The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 2.0 TDI, producing 184 horsepower, represents a significant iteration of SEAT’s compact estate car. Introduced as part of the Leon III generation’s mid-life refresh, this model aimed to enhance both the practicality and driving experience of the original. 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 designation signifies “Sport Tourer,” denoting the wagon body style. This particular variant, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine, was primarily marketed in Europe, offering a blend of fuel efficiency, performance, and cargo capacity appealing to families and individuals requiring versatile transportation.
SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III ST, launched in 2013, quickly became a popular choice in the European C-segment, competing with rivals like the Ford Focus Estate, Peugeot 308 SW, and Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The 2016 facelift brought styling updates, improved technology, and refined engine options, including the 2.0 TDI 184 HP variant. Unlike many European models, the SEAT Leon was never officially sold in the United States. However, understanding its specifications and position within the European market provides insight into the evolving demands of the compact estate car segment. The focus on diesel engines in Europe, driven by fuel costs and emissions regulations, is a key characteristic of this vehicle.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Leon III ST 2.0 TDI lies a 1968 cc (120.09 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, identified by the codes CUPA or CUNA, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to deliver a robust 184 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and a substantial 380 Nm (280.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750 and 3000 rpm. This torque output provides strong acceleration and effortless cruising, particularly beneficial for long journeys and when carrying a load. The engine features a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 15.8:1, contributing to its efficiency. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 228 km/h (141.67 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 3.5 kg/Nm further highlight the engine’s capability. Power per liter is rated at 93.5 Hp/l.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST is a five-door, five-seat station wagon (estate). The facelifted model features a more aggressive front fascia, revised headlights, and updated interior trim. The ST body style offers a significant advantage in terms of cargo capacity compared to the hatchback version. The trunk (boot) space measures a minimum of 587 liters (20.73 cubic feet), expanding when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4549 mm (179.09 inches) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 inches) in width, and 1454 mm (57.24 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2636 mm (103.78 inches).
Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Leon III ST also incorporates modern conveniences such as electric power steering, and a six-speed manual transmission. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, with tire sizes varying accordingly (225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 225/35 R19). The suspension utilizes an independent multi-link setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a balance between comfort and handling. A particulate filter is included as part of the engine’s emissions control system, meeting Euro 6 standards.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (184 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 (combined) | 4.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 51.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 61.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 21.7 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 121 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h (141.67 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CUPA, CUNA |
| 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 | 15.8:1 |
| 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 | 1340 kg (2954.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1970 kg (4343.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 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%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 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 | 1534-1538 mm (60.39 – 60.55 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1504-1508 mm (59.21 – 59.37 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
The SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI (184 Hp) offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and reasonably sporty estate car. Its blend of performance, fuel economy, and cargo space made it a popular choice in a competitive segment.
