The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.5 TSI (130 Hp) is a compact station wagon that was produced from 2018 to 2020. As a model primarily sold within the European market, the Leon ST occupies a significant position in the competitive C-segment, offering a practical and stylish alternative to traditional hatchbacks and sedans. SEAT, a Spanish automobile manufacturer now owned by the Volkswagen Group, designed the Leon to appeal to buyers seeking a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and versatility. The “ST” designation signifies the “Sport Tourer” or station wagon body style, emphasizing its increased cargo capacity and family-friendly nature. This facelifted version of the third-generation Leon brought updated styling, improved technology, and refined engine options, including the 1.5 TSI petrol engine detailed here.
SEAT Leon III ST 1.5 TSI: Overview
The Leon III ST, particularly the 1.5 TSI variant, was engineered to deliver a compelling driving experience while maintaining reasonable running costs. It caters to a demographic that values practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment. The facelift introduced in 2016 brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior design, including revised headlights, a redesigned front grille, and updated bumpers. Inside, the cabin benefited from improved materials and enhanced infotainment systems. The 1.5 TSI engine, a key component of this model, represents a move towards smaller, turbocharged engines designed to maximize fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III ST 1.5 TSI is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 130 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-4000 rpm. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to optimize performance and efficiency. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 86.8 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 207 km/h (128.62 mph). The engine’s relatively small displacement, combined with turbocharging, contributes to impressive fuel economy figures. Combined fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 to 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers (48 to 46.1 US mpg), with CO2 emissions between 111 and 116 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 9.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST is a five-door station wagon with a sleek and modern design. Its exterior styling is characterized by sharp lines, a sloping roofline, and a distinctive front fascia. The ST body style offers a significant advantage in terms of cargo space, with a minimum of 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) and a maximum of 1470 liters (51.91 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, featuring supportive seats and a user-friendly dashboard layout. Standard features typically include air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial in modern vehicles, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed for stability. The vehicle’s dimensions are: Length 4549 mm (179.09 in.), Width 1816 mm (71.5 in.), and Height 1454 mm (57.24 in.). The wheelbase measures 2636 mm (103.78 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 TSI (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3-6.5 l/100 km (37.3 – 36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1-4.3 l/100 km (57.4 – 54.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9-5.1 l/100 km (48 – 46.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 111-116 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 207 km/h (128.62 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1400-4000 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DACA, DPBA |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.9 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1196 kg (2636.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1840 kg (4056.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 644 kg (1419.78 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) |
| Length | 4549 mm (179.09 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1454 mm (57.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2636 mm (103.78 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
The SEAT Leon III ST 1.5 TSI (130 Hp) represents a well-rounded package for buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and enjoyable compact station wagon. Its combination of modern design, fuel-efficient engine, and spacious interior makes it a competitive offering in the European C-segment.
