The SEAT Leon III ST (facelift 2016) 2.0 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 facelifted version, introduced in 2016, brought styling updates, improved technology, and refined engine options, including the 2.0 TDI diesel engine producing 150 horsepower.
SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI: Overview
The Leon III ST 2.0 TDI aimed to provide a balance between fuel efficiency, performance, and practicality for European drivers. The station wagon body style catered to families and individuals needing more cargo capacity than a traditional hatchback. The 2.0 TDI engine was a key component of SEAT’s powertrain lineup, offering a blend of torque and economy suitable for both city driving and long-distance journeys. The facelifted model incorporated updated safety features and infotainment systems, enhancing its appeal in a competitive market segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI is a 1968 cc (120.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, designated with model codes DCYA, DFFA, or DFGA, produces 150 horsepower at 3500-4000 rpm and 340 Nm (250.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1750-3000 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to optimize performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.6 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.2 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine’s efficiency is reflected in a combined fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 110 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 8.6 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 3.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The SEAT Leon III ST is a five-door, five-seat station wagon. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including redesigned headlights and taillights, a new front grille, and updated bumpers. The interior incorporates improved materials and a more modern dashboard layout. Key features include a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a generous cargo area. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 587 liters (20.73 cu. ft.), making it suitable for carrying luggage, groceries, or other items.
Safety features in the 2016 facelifted model include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a range of driver-assistance systems. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear. Steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. Available wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, with tire sizes including 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, and 225/40 R18.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon III ST (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (150 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) | 4.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 54.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 65.7 UK mpg |
| CO2 emissions | 110 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm (250.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | DCYA, DFFA, DFGA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 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 | 1283 kg (2828.53 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 627 kg (1382.3 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 587 l (20.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 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 | 1534-1544 mm (60.39 – 60.79 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1504-1514 mm (59.21 – 59.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.3 m (33.79 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 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 |
The SEAT Leon III ST 2.0 TDI (facelift 2016) represented a practical and efficient option for European car buyers seeking a versatile compact station wagon. Its combination of fuel economy, performance, and cargo space made it a competitive choice in its segment.
