 1,250 rpm, providing strong acceleration across a wide rev range. This engine is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, directing power to the front wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.4 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 7.1 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 5.1 kg/Nm contribute to its lively character.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon ST (facelift 2016) features a sleek and modern design. The station wagon body style provides a generous 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,470 liters (51.91 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The exterior styling incorporates SEAT’s design language, with sharp lines, a distinctive front grille, and available LED headlights. Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with a focus on ergonomics and practicality. Standard features typically included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a range of safety equipment. The facelifted model benefited from upgraded interior materials and improved connectivity options. Safety features included ABS, and a comprehensive airbag system. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,549 mm (179.09 in.) in length, 1,816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1,454 mm (57.24 in.) in height. The kerb weight is 1,280 kg (2,821.92 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 TSI (180 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 138 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 226 km/h (140.43 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5100-6200 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1250-5000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJSA |
| Engine displacement | 1798 cm3 (109.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.2 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1280 kg (2821.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 587 l (20.73 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1470 l (51.91 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 670 kg (1477.1 lbs.) |
| Length | 4549 mm (179.09 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1454 mm (57.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT Leon III ST 1.8 TSI (facelift 2016) offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience in the compact station wagon segment. Its blend of performance, fuel economy, and versatility made it a popular choice in European markets.
