The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.6 TDI is a compact station wagon produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2016 to 2020. As part of the third generation of the Leon, the ST (SportTourer) variant offered increased practicality and cargo space compared to the hatchback model. While SEAT vehicles are not officially sold in the United States, the Leon is a popular model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Ford Focus Wagon, and Skoda Octavia Combi. The 1.6 TDI variant, equipped with a diesel engine, was a common choice for European buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
SEAT Leon III ST 1.6 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The Leon III ST facelift, introduced in 2016, brought styling updates and technological enhancements to the existing model. The 1.6 TDI version specifically targeted buyers seeking an economical and versatile vehicle for daily commuting and family use. The station wagon body style provided a significant advantage in terms of cargo capacity, making it suitable for carrying luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. In the European market, diesel engines were, and continue to be, favored for their fuel economy and torque characteristics, particularly for long-distance driving. The Leon ST 1.6 TDI aimed to deliver a balance between performance, efficiency, and practicality.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT Leon III ST 1.6 TDI is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated DDYA. This engine produces 115 horsepower at 3250-4000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3250 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in 9.4 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.2:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to their efficiency. The engine is equipped with a diesel particulate filter to reduce emissions, meeting Euro 6 standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST is a five-door station wagon with a sleek and modern design. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and taillights. The interior offers seating for five passengers and provides a comfortable and functional cabin. Key features include a well-designed dashboard, supportive seats, and a range of infotainment options. Safety features, standard for the era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis design. The ST variant boasts a generous trunk space of 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding significantly when the seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4549 mm (179.09 in.) in length, 1816 mm (71.5 in.) in width, and 1454 mm (57.24 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2636 mm (103.78 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 108 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3250-4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3250 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DDYA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 |
| 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 | 1230 kg (2711.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 640 kg (1410.96 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%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 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 | 1534-1549 mm (60.39 – 60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1504-1520 mm (59.21 – 59.84 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16; 17; 18 |
The SEAT Leon III ST 1.6 TDI (facelift 2016) represented a practical and efficient option for European car buyers. Its combination of station wagon versatility, fuel-efficient diesel engine, and modern features made it a competitive choice in the compact family car segment.
