The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) is a compact station wagon that formed a crucial part of SEAT’s lineup in Europe. While SEAT vehicles have limited official presence in the United States, the Leon, and particularly the ST (Sport Tourer) variant, represents a significant offering in the European C-segment, competing with models like the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Ford Focus Estate, and Skoda Octavia Combi. The facelifted version, introduced in 2016, brought styling updates and technological enhancements to an already popular model, focusing on fuel efficiency and practicality for family and business users.
SEAT Leon III ST (Facelift 2016) Overview
The Leon III ST, launched initially in 2013, was SEAT’s entry into the competitive station wagon market. The 2016 facelift refined the design, adding more aggressive styling cues and updated interior features. The 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) engine option was a popular choice, balancing reasonable performance with excellent fuel economy, making it well-suited for long-distance driving and everyday use. This model catered to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle with a focus on practicality and running costs.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) is a 1.968-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, designated CUUA or CUVE, produces 110 horsepower at 3250-4500 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.7 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.2 seconds. The vehicle boasts a top speed of 189 km/h (117.44 mph). The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg), and emitting 106 g/km of CO2, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 11.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.1 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. The body style offers a practical and spacious interior combined with a sleek, modern exterior design. The facelift brought changes to the front fascia, including redesigned headlights with LED daytime running lights, a new grille, and a revised bumper. Inside, the cabin features a driver-focused layout with updated infotainment systems and improved materials. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a range of available options such as parking sensors, navigation, and climate control. The trunk (boot) space is a generous 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding significantly when the seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4549 mm (179.09 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1454 mm (57.24 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2636 mm (103.78 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 57.4 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 68.9 UK mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 106 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 189 km/h (117.44 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 3250-4500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CUUA, CUVE |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1283 kg (2828.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 627 kg (1382.3 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 587 l (20.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Length | 4549 mm (179.09 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1454 mm (57.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1544 mm (60.39 – 60.79 in.) |
| Rear track | 1504-1524 mm (59.21 – 60 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17; 18 |
The SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) represented a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and stylish station wagon. Its combination of fuel economy, spaciousness, and modern features made it a popular choice in a highly competitive segment.
