Seat Leon III ST (facelift ) 1.0 EcoTSI (115 Hp) ECOMOTIVE

The Seat Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.0 EcoTSI (115 Hp) ECOMOTIVE represents a pivotal offering from the Spanish automaker, SEAT, within the highly competitive European compact segment. As a brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, SEAT is renowned for infusing a youthful, sporty character into its vehicles, often leveraging the robust engineering platforms shared across the conglomerate. This particular iteration, part of the third-generation Leon line-up and featuring a significant facelift introduced in 2016, specifically highlights the “ST” (Sport Tourer or station wagon) body style, emphasizing practicality and versatility. Produced between 2018 and 2020, this model was designed to appeal to buyers seeking an efficient, yet dynamic, family vehicle that could navigate both urban environments and longer journeys with ease, prioritizing fuel economy and lower emissions without compromising on everyday usability or driving enjoyment. The inclusion of the 1.0 EcoTSI engine, a testament to modern downsizing trends, further underscores its commitment to efficiency, making it a compelling choice in its primary European market.

The Seat Leon III ST (facelift 2016) in its European Context

The SEAT Leon has long been a cornerstone of the brand’s success, particularly in Europe, where it competes fiercely against stalwarts like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The third generation, launched initially in 2012, marked a significant leap forward in design, technology, and perceived quality. The 2016 facelift brought a series of refinements, including subtle exterior tweaks, updated interior materials, and, crucially, enhanced connectivity and driver assistance systems, keeping the Leon fresh and competitive. The “ST” designation transforms the agile Leon hatchback into a highly functional station wagon, catering to families and individuals requiring substantial cargo capacity without sacrificing the engaging driving dynamics for which the Leon is known. This body style is particularly popular in Europe, offering a practical alternative to SUVs.

The ECOMOTIVE badge on this particular 1.0 EcoTSI model signifies SEAT’s commitment to environmental responsibility and fuel efficiency. These models typically feature various enhancements, such as aerodynamic improvements, low rolling resistance tires, and optimized engine management, all aimed at reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For the 2018-2020 production run, the Leon III ST with this powertrain was positioned as a smart choice for eco-conscious drivers and fleets looking for a cost-effective vehicle to run, adhering to stringent European emission standards like Euro 6 AG.

Engine and Performance: The 1.0 EcoTSI Powertrain

At the heart of the Seat Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.0 EcoTSI (115 Hp) ECOMOTIVE lies a sophisticated 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. This compact powerhouse, identified by engine codes DKRA or DKRF, is a prime example of modern automotive engineering’s ability to deliver impressive performance and efficiency from a downsized displacement. Utilizing direct fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger, the engine generates a respectable 115 horsepower, peaking between 5000 and 5500 rpm. More critically for daily driving, it produces a robust 147.51 lb-ft of torque, available across a broad and accessible range from 2000 to 3500 rpm. This wide torque band ensures responsive acceleration and flexible in-gear performance, making the vehicle feel more potent than its displacement might suggest.

Mated to a precise 6-speed manual transmission, the front-wheel-drive powertrain allows the Leon ST to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a credible 9.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 124.27 mph. These figures are particularly impressive for a small-displacement engine propelling a station wagon, highlighting the effectiveness of the turbocharging and the relatively light curb weight of 2572.79 lbs. The engine’s power per liter stands at an excellent 115.1 Hp/l, showcasing its high specific output. Fuel economy is a strong suit, with a combined rating of 49 US mpg (4.8 l/100 km), achieving 54.7 US mpg on the extra-urban cycle and 42.8 US mpg in urban driving. These figures, coupled with CO2 emissions of just 108 g/km, underscore its ECOMOTIVE credentials and compliance with the Euro 6 AG emission standard. The engine’s internal architecture features an inline three-cylinder configuration with a bore of 2.93 inches and a stroke of 3.01 inches, resulting in a displacement of 60.96 cubic inches (999 cm³). A compression ratio of 10.5:1, along with four valves per cylinder, optimizes combustion efficiency. The inclusion of a particulate filter further aids in reducing harmful emissions, aligning with contemporary environmental regulations.

Design, Practicality, and Features

The design of the Seat Leon III ST (facelift 2016) is characterized by SEAT’s distinctive “auto emoción” philosophy, blending sharp lines, sculpted surfaces, and a dynamic stance. As a station wagon, or “estate” as it’s known in Europe, it prioritizes practicality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The vehicle measures 179.09 inches in length, 71.5 inches in width (77.76 inches including mirrors), and 57.24 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 103.78 inches. These dimensions contribute to a spacious interior and a commanding road presence for a compact vehicle.

The ST body type offers five doors and comfortable seating for five occupants. A key highlight is its versatile cargo space: a generous 20.73 cubic feet (587 liters) with all seats in place, expanding to an impressive 51.91 cubic feet (1470 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for families, active lifestyles, or those needing substantial hauling capability. The maximum payload capacity is 1351.43 lbs, and it can tow an unbraked trailer up to 1366.87 lbs, further enhancing its utility.

Underneath, the Leon ST features a well-engineered chassis designed for a balance of comfort and agility. The front suspension employs an independent McPherson strut system, known for its precise handling and ride quality, while the rear utilizes a semi-independent, coil spring setup. This combination ensures stable road manners and a compliant ride suitable for various road conditions. Braking performance is handled by ventilated discs measuring 276 mm at the front and solid discs of 253 mm at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety and control. The vehicle is equipped with electric power steering and a rack and pinion steering type, providing light and responsive steering feel, particularly beneficial in urban environments with a minimum turning circle of 33.79 feet. Standard tire sizes range from 195/65 R15 to 205/55 R16, mounted on 6J x 15 or 6.5J x 16 wheel rims, chosen to optimize grip, fuel efficiency, and ride comfort. Overall, the Leon ST blends its practical wagon form with SEAT’s characteristic sporty flair and modern technological features, making it a highly competent and appealing package in its segment.

Technical Specifications

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the technical specifications for the Seat Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.0 EcoTSI (115 Hp) ECOMOTIVE, detailing its mechanical, performance, and dimensional attributes.