The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 1.6 TDI is a compact station wagon (estate) 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. This particular version, powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 115 horsepower, was primarily aimed at the European market, where diesel engines and station wagons remained popular choices for their fuel efficiency and versatility. While SEAT vehicles are not officially sold in the United States, the Leon represents a significant model in the Volkswagen Group’s portfolio, sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.
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 variant specifically targeted buyers seeking a balance between fuel economy, reasonable performance, and practicality. In Europe, this model competed with other compact wagons like the Skoda Octavia Combi, Ford Focus Estate, and Peugeot 308 SW. The ST body style catered to families and individuals needing more cargo capacity than a traditional hatchback could provide, making it a popular choice for everyday use and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III ST 1.6 TDI is a 1.6-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated DDYA. This engine produces 115 horsepower at 3,250-4,000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with intercooler and a diesel common rail fuel injection system, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG), providing smooth and quick gear changes. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.2:1 is typical for diesel engines, maximizing combustion efficiency. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.9 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5 kg/Nm.
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. Inside, the cabin offers seating for five passengers and a spacious cargo area. The ST variant boasts a minimum trunk capacity of 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.), expanding significantly when the rear seats are folded down. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an infotainment system with touchscreen display. Safety features, crucial in modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and multiple airbags. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,549 mm (179.09 in) in length, 1,816 mm (71.5 in) in width, and 1,454 mm (57.24 in) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,636 mm (103.78 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (115 Hp) DSG |
| 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) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 111 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 | 10.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3250-4000 rpm |
| 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 | 1251 kg (2757.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 639 kg (1408.75 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 | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| 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 in the European compact wagon segment. Its combination of fuel economy, performance, and cargo space made it a popular choice for a wide range of buyers. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the engineering and design principles of the Volkswagen Group, offering a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and economical vehicle.
