SEAT León

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SEAT León

1st generation Seat León
Manufacturer	SEAT
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1999—present
Assembly	Martorell, Spain
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 SEAT since 1999. It uses the Volkswagen Group A platform and shares other components with the Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi TT, Audi A3 and Škoda Octavia.

Contents 1 Mk1 (Typ 1M, 1999-2005) 1.1 Engine choices 2 Mk2 (Typ 1P, 2005-present) 2.1 Special editions 2.1.1 Copa Edition 2.1.2 Streetcopa and World Champion Editon 2.1.3 Cupra 310 Limited Edition 2.1.4 Cupra Pies Descalzos 2.2 Engine specifications 2.3 Electric version 3 SEAT León in motorsport 4 Other Twin Drive vehicles 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Mk1 (Typ 1M, 1999-2005)

SEAT León Mk1

SEAT León Mk1
Also called	Typ 1M
Production	1999—2005
Successor	SEAT León Mk2
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	Petrol engines: 1.4 I4 16v, 1.6 I4 8v, 1.6 I4 16v, 1.8 I4 20v Turbo, 2.8 VR6 24v Diesel engines: 1.9 I4 SDI, 1.9 I4 TDI, 1.9 I4 TDI PD
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual, 6-speed manual
Length	4,183 mm (164.7 in)
Width	1,742 mm (68.6 in)
Height	1,439 mm (56.7 in)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Bora Volkswagen New Beetle SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1

The initial SEAT León (Volkswagen Typ 1M) was the hatchback version of the SEAT Toledo, based on the Mk4 Golf floorpan, and drew from the Volkswagen Group parts bin sharing many components in common with the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf. As SEAT's best selling car, the León Mk1 was marketed as a sportier and cheaper variant of the Golf. To reinforce the sporty image, the vehicle has aggressive looks, and is equipped with firm suspension to improve handling. The more expensive versions are equipped with powerful engines.

Available engines were the 75 PS (55 kW; 74 bhp) 1.4 litre 16 valve petrol, 100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp) 1.6 litre 8-valve petrol engine (quickly replaced with a 16-valve 105 PS (77 kW; 104 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 204 PS (150 kW; 201 bhp). The original "León Cupra" (which later became known as the "Cupra T") had a 1.8 litre Turbo with 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp), and the "León Cupra R" 210 PS (154 kW; 207 bhp), later becoming 225 PS (165.5 kW; 221.9 bhp). There was also a "Cupra 4", equipped with a 2.8 litre VR6 delivering 204 PS (150 kW; 201 bhp) and with four-wheel drive (4WD).^[1]

A range of Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines was available, including a 150 PS (110 kW; 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 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp), 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp) and 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) outputs.

In some countries, a León was available equipped with four-wheel drive, which is based on the same Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch as the Volkswagen Golf 4motion. All engines over 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) have a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

The electro-hydraulic power steering has an additional feature: the "Driver Steering Recommendation" system. This uses software which senses when the car is going into a skid, and automatically corrects by giving the wheel a quick nudge. Recognising that most drivers find the idea of a car steering itself a little troubling, Seat is quick to stress that the robotic nudge is merely a 'suggestion', which the driver is free to override at any time.

British sales of the Leon were relatively strong, though it couldn't quite match the success of the MK4 Golf upon which it was based - and substantially undercut in terms of value for money.

In Mexico, the Leon became a very popular car with upper class young people. The only problem the Leon has suffered in Mexico is the fact that the sport tuned suspension of the Leon 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 280 PS (205.9 kW; 276.2 bhp) (206 kW) and 323 N·m of torque.^[2][3][4]

[edit] 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:

engine name	engine configuration	engine displacement	max. power	max. torque	engine code(s)	years
Petrol engines all fuel injected
1.4	inline-4 DOHC 16v	1390 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 bhp)	126 N·m (93 ft·lbf)	AHW; AXP; APE; AUA; AKQ; BCA	1999-2005
1.6	inline-4 SOHC 8v	1595 cc	100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp)	145 N·m (107 ft·lbf)	AKL; AEH; APF	1999-2000
1.6	inline-4 SOHC 8v	1595 cc	102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp)	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)	BFQ	2005-2006
1.6	inline-4 DOHC 16v	1598 cc	105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp)	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf)	AUS; AZD; ATN; BCB	2000-2006
1.8	inline-4 DOHC 20v	1781 cc	125 PS (92 kW; 123 bhp)	170 N·m (125 ft·lbf)	AGN/APG	1999-2005
1.8 20vT	inline-4 DOHC 20v Turbo	1781 cc	180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp)	235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)	AJQ; APP; ARY; AUQ	1999-2005
1.8 20vT	inline-4 DOHC 20v Turbo	1781 cc	210 PS (154 kW; 207 bhp)	270 N·m (199 ft·lbf)	AMK	2002-2003
1.8 20vT	inline-4 DOHC 20v Turbo	1781 cc	225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp)	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)	BAM	2003-2005
2.8 VR6	15° VR6 DOHC 24v	2792 cc	150 kW (204 PS; 201 bhp)		AQP; AUE; BDE	06/01-04/04
Diesel engines all direct injected
1.9 SDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, distributor-type injection pump	1896 cc	68 PS (50 kW; 67 bhp)	133 N·m (98 ft·lbf)	AGP; AQM	1999-2003
1.9 TDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, distributor-type injection pump	1896 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp)	210 N·m (155 ft·lbf)	AGR; ALH	1999-2004
1.9 TDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, Pumpe Düse Unit Injectors]] (PD)	1896 cc	100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp)	240 N·m (177 ft·lbf)	AXR	2005-2007
1.9 TDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, distributor-type injection pump	1896 cc	110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp)	235 N·m (173 ft·lbf)	AHF; ASK; ASV	1999-2006
1.9 TDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, Pumpe Düse unit injectors (PD)	1896 cc	130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp)	310 N·m (229 ft·lbf)	ASZ	2002-2006
1.9 TDI	inline-4 SOHC 8v, Pumpe Düse unit injectors (PD)	1896 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp)	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf)	ARL	2000-2006

[edit] Mk2 (Typ 1P, 2005-present)

SEAT León Mk2

SEAT León Mk2
Also called	Typ 1P
Production	2005-present
Predecessor	SEAT León Mk1
Platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform
Engine(s)	Petrol engines: 1.4 I4 16v, 1.4 I4 16v TFSI, 1.6 I4 8v, 1.8 I4 16v TFSI, 2.0 I4 16v FSI, 2.0 I4 16v TFSI; Diesel engines: 1.9 I4 TDI, 2.0 I4 TDI
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual, 6-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Length	4,315 mm (169.9 in)
Width	1,768 mm (69.6 in)
Height	1,459 mm (57.4 in)
Related	Audi A3 Mk2, Audi TT Mk2, Volkswagen Golf Mk5, Volkswagen Golf Mk6, Volkswagen Golf Plus, Volkswagen Jetta, SEAT Toledo Mk3, SEAT Altea, Škoda Octavia Mk2
Designer	Walter de'Silva

The current León, Typ 1P, was released in 2005, and 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 vertical 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.

In spite of its sporty image, the engine range is more limited when compared with its other platform-mates, particularly the Golf. The base model on offer in the United Kingdom is the old 8-valve 1.6 litre petrol engine with 102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp). 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 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) 2.0 litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) and the popular 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) 2.0 Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine. Both are fitted with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the six-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) semi-auto gearbox available as an option. A 185 PS (136 kW; 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 200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) 2.0 TFSI engine from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, as well as a 170 PS (125 kW; 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.

The range-topping model is the 2.0 TFSI Cupra model. Boasting 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) 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 heavily bolstered sport seats complete with the Cupra logo. Also standard are drilled-aluminium sports pedals.

From 2008, the K1 variant of the León Cupra was introduced in the UK, boasting 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.

[edit] Special editions

[edit] Copa Edition

In 2008, SEAT Deutschland announced the production of 55 units of the SEAT León Copa Edition^[5]. This limited edition is powered with 2.0 TFSI engine improved to 286 PS (210 kW; 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^[6]. The suspension is an Eibach derived from the León Supercopa, and the brakes have been improved to withstand the most powerful engine. In addition the car includes xenon HID headlights, 18 inch wheels and a spoiler with larger air intakes^[7]. 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.^[8] The Mexican version has a sunroof, whilst the European León Copa does not.

[edit] 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^[9][10]. Lately, after SEAT won World Touring Car Championship, SEAT Schweiz released a facelifted version called León World Champion Edition, also limited to 200 units^[11].

[edit] Cupra 310 Limited Edition

SEAT Nederland announces the production of León Cupra 310 Limited Edition, with 2.0 TFSI engine upgraded to 310 PS (228 kW; 306 bhp) of maximum power and 425 newton metres (313 ft·lbf)^[12]. The production has limited to 100 units.^[13]

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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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:

engine name	engine configuration	engine displacement	max. power @ revolutions per minute	max. torque @ revolutions per minute	engine code(s)
Petrol engines all fuel injected
1.4 16v	inline-4 cyl 16v	1390 cc	85 PS (63 kW; 84 bhp) @ 5,000 rpm	132 N·m (97 ft·lbf) @ 3,600–3,800 rpm	BXW
1.4 16v TFSI	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1390 cc	125 PS (92 kW; 123 bhp) @ 5,000 rpm	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @ 1,500–4,000 rpm	CAXC
1.6 8v	inline-4 cyl 8v	1595 cc	102 PS (75 kW; 101 bhp) @ 5,600 rpm	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) @ 3,800 rpm	BSE
1.8 16v TFSI	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1798 cc	160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp) @ 5,000–6,200 rpm	250 N·m (184 ft·lbf) @ 1,500–4,200 rpm	BZB
2.0 16v FSI	inline-4 cyl 16v Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) @ 6,000 rpm	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf) @ 3,500 rpm	BLR/BVY
2.0 16v TFSI	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	185 PS (136 kW; 182 bhp) @ 5,100–6,000 rpm	270 N·m (199 ft·lbf) @ 1,800–5,000 rpm	BWA
2.0 16v TFSI	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	200 PS (147 kW; 197 bhp) @ 5,100–6,000 rpm	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @ 1,800–5,000 rpm	BWA
2.0 16v TFSI Cupra	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) @ 5,700–6,300 rpm	300 N·m (221 ft·lbf) @ 2,200–5,500 rpm	BWJ
2.0 16v TFSI Copa Edition	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	286 PS (210 kW; 282 bhp) @ 6,000 rpm	360 N·m (266 ft·lbf) @ 2,500–5,000 rpm	BWJ
2.0 16v TFSI Cupra 310 Limited Edition	inline-4 cyl 16v Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection	1984 cc	310 PS (228 kW; 306 bhp) @ 6,000 rpm	425 N·m (313 ft·lbf) @ 3,000-5,000 rpm	BWJ
Diesel engines all Turbocharged Direct Injection
1.9 8v TDI	inline-4 cyl 8v	1896 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm	210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) @ 1,800–2,500 rpm	BXF
1.9 8v TDI	inline-4 cyl 8v	1896 cc	105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm	250 N·m (184 ft·lbf) @ 1,900 rpm	BKC/BXE
2.0 8v TDI DPF	inline-4 cyl 8v diesel particulate filter	1968 cc	140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) @ 1,750–2,500 rpm	BMM
2.0 16v TDI	inline-4 cyl 16v	1968 cc	136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) @ 1,750–2,500 rpm	AZV
2.0 16v TDI	inline-4 cyl 16v	1968 cc	140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) @ 4,000 rpm	320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) @ 1,750–2,500 rpm	BKD/BMM
2.0 16v TDI DPF FR	inline-4 cyl 16v diesel particulate filter	1968 cc	170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) @ 4,200 rpm	350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) @ 1,800–2,500 rpm	BMN

[edit] Electric version

SEAT León Twin drive Ecomotive is a series plug-in hybrid, powered by lithium-ion batteries. The Twin Drive Ecomotive project is a first step towards a 100% electric car^[14][15].

This section requires expansion.

[edit] SEAT León in motorsport

The first generation SEAT León Cupra R was the basis of a one-make trophy, the Supercopa SEAT León. It ran in Spain, UK, Germany and Turkey from 2003. The car was developed by SEAT Sport and power was raised to 250 PS (184 kW; 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 can reach over 260 PS (191 kW; 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 sedans). 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. The car is potentially faster than the WTCC version, as it features a turbocharged 2.0 litre engine, with over 300 PS (221 kW; 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 Leon' Cupra Race cars with 300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp), as well as the Mk1 León Cupra R race car with 250 PS (184 kW; 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.

[edit] Other Twin Drive vehicles

• SEAT León Twin drive
• Volkswagen Golf Twin Drive

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: SEAT Leon

• Twin Drive
• Ecomotive

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• SEAT.co.uk Official SEAT UK website
• SEAT León in movies and TV series

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