Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) startstop

The Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop represents a compelling blend of practicality, efficiency, and dynamic styling within the highly competitive European compact segment. Produced by the Spanish automaker SEAT, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, this particular variant was manufactured between 2014 and 2016. As a “Sport Tourer” (ST), it signifies a station wagon body style designed to offer enhanced cargo capacity and versatility compared to its hatchback sibling, while retaining the Leon’s characteristic sporty driving dynamics. While SEAT vehicles are not typically sold in the United States, the Leon III ST carved out a significant niche in markets like Germany, the UK, and Spain, appealing to families and individuals seeking a functional yet engaging vehicle with a distinctly European flair and Volkswagen Group engineering pedigree. This generation of the Leon was praised for its sharp design, improved interior quality, and a range of efficient powertrains, with the 1.4 TSI engine being a popular choice for its balance of performance and fuel economy, further bolstered by the inclusion of a start/stop system for reduced emissions and urban fuel consumption.

The Seat Leon III ST: A European Market Contender

In the European automotive landscape, SEAT has long been positioned as the more youthful and spirited brand within the Volkswagen Group, often sharing platforms and powertrains with Volkswagen and Skoda models but infusing them with a distinct design language and a focus on driving enjoyment. The third-generation Leon, introduced in 2012, was a pivotal model for the brand, embodying this philosophy perfectly. The “ST” designation, or Sport Tourer, expanded the Leon’s appeal by offering a practical station wagon variant that capitalized on the hatchback’s strengths while addressing the need for greater utility. This body style is particularly popular in Europe, where compact station wagons are often preferred over larger SUVs for their driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and ease of maneuverability in urban environments.

The Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop, produced from 2014 to 2016, was a key offering in this segment. It competed against rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf Variant, Skoda Octavia Combi, Ford Focus Estate, and Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Its success was predicated on its ability to combine the Leon’s attractive styling and engaging chassis with the added versatility of a larger trunk and a more spacious rear cabin. This model adhered to the Euro 6 emission standard, reflecting the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in the mid-2010s. For European consumers, the Leon III ST offered a compelling package: a well-built, technologically advanced, and stylish vehicle that delivered on both performance and practicality, all underpinned by the reliability and engineering prowess of the Volkswagen Group.

Powertrain and Performance: The 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop Engine

At the heart of the Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop lies a highly efficient and capable turbocharged gasoline engine, a hallmark of Volkswagen Group’s powertrain strategy. The 1.4-liter (1395 cm³ or 85.13 cu. in.) inline-four engine, designated with the code CZCA, is a prime example of modern downsizing technology. It employs direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler, allowing it to produce a robust 125 horsepower (Hp) at 5000-6000 rpm, translating to an impressive 89.6 Hp per liter. More significantly for daily driving, the engine delivers a substantial 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque across a broad and accessible rev range, from 1400 to 4000 rpm. This wide torque band ensures responsive acceleration and flexible performance without the need to constantly downshift, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.

Power is directed to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, offering drivers an engaging and connected driving experience. The vehicle’s performance figures underscore its agile character: it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 9.1 seconds, and reach a top speed of 125.52 mph (202 km/h). These figures are commendable for a compact station wagon with a relatively small displacement engine, highlighting the effectiveness of the turbocharging technology. Furthermore, the inclusion of a start/stop system is a testament to its focus on efficiency. This system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it seamlessly when the driver intends to move, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in urban traffic. The combined fuel economy for the Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is rated at 44.4 US mpg (5.3 l/100 km), with CO2 emissions of 123 g/km, classifying it as a Euro 6 compliant vehicle. This impressive efficiency, combined with its dynamic performance, made it a highly attractive option for European consumers prioritizing both economy and driving pleasure.

Design, Utility, and Features of the Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop

The design of the Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop is a key differentiator, embodying SEAT’s commitment to creating vehicles with a sporty and contemporary aesthetic. Measuring 178.54 inches (4535 mm) in length, 71.5 inches (1816 mm) in width, and 57.13 inches (1451 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 103.78 inches (2636 mm), the Leon ST strikes a balanced and well-proportioned stance. Its station wagon body type, with five doors and seating for five occupants, offers substantial practicality without sacrificing its sleek profile. The sharp lines, distinctive LED daytime running lights (where fitted), and sculpted bodywork give it a more assertive and dynamic appearance compared to some of its more staid competitors.

Utility is a major strength of the Leon ST. The trunk offers a generous minimum capacity of 20.73 cubic feet (587 liters), which can be expanded to an impressive 51.91 cubic feet (1470 liters) with the rear seats folded down. This expansive cargo area makes it highly suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone requiring significant hauling capability. The vehicle’s kerb weight stands at 2797.67 lbs (1269 kg), contributing to its agile handling, while its maximum permissible weight is 4056.51 lbs (1840 kg), allowing for a substantial maximum load of 1258.84 lbs (571 kg). In terms of safety and driving dynamics, the Leon III ST is equipped with essential assisting systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering system utilizes a rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive feedback to the driver, further reinforcing the Leon’s sporty character. The overall design and feature set of the Seat Leon III ST 1.4 TSI (125 Hp) start/stop successfully combined aesthetic appeal with robust engineering and practical utility, making it a highly desirable vehicle in its target market.

Technical Specifications