The SEAT León III ST (facelift 2016) 1.6 TDI is a compact station wagon produced by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2016 to 2020. As a facelift of the third-generation León, 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 León 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 90 horsepower diesel engine, was aimed at buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
SEAT León III ST 1.6 TDI: Overview and Market Position
The León III ST represented SEAT’s entry into the competitive compact estate market. The facelifted model, introduced in 2016, brought styling updates, improved technology, and refined engine options. The 1.6 TDI version specifically targeted European markets where diesel engines were prevalent due to favorable taxation and fuel economy. The ST body style, offering a larger cargo area than the hatchback, appealed to families and individuals needing increased versatility. It was positioned as a practical and affordable alternative to more premium estate cars.
Engine & Performance
The SEAT León III ST 1.6 TDI is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated DDYB. This engine produces 90 horsepower (Hp) at 2750-4800 rpm and 230 Newton-meters (169.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1400-2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance 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 13 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 12.4 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine’s relatively modest power output is offset by its strong low-end torque, making it suitable for everyday driving and long-distance journeys. The engine meets Euro 6 emission standards, incorporating a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions.
Design & Features
The SEAT León III ST is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including redesigned headlights and taillights, as well as a refreshed front grille. The interior offers a functional and modern design, with a focus on ergonomics and practicality. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Higher trim levels offered features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. The ST’s key advantage lies in its spacious cargo area, offering 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.) of storage space with the rear seats up. Folding the rear seats expands the cargo capacity significantly, providing ample room for luggage and other items. 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.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TDI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 year |
| End of production | 2020 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 53.5 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 64.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 22.7 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 2750-4800 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1400-2750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DDYB |
| 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 | 1860 kg (4100.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 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 León III ST 1.6 TDI (facelift 2016) offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped compact estate car in the European market. Its combination of spaciousness, reasonable performance, and modern features made it a popular choice in its segment.
