SEAT León

SEAT León

Second-generation SEAT León
Manufacturer	SEAT, S.A.
Production	Mk1 (1M): 1998–2006 Mk2 (1P): 2005–present
Assembly	Martorell, Spain Brussels, Belgium
Class	Small family car
Body style(s)	5-door hatchback
Layout	Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A platform series
Related	Audi A3 Audi TT Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Golf Plus Volkswagen Bora Volkswagen Jetta SEAT Toledo SEAT Altea Škoda Octavia

The SEAT León (Spanish pronunciation: [leˈon]) is a small family car built by the Spanish car manufacturer, and Volkswagen Group subsidiary SEAT, S.A. since October 1998.^[1]

Both León generations are, or have been built upon two differing variants of the Volkswagen Group A platform, and they also share many other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi TT, Audi A3 and Škoda Octavia.

Mk1 (Typ 1M, 1998–2006)

SEAT León Mk1 (1M)

Production	October 1998–May 2006
Assembly	Martorell, Spain Brussels, Belgium
Layout	Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34)
Engine(s)	Petrol engines: 1.4 L I4 16v, 1.6 L I4 8v, 1.6 L I4 16v, 1.8 L I4 20v, 1.8 L I4 20v Turbo, 2.8 L VR6 24v Diesel engines: 1.9 L I4 SDI, 1.9 L I4 TDI, 1.9 L I4 TDI PD
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,513 mm (98.9 in)
Length	4,183 mm (164.7 in)
Width	1,742 mm (68.6 in)
Height	1,439 mm (56.7 in)
Kerb weight	1,210–1,628 kg (2,700–3,590 lb)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Bora Volkswagen New Beetle SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

Seat Leon (1M) rear

The initial SEAT León (Volkswagen Group Typ 1M), launched in 1999,^[2] was the hatchback version of the SEAT Toledo. It was based on the Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform and, as such, shared many components in common with other VW Group models such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Bora and Audi A3. As SEAT's first C-segment model as part of the VW Group, the León Mk1 was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle had slightly more aggressive looks. The more expensive versions were equipped with powerful internal combustion engines, along with firmer suspension to improve handling. In the interior, the dashboard was derived from that of the first-generation Audi A3.

Available engines were the 1.4 litre 16 valve petrol engine which produced a DIN-rated 55 kilowatts (75 PS; 74 bhp), a 1.6 litre 8 valve petrol engine 74 kilowatts (101 PS; 99 bhp) (quickly replaced with a 16 valve 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp) unit), and included two variants of the Volkswagen Group's 20 valve turbocharged 1.8 litre powerplant, (with some countries also getting the 2.8 litre VR6 engine delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp). The original "León Cupra" (which later became known as the "Cupra T") had a 1.8 litre Turbo with 132 kilowatts (179 PS; 177 bhp), and the "León Cupra R" 154 kilowatts (209 PS; 207 bhp), later becoming 165 kilowatts (224 PS; 221 bhp).

In some countries, there was also a "Cupra 4", equipped with a 2.8 litre VR6 delivering 150 kilowatts (204 PS; 201 bhp) equipped with four-wheel drive, based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motion.^[3]

A range of Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) version of Volkswagen Group's 1.9 TDI engine, originally sold as a "Cupra 4 TDI", with 4WD, that was sold for one year only, and only in certain countries, then passed to "Evolution" series, then "Top Sport", and later rebranded as the "FR" (formula Racing). Lesser diesel versions were available with 66 kilowatts (90 PS; 89 bhp), 81 kilowatts (110 PS; 109 bhp) and 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) outputs.

All engines over 96 kilowatts (131 PS; 129 bhp) have a standard six-speed manual transmission. Rear suspension was by torsion beam for most variants, whilst high-end models were fitted with a multi-link independent rear suspension. All versions came with disc brakes on all four wheels (the front ventilated, and in some cars the rear too).

In Mexico, the León became a very popular car with upper class young people. The only problem the León has suffered in Mexico is the fact that the sport tuned suspension of the León is not designed to withstand the constant road imperfections such as potholes and speed bumps that abound in Mexican roads.

In Switzerland, there was another official version tuned by Abt Sportsline of the León called "SEAT León Cupra 4 Kompressor". This version had the same 4WD and 2.8 litre VR6 but with 206 kilowatts (280 PS; 276 bhp) and 323 newton metres (238 ft·lbf) of torque.^[4][5][6]

Factory production of the Typ 1M ended in May 2006.^[1] However, the appreciation for the SEAT León Cupra R Mk1's appeal remained clear still up to the 'best hot hatchback of all time' poll conducted in 2010 by the British magazine Autocar, in which its readers honoured the Cupra R with the seventh position in the top ten list of hatchbacks of all time in their preferences.^[7]

Awards

• 'Carro do ano' award in 2001, in Portugal ^[8]
• 'Most satisfactory car of the Year 2007' in Poland, by the Polish magazine Auto Swiat

Engine choices

The Typ 1M SEAT León was available with the following internal combustion engines, with most being shared from other marques of the Volkswagen Group:^[1]

Mk2 (Typ 1P, 2005–present)

SEAT León Mk2 (1P)

Production	May 2005 – present
Assembly	Martorell, Spain
Layout	Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35)
Engine(s)	petrol engines: 1.2 L I4 16v TFSI, 1.4 L I4 16v, 1.4 L I4 16v TFSI, 1.6 L I4 8v, 1.8 L I4 16v TFSI, 2.0 L I4 16v FSI, 2.0 L I4 16v TFSI; LPG engines: 1.6 LPG diesel engines: 1.6 L I4 TDI (planned for 2010) 1.9 L I4 TDI, 2.0 L I4 TDI
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox 7-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Wheelbase	2,578 mm (101.5 in)
Length	4,315 mm (169.9 in)
Width	1,768 mm (69.6 in)
Height	1,459 mm (57.4 in)
Kerb weight	1,176–1,375 kg (2,590–3,030 lb)
Related	Audi A3 Mk2 Audi TT Mk2 Volkswagen Golf Mk5 Volkswagen Golf Mk6 Volkswagen Golf Plus Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 SEAT Toledo Mk3 SEAT Altea Škoda Octavia Mk2
Designer	Walter de'Silva

SEAT León Cupra.

Facelifted SEAT León.

The current León, Typ 1P, was released in 2005, with factory production commencing May 2005.^[1] It is based on the Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform, most notably used by the Volkswagen Golf Mk5. It is built in Spain, and has a sharper exterior look with vertically parked windscreen wipers, and the external rear door handles more integrated, in a similar style to that seen on recent Alfa Romeo models. Design was handled by Walter de'Silva, and the car uses the same design style that started with the SEAT Altea.

The base model on offer is the new 16 valve 1.2 litre TSI petrol engine with 77 kilowatts (105 PS; 103 bhp) ^[9]. In some markets (e.g. Greece), the Leon is available with a 1.4 litre MPI engine producing 63 kilowatts (86 PS; 84 bhp). The sportier variants begin with the 110 kilowatts (150 PS; 148 bhp) 2.0 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) and the popular 103 kilowatts (140 PS; 138 bhp) 2.0 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Both are fitted with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed or seven-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) available as an option. A 136 kilowatts (185 PS; 182 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TFSI unique to the León was later introduced, but despite a low list price and rapid performance - attracted only minimal attention and average reviews, so this was later discontinued to make way for the sportier FR variants.

The first real sporty León within the new range is the León FR with rear twin-exhaust pipes to one side, sport seats and gear stick with FR logo to distinguish it from lesser models, was introduced in June 2006, when it finally received the 147 kilowatts (200 PS; 197 bhp) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GTI, as well as a 125 kilowatts (170 PS; 168 bhp) variant of the 2.0 TDI unit featured in the Golf and Audi A3. While both models retained the six-speed manual, only the petrol variant can be fitted with the DSG. Further standard equipment includes climate control air conditioning.

Next in the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. It features a 177 kilowatts (241 PS; 237 bhp) engine, and a 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) time of 6.4 seconds. The Cupra comes with standard 18" 5 twin-spoke alloys, red brake calipers, and the standard Cupra oval exhaust, as well as new, unique paint finishes and bolstered sport seats complete with the Cupra logo. Also standard are drilled-aluminium sports pedals.

At the top of the range is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra R. This uses the same 265 bhp engine found in the Audi S3, Golf and Scirocco R. Capable of 0-62 in 6.2 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph.

From 2008, the K1 variant of the León Cupra was introduced in the UK, featuring extensively re-worked front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a more pronounced tailgate spoiler. It also gained a unique chrome-tipped, centrally-mounted, oval exhaust. The K1 is just a Leon Cupra, with an Aero kit.

In 2009 the SEAT León Cupra was turned into a race car in the ‘SEAT Cupra race’ mobile game for Apple iPhone/iPod touch available through the iTunes' App store.^[10]

Awards

• 'Red dot' award in 2006 ^[11]
• 'Best Car of the Year 2009' for the import compact car segment in Germany, by the German magazine Auto-motor-und-sport^[12]
• 'Firmenauto des Jahres 2006', by the German magazine Firmenauto ^[13]
• 'Car of the Year 2006' in Denmark ^[14]
• 'Diesel Car of the Year 2006' in Scotland (for the 170 hp 2.0 TDI Leon FR) ^[15]
• ‘Auto 1’ of the Year 2006 in Spain, by the ‘Auto Bild’ magazine
• 'University Car of the Year 2007' in Spain, by Spanish university students ^[16]
• 'Hellenic Car of the Year 2007' ^[17]
• 'GTI of the Year 2006-2007' in Greece for the SEAT León Cupra, by the Greek magazine 4-Trohoi ^[18]

Special editions

Copa Edition

Mexican orange SEAT León Copa Edition

In 2008, SEAT Deutschland announced the production of 55 units of the SEAT León Copa Edition.^[19] This limited edition is powered with 2.0 TFSI engine improved to 210 kilowatts (286 PS; 282 bhp) of maximum power, and 360 newton metres (266 ft·lbf). Maximum speed is 255 kilometres per hour (158.4 mph) and 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) time is 5.9 seconds.^[20] The suspension is an Eibach derived from the León Supercopa, and the brakes have been improved to cope with the uprated engine. In addition, the car includes xenon HID headlights, 18 inch wheels and a spoiler with larger air intakes.^[21] The car colour is orange with black stripes.

SEAT México announced the production of 100 units of the Copa Edition in orange color with black stripes in September 2008.^[22] The Mexican version has a sunroof, whilst the European León Copa does not.

Streetcopa and World Champion Editon

At the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the León Streetcopa limited edition was released. It was a similar edition of León Copa Edition with some changes, designed for the Swiss market and limited to 200 units.^[23][24] Lately, after SEAT won World Touring Car Championship, SEAT Schweiz released a facelifted version called León World Champion Edition, also limited to 200 units.^[25]

Cupra 310 Limited Edition

SEAT Nederland announces the production of León Cupra 310 Limited Edition, with 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) of maximum power and 425 newton metres (313 ft·lbf).^[26] The production has limited to 100 units.^[27]

It comes only in Candy white or Infiri black. The Cupra 310 Limited Edition features beside the OEM Cupra equipment an engine management remapping by Abt Sportsline, black Orion-alloy wheels, an alarm system, bluetooth connectivity and special 310 Limited Edition badges on the sides and the rear hatch. There are also stainless decals inside the front door frames displaying the 310 Ltd logo. A badge on the dashboard displays the serial number, and the car is delivered with a key ring to match. Full factory warranty is retained with the power increase that makes this car 259 kilometres per hour (160.9 mph) fast.

Cupra Pies Descalzos

SEAT León Cupra Pies Descalzos

In 2007, SEAT makes one only car custom by Shakira. This car was auctioned, and the benefits went to the charity through Pies Descalzos Foundation. Mechanically, it is the same car as the León Cupra.

Engine specifications

The Typ 1P SEAT León is available with the following internal combustion engines, and like the previous generation, many are shared from other marques of the Volkswagen Group:^[1]

A flexible-fuel vehicle model is also on offer under the label "MultiFuel", featuring the 1.6 MPI E85 102 bhp engine.^[28]

Electric version

SEAT León Twin drive Ecomotive is a series plug-in hybrid, powered by an electric motor, through lithium-ion batteries chargeable at a regular electrical socket, in combination with an internal combustion engine.^[29] The Twin Drive Ecomotive project is a first step towards a 100% electric car and is planned to go for production in 2014.^[30][31]

Other Twin Drive vehicles

• SEAT León Twin drive
• Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive

SEAT León in motorsport

SEAT León at the 2006 World Touring Car Championship

The first generation SEAT León Cupra R was the basis of a one-make trophy, the SEAT León Supercopa. It operated in Spain, UK, Germany and Turkey from 2003. The car was developed by SEAT Sport and power was raised to 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp). An "International Masters" final, featuring the best four drivers from each national series, was introduced in October 2005, as a support race for the Spanish GT Championship's final round at Montmeló. A TDI-powered version has raced in the ECTS, an Italian-based endurance series for touring cars.

During 2005, SEAT introduced the second generation León into the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) to replace the Toledo Cupra which it had raced in the early rounds of the title. The car features several modifications, including a racing engine that develops over 191 kW (260 PS; 256 bhp), a Hewland sequential-shift gearbox (unrelated to the DSG), and an aerodynamic package for increased downforce (with its hatchback shape, the León is disavantaged against conventional three-box saloons). Minimum weight is 1,140 kilograms (2,513.3 lb) with driver. SEAT Sport, in partnership with Oreca, runs six cars in the WTCC. Two other cars are run by SEAT Sport UK (Northern South) based in Northampton, UK in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). A further two cars are run by SEAT Sport Italia in the Italia Superturismo Championship.

In 2006, the Supercopa León was replaced by the new shape León. The car is potentially faster than the WTCC version, as it features a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, with over 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), increased torque, the DSG gearbox, better aerodynamics (it includes the WTCC car's front and rear spoilers, plus a venturi tunnel under the car, instead of a flat bottom), and 18 inch wheels, instead of the mandatory 17 inch wheels from the WTCC.

For 2007, the SEAT Cupra Championship in the UK (part of the TOCA Package) will run both 'New León' Cupra Race cars with 221 kW (300 PS; 296 bhp), as well as the Mk1 León Cupra R race car with 184 kW (250 PS; 247 bhp).

The SEAT León Eurocup began in 2008 as a support series for the World Touring Car Championship.

In 2008, Yvan Muller won the FIA World Touring Car Championship for Drivers at the wheel of a León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title.

In 2009, Gabriele Tarquini became the Drivers' Champion with the León TDI, and SEAT won the Manufacturers' title for a second consecutive year.

References

External links

• SEAT León - official SEAT UK website
• SEAT León in movies and TV series