The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.8 TSI with the DSG transmission 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 combined 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, was primarily aimed at the European market, where station wagons maintain considerable popularity. It offered a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and versatility for families and individuals alike.
SEAT Leon III ST 1.8 TSI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.8 TSI occupied a competitive space within the European C-segment, facing rivals such as the Ford Focus Estate, Opel Astra Sports Tourer, and Volkswagen Golf Variant. The facelift brought styling updates, improved technology, and refined engine options. The 1.8 TSI engine, producing 180 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a compelling blend of power and economy. The inclusion of the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) further enhanced the driving experience with its quick and smooth gear changes. Unlike many vehicles in this class sold in the US, the Leon ST was not officially offered in North America, reflecting the differing consumer preferences for vehicle body styles in those markets.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Leon ST 1.8 TSI lies the EA888 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CJSA in this application, utilizes direct injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver a potent 180 horsepower at 5,100-6,200 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is an impressive 100.1 hp/l. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration contribute to its balanced handling characteristics. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission provides rapid and seamless gear changes, optimizing both acceleration and fuel efficiency. This powertrain combination allows the Leon ST to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, and 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 224 km/h (139.19 mph). The inclusion of a Start & Stop system further contributes to fuel savings in urban driving conditions.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) boasts a sleek and modern station wagon design. The facelift brought revised front and rear styling, including new headlights with LED technology, a redesigned grille, and updated bumpers. The five-door body style provides easy access to the spacious interior, which comfortably accommodates five passengers. The ST’s key advantage lies in its generous cargo capacity. With the rear seats up, the trunk offers 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a substantial 1,470 liters (51.91 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Inside, the cabin features a driver-focused layout with high-quality materials and a range of technology features. Safety features include ABS, and a comprehensive airbag system. The vehicle’s dimensions – 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 – position it squarely within the compact estate car segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 TSI (180 Hp) DSG |
| 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) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 134 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 224 km/h (139.19 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 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 | 1297 kg (2859.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 593 kg (1307.34 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 | 680 kg (1499.14 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.) |
| Front track | 1534-1538 mm (60.39 – 60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1504-1512 mm (59.21 – 59.53 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | 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 | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 312×25 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 272×10 mm |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18; 225/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
The SEAT Leon III ST 1.8 TSI DSG, while not available in the US market, remains a compelling example of a European compact station wagon, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and efficiency. Its position within the Volkswagen Group allowed it to benefit from shared technology and engineering expertise, resulting in a well-rounded and competitive vehicle.
