The SEAT Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (300 Hp) DSG, produced from 2017 to 2018, represents a performance-oriented variant of SEAT’s compact estate car. As part of the Leon III generation, which underwent a facelift in 2016, the Cupra model aimed to deliver a blend of practicality, sporty handling, and respectable power. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, it is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, and the Leon shares its platform and many components with other VW Group vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Škoda Octavia, and Audi A3. The ST designation signifies “SportTourer,” denoting the wagon or estate body style. This model was primarily marketed in Europe and did not receive widespread distribution in the United States, where the demand for compact estates is comparatively limited.
SEAT Leon III ST Cupra: Performance and Engineering
The core of the Leon ST Cupra 2.0 TSI lies in its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This powerplant, identified by the engine code CJXC, produces 300 horsepower at 5500-6200 rpm and 380 Nm (280.27 lb.-ft.) of torque available from 1800 to 5500 rpm. This output translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 151.2 hp/l. The engine utilizes direct injection combined with multi-port manifold injection, optimizing both performance and fuel efficiency. A turbocharger and intercooler further enhance power delivery. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). This transmission provides rapid gear changes and contributes to the car’s acceleration capabilities. The Leon ST Cupra 2.0 TSI can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 5.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 4.6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.7 kg/Nm further highlight the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
The vehicle incorporates a Start & Stop system to improve fuel economy during urban driving. It meets Euro 6 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Design and Features
The SEAT Leon III ST Cupra is a five-door, five-seat station wagon (estate). The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling compared to earlier iterations of the Leon III. Key design elements include a sporty front bumper, distinctive alloy wheels (7.5J x 18 or 8J x 19), and subtle Cupra badging. The ST body style provides a generous 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1470 liters (51.91 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down.
The Cupra variant typically includes a sport-tuned suspension, featuring an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, both incorporating coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Braking is handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels (340×30 mm front, 310×22 mm rear). Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power steering. Standard tire sizes are 225/40 R18 or 235/35 R19.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | Cupra 2.0 TSI (300 Hp) DSG |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 156 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 300 Hp @ 5500-6200 rpm |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1800-5500 rpm (280.27 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CJXC |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1391 kg (3066.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Max load | 609 kg (1342.62 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.) |
| Length | 4540 mm (178.74 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1975 mm (77.76 in.) |
| Height | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2631 mm (103.58 in.) |
| Front track | 1534-1536 mm (60.39 – 60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1508-1510 mm (59.37 – 59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.5 m (34.45 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT Leon III ST Cupra 2.0 TSI (300 Hp) DSG offered a compelling package for drivers seeking a practical yet engaging driving experience. Its combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and estate car versatility made it a popular choice in the European market.
